In today's "consumer-wise" real estate market, some real estate agents still rely on the following age old unethical practices (many of these practices have now become illegal under REBBA2002):
Publishing postings of home sales which are not true or even current (When the general public call them, they say "...oh that listing just sold, can I show you something else?..." You must ask those agents at what price that property sold and what is the MLS number.
Publishing information on MLS listings which are not accurate.
Not making full disclosure to their clients about their role and those of the "mortgage specialist".
Not making full disclosure to their clients about the properties being shown and using pressure tactics to sell them quickly.
Not asking the clients the right questions, but, rather hurriedly trying to make quick sales.
Not offering options to clients to enable the clients to make calculated decisions.
Offering sellers 1% commission to sell their homes, but, after getting the seller's signature, just posting on the MLS system, putting up a sign and then not keeping in constant contact with the seller, since they have to go and convince others to sell their homes for 1% commission. These are "mass producing but no service real estate agents".
If you have come across any of the above situations, do your research and ask the ethical REALTOR® the right questions to ensure he or she offers value added services.
Some of the Value Added Services (VAS) I offer my clients are:
