Professional journalists latest trick against the public .....
That's right real estate readers, the cat's out of the bag as they say about professional journalists and their scam. What scam you say? The fact that they write at considerable length about real estate sales and actually do none. That's right, they actually do not sell real estate at all. They professionally write about, talk about it but don't do it.
The latest article that has got my 'big girlie undies in a bunch' is from columnist Michael Pascoe and his latest Realtor© hatchet job. Yahoo Finance seems to think this gentlemen is credible but is he? Does he really KNOW what he is talking about having actually sold real estate or just dishing his opinion? Let's make the lead line as controversial as possible so that the readership tunes in to see the latest 'Realtor© scam against the public'. Gasp! I'll give him credit for the shock value of the lead line as it pulled me in to see what he said.
But again, let's get back to the meat and potatoes - this 'professional journalist' is just that. A journalist. A person that sits at a computer and types words all day picking scenarios out of the air (I cleaned that thought up there).
So, let me ask you, if you wanted to get excellent advice on whatever subject - wouldn't you hope the adviser worked in that
field? It's like getting an opinion on brain surgery from a professional comedian - he has an opinion but is his advice VALID?
Is it valuable advice or just zesty nonsense packaged to look well? Nice wrapper but where's the substance?
I think as a real estate reader you should start to demand 'substance' and validity from all these columnists. I can personally tell you the in's and out's of obtaining 203K FHA financing because I've closed actual real estate transactions doing the financing. Would the same advice have credible value coming from someone outside the real estate realm? I think not.
I can talk about the head ache you've given me but am I now a brain surgeon? I think not Mr. Pascoe.
Real Estate Advice takes the Frisbee Approach
Lyn, you are so right. Most of these people have no idea the inner workings of Real Estate let alone knowing how to spell Real Estate.
As I posted earlier this week...if we could shut the media down for a while, the country would move ahead right away!
Like most industries and the time put in to the story or sound bite or video loop, often a serious topic is made in to a comic book. That is why AR bloggers know not just the real estate market, but the one unique to their market. Ditto on their local communities. If jounalists interview quality brokers, agents, REALTORS, the story does get in to print, on air.
Lyn , those that can't do can still write about it, If I lived in my parents basement and couldn't find a real job...I could write about what other people work hard at.
Andrew: That's a good point because lately there have been many posts where we've been interviewed asking our expertice.
Steve: Yes indeed.
Bill: Not your typical doom & gloom article but how the Realtor community at large have it out for the general buying public. Nonsense.
Lyn - I write about the market although I've never held a real estate license . . . but I did once stay at a Holiday Inn Express : ) (And having sold hundreds of homes with the help and advice of Realtors, I appreciate the value, experience, knowledge, and advice they bring to the transaction)
I was having an OK evening, about to write some cheery market reports, and now I'm hyper-ventilating. All I can say is that this man doesn't understand (a) capitalism (b) agency (c) personal responsibility.
Will his next article be about the irresponsible behavior of companies like say, General Mills, who use tricks to incent people make an emotional decision to buy Cheerios instead of the store brand? Grrrrr.
Lyn.....I suggested this. Great post. Too bad that another sleazy scam comes through. Bummer....but great to have the knowledge.
Editors have to sell newspapaers and often they send a reporter out to write a story with a particular slant. The reporter works until they find the right people to interview. And reporters can't afford a home in some markets, so the article gets a little twisted.
What planet is that bozoo from?
Glenn: I'm sure if I look hard enough I can find someone doing something wrong, it's just throw a collective blanket on all realtors trying to 'screw' the public.
Larry: Thanks.
Leslie: I hear some people are not liking your market reports LOL. I just don't feel the gentlemen knows what he is talking about painting all realtors as trying to suck every last dime out of a buyer. In most instances, buyers push themselves to the financial limit based on what they see in the market.
John: You are like the financial watchdog/guru as you say. I always value your opinion and judgement but if you start telling me HOW to sell real estate or do my job - that's when we will have a disagreement. I just don't think that the public realizes you don't have to have any experience to write about real estate dealings!