patrick.net

Nomograph says

bubblesitter says

Here we go again. What point does the circle starts?

Do you really think that, on the whole, RE agents are smart enough to engineer this debacle?

It didn't require any smarts on their part, just rampant greed and utter disregard for the well being of ones neighbors. Very simple.

Nomograph says

It sounds to me like you got taken in by an RE agent during the bubble. Angry much?

Anybody that's ever been through the selling process has been effectively gang-raped by agents and brokers.

The culpability of agents (that is, NAR) cannot be understated when it comes to the bubble. Just like the zero-down, buy-a-house-now lenders that were urging every schmuck with a pulse to take out a risky mortgage, you had agents our there peddling people to use their services which came out of the sellers' end. This was orchestrated through NAR, via their goons (brokers) to write the brokerage contracts so that the sellers' commission is either split between two agents, or the seller's agent himself gets to double-dip on it (which should be illegal). On top of that you have the absolutely LOL talking points issued by NAR over the years urging people to buy before it's too late, and that housing doubles every ten years.

There are so many lies, distortions, and flat-out "fuck the customer" attitudes amongst realtors, I'm surprised you guys haven't been driven into the sea by the angry public. I guess it helps when you control the debate through expensive lobbying, propaganda, and a cartel.

This thread illustrates very well that there are a lot of insecure people here. This obsession with real estate agents is comical. Funny thing, I have never been intimidated into purchasing or selling real estate by any agent. The reason? I don't allow anyone to "sell" me anything that I don't want. What on earth are you people afraid of? Do you live in fear that an agent is going to talk you into buying something against your will? By the way, this is a free country the last time I checked. If you don't want to deal with agents, sell your property yourself and buy only from for sale by owners. However, make very sure that you take your Mommy with you so that greedy seller doesn't force you to buy something you don't want. LOL !!

Yes, we're all insecure. Just like how we resent people that scam the elderly, it's not because we resent highway robbery and the system those crooks create to take from decent but ignorant people, it's because we secretly are those ignorant people. Thank you for exposing the truth!

And you know damn well how rigged the system is. It's extremely difficult to buy or sell without coughing up money to some pond scum realtor.

I went to an open house yesterday. Here is the conversation I had with her.

Agent: Welcome, are you looking to buy?
Me: No, I am just assessing.
Agent: That's good.
Me: How many $/sq.ft.
Agent: It does not work that way for this property because blah,blah....
...Gives me a list of property in the block.
Me: I am interested in properties couple of 3 or block away as they are better neighborhood than this.
Agent: Actually this property is better than that neighborhood as it is cheaper than the other neighborhood and has access to same school district(this was a tipping point during the conversation)

At that point I ended my conversation as I thought it was heating up little bit. For the good of American society these guys should be removed from the real estate buying/selling process.

klarek says

And you know damn well how rigged the system is. It’s extremely difficult to buy or sell without coughing up money to some pond scum realtor.

Are you saying you don't have the intelligence to work around those evil, scheming Realtors in such a way that your interests would be protected?

Nomograph says

It’s about as comical as your obsession with liberals, welfare, and Hitler.

I'm accused of being "obsessed" with Hitler, when in reality, it's people like you that are constantly referring to him. Please copy and paste my posts that prove my "obsession" with Hitler. Don't hold your breath folks, there aren't any. This challenge has been made in the past and there has been zero response.

RayAmerica says

Are you saying you don’t have the intelligence to work around those evil, scheming Realtors in such a way that your interests would be protected?

It doesn't take intelligence. Just because some mob goons are running the markets doesn't mean that you're an idiot if you fall prey to them.

First, it requires one to have knowledge of the system. Your typical first time buyer/seller has no clue how rigged it is. Those who are experienced don't want to fight it. That is, you goons have it so rigged that they can't stomach going around it. In the buyer's case, there is nothing they can do about it since the commission is set up from the sellers' end. This is to prevent a sea of buyers from finding their own house (which they already do, online) and gaining access to them. The agency contracts are written from the sellers' end specifically to keep the customers from winning.

Second, it requires time. I'm getting my RE license, and I have to say that for a three week crash course, it's pretty hilarious every time realleeches compare themselves to doctors or lawyers in terms of training and service.

Your contribution to the sales process has been marginalized, all while your commissions have skyrocketed. If you lack the general self-awareness to see this, then you are in fact part of the majority of scumbag realtors who taint your industry.

klarek says

The agency contracts are written from the sellers’ end specifically to keep the customers from winning.

