Since When Does NAR Care?
If it’s August, it’s time for the Minnesota Association of Realtors to begin their annual bleating about the swollen Realtor ranks in its state. (Forgive the lack of property capitalization but I just don’t have the energy to worry about another silly NAR demand.)
Says Glenn Dorfmann, COO and chief lobbyist for MAR:
Brokers must reduce the number of “unproductive agents” (x transactions per year) in order to stop the dilution of productive, professional agent’s income. If this does not happen, REALTORS® should stop the blabber about “professionalism.” My definition of a “professional” in real estate is someone who counsels consumers in the buying and selling of real estate and does at least 10 transactions per year. [Real estate sales is an experiential based business: the more business one does over time the more proficient, competent one is–consumers/customers make this determination based upon the depth and breath of the services provided by the REALTOR® not based upon the symbolic REALTOR® “R.”]
First, Glenn, the word is “breadth” not breath. Not unless you’re selling Altoids.
Second, let the consumers at large determine the depth and breadth of experience that they require for their real estate transaction. If members of the public continue to opt for their cousin Jimmy because he’s family despite his track record of one transaction in two years, that was their choice. It likely was foolish, but it was their choice. Caveat emptor, my friend.
Third, you’re right, Glenn - almost. It’s not the Realtors who need to stop all the “blather about professionalism” but NAR and the local associations. If NAR and the state associations are committed to true professionalism among the Realtor ranks, stop declaring anyone who is able to write a check to be a Realtor.
This also would require many local boards to give up control of the local MLS to the brokers (which will not happen anytime soon) because you can’t require stringent standards of sales and then withhold the basic tools from this who will need them.
Fourth …
consumers/customers make this determination based upon the depth and breath of the services provided by the REALTOR® not based upon the symbolic REALTOR® “R.”
Um, have you heard the NAR commercials? The R’s all you need, baby!
(sigh)
Real estate is an open marketplace, despite what many believe. Pass a fairly easy state and national exam, pick a broker and start writing checks and you’re underway. Those with the skills to survive will. Those who don’t won’t.
Don’t call on brokers to make the changes in the industry, Glenn. Changes need to start at the top. Or even at your level for that matter. We can shout into the wind as much as we want down here on the front lines. Nothing changes.
And nothing will until you stop assigning blame on those trapped in the system rather than trying to fix the machine of which you’re a critical cog.
[tags]Minnesota Association of Realtors, NAR, real estate agents[tags]
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I actually agree that Brokers do cause the glut by having absolutely no standards as to who hangs a license. I have been a long time advocate for higher broker standards and do believe that if the state will not raise the bar, it is up to the broker. But, it will not happen, not ever. Why? Because, brokers make cash off of the young agent- sucking 50% more or less from each of their few transactions. with age the agent begins to call their own shots and graduates to a pay per transaction w/a nice fat monthly payment that pays the big brokers overhead. I’ve had many talks with brokers around the country, and they all agree- bring them on! Bring on more agents, that’s how they make their money.
I see it very much like a never ending food chain. What’s worse is now with so many tech companies jumping into the lead/sell business, this is just going to get worse. All of this is built to feed off of realtors- and somehow the realtor is the bad guy? Comical.
I’ll grant you that … but aside from this mini-screed based on the concept that too many agents lowers the income for the rest, I don’t see NAR taking any action to thin its own ranks.
And in many places, Phoenix included, NAR membership essentially is mandatory. At least if you plan on using the MLS.
Jonathan, I’m with you on that.
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