Lori Bee , Owner/BIC

• Real Estate Marketing 2.0
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It's good to know I'm not the only one having those kind of weeks! BUT.... I hope the next article focuses on persistence and not giving up.... And yes, sometimes a little respite/regrouping can do wonders for your business... Of course, we do know that those who don't have the attitude and fortitude to "keep on, keeping on," will leave more pieces of the pie for us. That in and of itself, is not really a bad thing now either, huh!

Just a thought that if all the "experts" critcizing this software and their MLS/Association actually spent that same time helping out, what a difference they could make.... Not saying that some criticism isn't necessary (I've been thru a Tempo transition), but brings to mind the term "arm chair athlete." Get in there, get dirty, help out, and then you have the right to complain. Otherwise... hush.

While I agree NAR should encourage innovation and competition, I think the market place already takes care of that for the most part. The Association also has a huge responsibility in protecting our members integrity and reputation, which is the reason why the term REALTOR(R) came to be in the first place. I don't believe the issue to be one of "restraining competition," as much as protecting the term "REALTOR(R)" and what it stands for - holding ourselves to a higher standard and thus protecting the American Dream and not turning it into a nightmare for consumers. If these new business models fostered ethics and integrity among it's associates, as well as innovation, perhaps there wouldn't be as much opposition. MUCH more needs to be done to educate the consumer as to the differences in these alternative business plans, and until that happens, there will continue to be confusion. It reminds me of the advent of buyers' agency - perhaps we will get there some day, but only with agents who are willing to fully explain and disclose how they will conduct their business. Traditional agents often have to go in and pick up the pieces when a customer has misunderstood what they have signed up for. It also puts the agent across the table, at greater jeopardy for liability, as they often times have to go above and beyond to get these types of transactions to close. I believe these scenarios are the real source of many an agents' "resistance." But why should those agents have to put themselves at risk for these new business models? It's not just about how they advertise on the web or MLS, or that they are afraid of a new business model taking money away from them. The willingness of many REALTORS(R) to do this at their own financial risk, clearly demonstrates their "true value" to the consumer and why we have protected our role within this industry, and not just turned it into online transactions which would put consumers at risk. Most of us are here to HELP people, and not just conduct a transaction, online or otherwise. No computer will ever be able to replace the "human element." I certainly welcome any and all technological advancements and even new business models. It would be great to find a solution to overcome these obstacles, and we really need to work towards that ---together. Heck, if we overcame some of these issues, I'd probably be one of the first ones "on board" with changing how I do business. I'm a hard core capitali$t, but I also am happy to have the hard working folks at NAR looking out for all of us, and also for the consumers of America. Respectfully, Lori Bee - Bee Realty