Let’s look at it this way. If Realtors can have flyers and newspaper ads showing sold and listings, and if realtors can show comps to their clients (or anyone who asks), then I don’t see anything wrong with posting on your blog.
The only thing is that property owners may not want their houses featured. But that’s not for them to decide — the information is public.
I would use the youtube.com policy. If anyone contacts you asking that their information be removed, then you should promptly comply.
I once posted full addresses for an article I wrote here, and I was blasted by the realtors and bugs for divulging confidential information or publicly embarassing someone. Then I wondered why the information is posted by the county treasurer and appraiser on the internet, but also saw their point and agreed to put in 2 xx like ocrenter is doing.
Jim’s got some really good charts on his site the last 2 days, where he shows his prediction of median price dropping over time to 67% of peak median in 2009, and the combination of $/sq ft combined with sales, by quartile. This shows pricing and sales strength/weakness over time. Go check it out.
I for one would be willing to pay a monthly subscription fee for Jim’s site. The information he gives is valuable and unique, nobody else is providing it. We need him to stay in business as a realtor so he can continue giving us this very unqiue insight. How can we support him? He shouldn’t need to rely on getting buyers.
Some people will buy regardless of market conditions, although they are getting fewer. We still have thousands of people buying homes in San Diego County every month. But among the people who visit Jim’s blog or piggington, how many are in the buying mood right now? Aren’t we all waiting for a few years, to see the effect of the ARM resets over the next 2 years? So how can we support Jim and his website in the interim? We may plan on using his services in 2 years, but how can we keep him in business during that time, so he is still around as a realtor when we are ready to buy?
We don’t need to support Jim. He can support himself. Being a good Realtor requires good discipline and saving for the rainy days. Every business owner will tell you so. You have to plan for the cycles.
Here’s a link to The Big Picture. It’s a great analysis of the NAR ad “It’s a great time to buy or sell a home.” There is your real desperation.
I like this comment: “I don’t think you’re going to settle and buy just any old house, just because you found a cheap one. Are you?””
Yes, in fact, I will settle for “any old house” if I can afford it. And the “right house” has no application whatsoever unless I can afford it. This line is just wishful thinking on the part of realtors. Quality and specifics have no application at all if it’s out of the buyer’s price range. “Adding something” doesn’t increase a buyer’s ability to afford a house any at all.
I won’t be searching at all for a home until prices come down a lot. And the only factor under consideration at this moment is price.