Really? Ever hear of Buyer's Agency? Or haven't you gotten that far in your "course" yet?

klarek says

It doesn’t take intelligence.

klarek says

I’m getting my RE license

ROFL !!!

RayAmerica says

Really? Ever hear of Buyer’s Agency?

You know that buyer's agency is pure bullshit. If the seller isn't paying, the buyer coughs it up at the closing table. Of course, the agent will likely steer the buyer away from that house period since they only give a shit about their own interests. Pond scum, that's what you are.

RayAmerica says

Or haven’t you gotten that far in your “course” yet?

Done with the class, fuckhead.

Klarek sounds very intelligent and well adjusted .... a really nice addition to Patrick.net. Klarek, have you ever considered a career as a writer? You have a unique talent. I mean, I'm sure you'll make a great real estate agent, being that you have such a pleasing personality and all, but as a writer the sky is the limit for you (not only that, I'm sure you'd succeed in anything you try). Please consider your options. Imagine the world not knowing a writing talent like yours. A tragedy of unspeakable proportions.

RayAmerica says

This thread illustrates very well that there are a lot of insecure people here. This obsession with real estate agents is comical. Funny thing, I have never been intimidated into purchasing or selling real estate by any agent. The reason? I don’t allow anyone to “sell” me anything that I don’t want. What on earth are you people afraid of? Do you live in fear that an agent is going to talk you into buying something against your will? By the way, this is a free country the last time I checked. If you don’t want to deal with agents, sell your property yourself and buy only from for sale by owners. However, make very sure that you take your Mommy with you so that greedy seller doesn’t force you to buy something you don’t want. LOL !!

Ray--it's not very often that we agree so I have to comment when it happens. I don't think realtors are worth 6% necessarily, but anyone who pays too much for a house because their realtor says there may be another offer out there deserves whatever they get.

I think it was Twain that said-- "A fool and his money are soon parted".

He is perfectly sane if he dislikes realtors. Anger is a totally legitimate response to the utter dishonesty most of them display. How did these useless squatters get a reasonable position in society? A whore is more honest.

RayAmerica says

I mean, I’m sure you’ll make a great real estate agent

Don't assume your profession is so coveted. I'd sooner die than work to fuck people over like you do.

I'm just getting my license because I'm sick of you fucks robbing people (see above: how us stupid people can get around you assholes). I have a normal job and only plan on doing RE not-for-profit. If I can save a friend or family member thousands of dollars while depriving some piece of shit agent that commission, then as far as I'm concerned, justice is served.

It was actually my dealings with a few realtors that inspired me to start this site. I just could not believe that the system actually worked the way they were telling me, namely, that everyone borrows as much as possible and it's all OK because housing always goes up, and I should get my bid in right away, like NOW because otherwise I'd be locked out forever.

One thing was true though. Most people really do borrow as much as possible, whenever they can.

bubblesitter says

I went to an open house yesterday. Here is the conversation I had with her.
Agent: Welcome, are you looking to buy?
Me: No, I am just assessing.
Agent: That’s good.
Me: How many $/sq.ft.
Agent: It does not work that way for this property because blah,blah….
…Gives me a list of property in the block.
Me: I am interested in properties couple of 3 or block away as they are better neighborhood than this.
Agent: Actually this property is better than that neighborhood as it is cheaper than the other neighborhood and has access to same school district(this was a tipping point during the conversation)
At that point I ended my conversation as I thought it was heating up little bit. For the good of American society these guys should be removed from the real estate buying/selling process.

Are you kidding me? You sound like a complete ass. You come to an open house that you have no intention of buying and proceed to criticize it to the selling agent? All the agent did was point out the positives of that property--that's selling 101. Highlight the positives while minimizing the negatives...

Nice dodge, by the way. Don't want to address the inherent conflict of interest that NAR has created, let alone the system that screws your customers? Can't blame you. Go ahead, attack me for being a mean person.

It was actually my dealings with a few realtors that inspired me to start this site.

Ah Patrick, you're just jealous. realtors are too smart for you!

tatupu70 says

bubblesitter says

I went to an open house yesterday. Here is the conversation I had with her.

Agent: Welcome, are you looking to buy?

Me: No, I am just assessing.

Agent: That’s good.

Me: How many $/sq.ft.

Agent: It does not work that way for this property because blah,blah….

…Gives me a list of property in the block.

Me: I am interested in properties couple of 3 or block away as they are better neighborhood than this.

