SD ,
Its a blog and thats they way these things go. I always shot from the hip and try not to sugar coat anything. I’m not here shilling for clients so my intentions are pure. It doesnt bother me to be in a profession that many hold in contempt. What others do is outside my control and there are crooks in every business. I sleep well knowing that I always try to put my clients interests first and believe (as you probably do also) that the rest will take care of itself. I am annoyed by the incompetence of many in our profession but most of those are short timers and should be out of or hair soon. If you are not providing real value to clients you shouldnt be in this business. I think we can both agree with that.
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Lots has changed in this industry. Talk to someone whose been around for 20 years to hear about the mls books, the contracts that protected no one and the lack of disclosures. The industry isnt perfect, far from it, but there are quality people in this business (I know many) who do a great job for their clients. While the compensation/sale has grown substantially, the number of people chasing the sales has grown at a much more rapid pace. Many of them deliver no value to their clients. If the volume was there, quality agents would be willing to work for less, but the current state of the industry make it difficult if not impossible for them to survive.
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I believe a quality agent is worth more and believe I earn my money. I have clients with RE licenses that could represent themselves but chose to pay for what they believe is better representation. To me that says alot. Furthermore, this business does not work at 1% unless you are a niche player exploiting a niche. Many of the top brokerages in the county with the best agents are struggling to survive with 2.5%. The creme of the crop are barely eaking out a profit. If I damage my client and disapear from the business there is someone to hold accountable. If you do the same your clients will be left on their own.
