Everything that is wrong with the real estate industry

I watched this video and was disgusted with my industry. It is a good starting point when we talk about what is wrong with the real estate industry.

I recently heard someone talking about a Youtube video that was recorded during a training session of a brokerage that is currently the largest brokerage in the real estate industry. This brokerage is know as having “the best training” programs for agents. Here is the video, and if you wonder why real estate agents have such a bad reputation, this will quickly give you some idea. BTW, this is just one example, search Youtube and you will find many more.

BOLD – Are you a money magnet

Now I have some friends that work for this company who are great people. I am not saying everyone in this organization is like what is taught in this video, but this video blew my mind.  I have had people try to get me to this training in the past and now I am really glad I did not go.

I watched that video and I felt dirty, like I needed a shower. Greed, pure greed. If I were to create a training program for real estate agents I would be focusing on how to get the most money for the clients house. The video they are promoting has nothing that mentions how to position your house best compared to others. Nothing about how to best negotiate on the behalf of a buyer. It’s all about how to attract money for them.

Now I am not saying this is representative of everyone in our business, but you can see why the real estate industry is where they are at.

This seems to be a theme this week. Just two days ago Shar wrote another story about what is wrong with the real estate industry and harassing telemarketers.

What can I do about it?

There are two things I am going to do this year. First, I am going to finally write the book I had on my mind last year. I am going to write a book about what people should know and look for when they are selling their house. This will not be the HGTV highlights, but what they they should really know about the process.

Second, I’m going to give back to a group that literally brought tears to my eyes for a client last year.

My most memorable house sale last year was not even close to my highest priced deal of the year. What happened for my client in this process made me much happier than the houses I sold that were 5x the commission.

Have you ever heard of St Vincent de Paul?

You may have heard of them around Thanksgiving as they do some very large food drives for the poor during this time. But they do so much more.

I went into a listing meeting to talk to a lady about how to help sell her house. When she called me I could tell something was going on, she was very shy and reserved and did not want to say much. The minute I walked in the door I knew there was a problem.

She had no running water for over over a week. Her electricity was to be shut off in the next couple of days. She ate only once every three days. She needed help.

When I left her house I did a search to find out where the local St Vincent de Paul location was. My wife had volunteered with them for several years before our latest baby was born so I know about them through her. Luckily, the closest one was only a mile away.

I drove to the location, told them the situation and within 30 minutes I was back on the step of this house with a large box of food, a case of water and they talked to her about how else they could help.

St Vincent de Paul is not a “money, money, money, money” organization. It is an organization that cares about people. I have seen them care of people not just by their words, but by their actions. So this year every house I sell I am going to make a donation of $250 to St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Why do I write this to you now? I want you to know there are some great people and organizations like St Vincent de Paul out there who are looking to help people. I want you to know that if you know someone in need, you can contact St Vincent’s and they will help. And I hope you will join me in helping this organization.

Later on this year we will be organizing a food drive for St Vincent’s. I will let you know the details as we get them worked out.

Thanks, and let’s make 2016 another great year!