Agent: Actually this property is better than that neighborhood as it is cheaper than the other neighborhood and has access to same school district(this was a tipping point during the conversation)

At that point I ended my conversation as I thought it was heating up little bit. For the good of American society these guys should be removed from the real estate buying/selling process.

Are you kidding me? You sound like a complete ass. You come to an open house that you have no intention of buying and proceed to criticize it to the selling agent? All the agent did was point out the positives of that property–that’s selling 101. Highlight the positives while minimizing the negatives…

Look at my username. Do I seem like a realtor friendly guy? I just went there to just say the agent "good luck selling you f...ing house, a$$hole"

just could not believe that the system actually worked the way they were telling me, namely, that everyone borrows as much as possible and it’s all OK because housing always goes up, and I should get my bid in right away, like NOW because otherwise I’d be locked out forever.

Uh, I don't mean any disrespect, but isn't that kind of what the adult life is all about? That is, people attempting to seperate you from your money, etc.? Caveat Emptor .... buyer beware. If you aren't an educated buyer in any market, don't hold others accountable if you end up buying a bridge in Brooklyn.

bubblesitter says

Look at my username. Do I seem like a realtor friendly guy? I just went there to just say the agent “good luck selling you f…ing house, a$$hole”

Whatever floats your boat. But why come here and complain then? Clearly, you were the asshole...

tatupu70 says

bubblesitter says

Look at my username. Do I seem like a realtor friendly guy? I just went there to just say the agent “good luck selling you f…ing house, a$$hole”

Whatever floats your boat. But why come here and complain then? Clearly, you were the asshole…

I think you are an asshole. What is the subject/title of this thread? What are other guys on this thread saying about Realtors? If you don't have anything negative for Realtors than you are wasting you time on this thread.

RayAmerica says

Uh, I don’t mean any disrespect, but isn’t that kind of what the adult life is all about? That is, people attempting to seperate you from your money, etc.?

Not if you have any dignity, no. But to a realtor, such a concept means absolutely nothing.

bubblesitter says

I think you are an asshole. What is the subject/title of this thread? What are other guys on this thread saying about Realtors? If you don’t have anything negative for Realtors than you are wasting you time on this thread.

Oh-is that how it works? You have to agree with the OP or else you shouldn't post? Sorry--didn't get the memo.

But you are right about one thing--I am an asshole

tatupu70 says

bubblesitter says

I think you are an asshole. What is the subject/title of this thread? What are other guys on this thread saying about Realtors? If you don’t have anything negative for Realtors than you are wasting you time on this thread.

Oh-is that how it works? You have to agree with the OP or else you shouldn’t post? Sorry–didn’t get the memo.
But you are right about one thing–I am an asshole

Oh I get it. You are one of the Realtor fans and I am on a different boat. You have the right to be on a different boat.

Me and my wife went to an open house this weekend.

We currently live in an apartment complex. We are both Hispanic
and we first went into the house the two Realtors just ignored us
and barely even greeted us and didn't show us the house. We did
out own tour of the house.

Later I started chit chatting with one of the agents and informed I
was an engineer at the biggest corporation in town(Fortune 100).
My o my how her eyes widened, she started talking so fast, telling
me to put in my bid now, and that the house would be cheaper than
my 495 dollar rent to which I replied , that's impossible as Taxes and
Insurance will be half of that month. To which she answered as long
it's close to your rent maybe 900 a month.

She also said when looking at Real Estate never look at total price and
only consider the monthly payment. LOL

Scumbags and racists ones at that !

One thing was true though. Most people really do borrow as much as possible, whenever they can.

The things that frustrates me the most, even is a buyers market is you can't compete with stupid.

robertoaribas says

ot my license at first primarily for my own investments. But quickly I found out how non English speakers were getting absolutely robbed by loan officers and Realtors, people who they knew could not file complaints, because of fear of getting deported.

This is still happening, and not all realtors are bad but a large majority of them are.
You seem like a good agent, I've met a few before, but Real Estate was their second job
so they could afford not to rip off clients. However, if Real Estate is your primary job
you almost have to cheat, lie, steal to survive.

Hispanics and Pacific Islanders are still getting scammed even today, it's a sad sight to see. During the boom in my area special neighborhoods were built for them from scratch, I'm sure the houses looked good at the time, but 6-7 years later the houses are falling apart. The must have used the cheapest materials available. A six year old house falling apart.

