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This is a good example of how laws get passed to "protect consumers". Vigorous marketing does not equal deceiving potential buyers. Doing something to "help" the seller that in reality "hurts" the buyer, is not what I would describe as an ethical, professional practice. I suggest that agents who are to lazy or just not good enough to market a property without resorting to deceit should find a new occupation more suited to their lack of character. Lloyd Graves, President RealAlliance Consulting, LLC
This is a good example of business practices driven by one objective - GREED. If our current economic crisis has taught us anything, it is that greed will always surface when there is money to be made. The unfortunate reality created by companies like ForSaleByOwner.com and its parent company the Chicago Tribune, is that they tend to create the illusion that all Internet media companies are just as deceitful. There are a number of excellent Internet real estate search sites that work hard to provide realtors an effective, honest advertising medium to connect with consumers. Trulia.com is just one example of an Internet media company that offers realtors an effective advertising channel and consumers reliable information they can depend on. I am a strong believer that competition is very good for any business, it always results in better, less expensive products for the consumer. The obvious strategy being employed by ForSaleByOwner.com however, is an example of deception or more simply put, blatant bait and switch advertising. As noted by many of the comments above, Realtor/Move.com is not completely innocent in this issue considering the number of comments saying they too utilize practices that are often viewed by the professional real estate brokerage community as self serving and anti-realtor. The market place will always determine long term business success. Companies who use less than honest business practices may enjoy limited short term profits but inevitably they will fail once the public sees them for what they are. Lloyd Graves President RealAlliance Consulting, LLC
Why is it so many realtors think they have to "convince" clients they are worth the commission they are asking for? Realtors feel challenged because consumers don't believe the "value" they have received in the past does not justify the fee being suggested by a listing agent. Good agents will always prosper regardless of market conditions, but especially in a bad market. The natural selection process of capitalism will take care of the rest. For all the "good agents" out there; keep up the good work! Lloyd Graves, President RealAlliance Consulting