My mother was a loan officer for all of the '80s and most of the '90s, and she and her coworkers always referred to real estate agents as whores and roustabouts. We would drive around town and she would point at their Glamour Shot photos on bus stop benches and tell me stories about their sordid lives and reputations. Stories of alcholism, alimony leeching, petty grifting, legal botching on contracts . . . to a young child's imagination, these stories painted quite a swashbuckling picture of the real estate "profession."

One agent that had a quite a reputation among the local mortgage bankers ended up squatting in one of her own listings for a few months, which just happened to be three streets away from us in our own neighborhood. Her boyfriend was a pill dealer, and her teenage daughter quickly got pregnant from some kid that lived across the street. The house apparently had to be gutted after their brief tenancy. Right before this lady was "removed" from the property, she got in a tiff with my mother because the underwriter killed a loan on one of her contracts. She drove right into our yard in her massive '70s black Lincoln Town Car (back when they had those weird little oval windows behind the rear doors), pulled up as close to the front door as she could get, and came yelling at our door, smoking a cigarette, with a cheap black dye job and grey roots showing. She was Cruella DeVille.

Nowadays, I suppose real estate agents drive a Lexus and get boob jobs instead of dye jobs. They still do those bus bench Glamour Shots, though.

Philistine says

My mother was a loan officer for all of the ’80s and most of the ’90s, and she and her coworkers always referred to real estate agents as whores and roustabouts.

That isn't very nice. Whores and roustabouts perform actual, useful functions/services in society.

I'm sure your mother is a wonderful person, but I'm not sure a loan officer should be doing any talking. The whole glass house thing...

tatupu70 says

I’m sure your mother is a wonderful person, but I’m not sure a loan officer should be doing any talking

Absolutely. It got to a point in the early '90s where my mother's office was asking her to put her headshot on business cards, and boob jobs were the only way of competing with the boys' club, so she got out of the racket.

tatupu70 says

The whole glass house thing…

Or the whole pot/black kettle thing. Fill in your own cliche here. . . .

Loan officers did an enormous amount of damage to the housing market. Loan officers were telling everyone that had the ears to hear that home equity was "sleeping" and not making any money. They advised taking the equity money out (cash out refi) and investing it in mutual funds, etc. A lot of that money was also used to buy depreciating junk such as cars, boats, motorcycles, etc. ... most of which will be in the junk yard while they continue to pay for it 30 years later. Many (if not most) of these same people now have mortgages that are higher than their cash out refinanced home is worth. Literally trillions of dollars were removed from the equity position of homeowners, which in turn fueled the bulk of Bush's economy.

Also, loan officers are paid commissions based on the amount of the loan, so there was a huge incentive to talk homeowners into removing as much equity as possible in order to increase the refinanced mortgage amount.

Armando148 says

This is still happening, and not all realtors are bad but a large majority of them are.

What statistical proof do you have to prove your statement?

It's amazing that you people spend so much time whining about Realtors when the bulk of the "evil" they are supposed to do to you can only be done if YOU let them. On the other hand, politicians do enormous harm to this country and YOU literally every single day, and yet there is barely a whimper. There is something very strange about that.

There's plenty of blame to go around, and there's not much that can be done to stem the tide of corruption, greed, and other unscrupulous behavior. You can just act, react and adapt. You can yell at a tree for growing right into your house, but it won't do much to stop it from growing into it.

EastCoastBubbleBoy says

The things that frustrates me the most, even is a buyers market is you can’t compete with stupid.

LoL - quote of the year.

RayAmerica says

Armando148 says

This is still happening, and not all realtors are bad but a large majority of them are.

What statistical proof do you have to prove your statement?

I don't know what would satisfy you as ironclad proof, but the fact that everybody that is't a realtor believes it should be good enough. Go ahead and search google for the most and least respected professions. Guess which list realtors end up on.

RayAmerica says

It’s amazing that you people spend so much time whining about Realtors when the bulk of the “evil” they are supposed to do to you can only be done if YOU let them. On the other hand, politicians do enormous harm to this country and YOU literally every single day, and yet there is barely a whimper. There is something very strange about that.

So can you tell us the proportion of complaints made against politicians versus the proportion of complaints made against realtors of the general populace and of the responders of this forum? Furthermore, this is a forum about real estate, so it is natural that the here will complain about realtors a great deal.

Please, it's REALTORS®; these folks are professionals. It's not like they caused home prices to become unaffordable; in fact, they helped make them more affordable.