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Real Estate Blogger Says - Take This Job And Shove It, I Ain’t Working Here No More

Published by Rudy Bachraty December 11th, 2007 in choices.


Source: YouTube

There must be something in the water in Florida. For the second time within the last month, a real estate broker has asked their blogger agent to edit and/or censor the content and comments of their real estate blog or leave their brokerage. For the second time, the blogger has chosen to hold their head up high and leave. Is this a sign of things to come within our industry?

Lucas Lechuga is a Realtor® and the author of the popular Miami Condo Investments Blog. He chose to move to another brokerage after his broker wanted to play censor. As I understand it, the split was amicable. A win for both sides I suppose. But, I would add that Lucas appears to be an above average real estate agent. He has a blog, takes his own photos, videos and slideshows. You may say whoopdeedo, but that’s a heck of a lot more than most agents do to add value. Agents like these don’t easily grow on trees. Can you fault a guy for being creative and passionate?

So what’s the big deal? Although it may be a tiny trickle, there is a trend happening. Brokers are becoming more aware of what their agents are doing online - as they should. Some brokers don’t like what they see. Some brokers don’t understand what they see. Some brokers are embracing their agents creativity. Can you see the faint line being drawn in the sand? It feels like a tug of war doesn’t it? The old school vs. the new school. What I do know is that both sides have the right to have their opinions on how they want to conduct their business. There is plenty of room for everyone.

A little birdie tells me that Lucas will be joining EWM Realtors in Miami Beach, a real estate brokerage that embraces real estate bloggers including the uber famous Kevin Tomlinson from the South Beach Real Estate Blog.

What will you do when your broker wants to edit or censor your blog posts, comments or even your social networking efforts?

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  • Anonymous
    It's funny you mention EWM because I hear they are not as "embracing" about blogging as you say. Just because they have a company blog, does not necessarily mean that they would be pro-agent blogging and would not censor or restrict.

    If I were Lechuga, I would do a bit more investigating.
  • Interesting. They've had no problems with my blog whatsoever.

    Do you work at EWM?
  • I have done my research. I've spoken with upper management at EWM and have been told that my content will never be censored (unless of course I write something completely idiotic and untrue). They realize that my blog is mainly about revealing market statistics to the public. Numbers don't lie and they understand that while some of the public may not like what I disclose, it is still portraying the truth. I know that Kevin will agree with me in saying that being completely honest and upfront with a client is the best way to gain a loyal client for life.

    Kevin and I have had the "new school vs. old school" conversation several times. While both approaches have their own ways of viewing the market, we both know that blogging works. Not only does it work but it works damn well! I currently have 4 pending sales and another that should go pending within the next day or two. All were from separate clients which came directly from the blog. How many Realtors in Miami can say that they have 4-5 pending sales at this time? I doubt very many since everyone is saying that Miami is the place where the sky is falling.
  • I would have a major problem with a brokerage company telling me I could not blog or making me change something I wrote as long as it was not offensive or not true. There needs to be a balance of trust and proper journalism in place between both parties.
  • hi annon - your comment is interesting given the fact that most brokers do not even know what a blog is. for the brokerage to even have that many bloggers on their team speaks volumes to me about how they feel about blogging. nevertheless, your opinion is valued here. thanks for stopping by.

    hi kev! - i'm not sure anyone would have a problem with your blog. it's top notch all around. but you already knew that didn't you ;)

    hi lucas     - congrats on the success of your blog and on the transition. i'd say you are doing quite well for yourself with those stats. honesty is always the best way to go. consumers want someone they can trust to help them with their needs. blogging helps us build that virtual bridge. unfortunately, some people just can't handle the truth.

    i think most real estate bloggers are just a different breed of agent. in the few cases where a broker has tried to stifle the agents blogging or social networking creativity, we've seen just how easy it is for the blogger to move on and continue to prosper under a new umbrella. will others have the kahunas to do the same? i'm not so sure.
  • Naw---I'm a simple guy trying to pay the bills.
    Did you ever make any videos of us peeling off the sticker from the van?

    Lemme know.
  • we do have video.....i'm sure everyone would love to see you, ardell and kim stripping the blogmobile :) in due time.....
  • .....you'll be done with the NEXT blog tour by the time that one gets up.
  • Rudy - Sorry to have missed your Blog Tour when you hit Miami. I was tied up that day but look forward to meeting you at Inman Connect.

    It is interesting that you said "blogging helps us build that virtual bridge". I've had at least 3-4 people email me saying that they feel like they have a "virtual" trusting relationship with me as a result of the honesty that is presented in my blog writing.
  • Lucas--
    I know what you mean--Ines kept this whole thing under wraps.

    I literally met Joe & Rudy five mins. before they went to Tampa.
    (only joking Ines)
  • funny kev! i think the footage we have of you and ines on ocean drive is priceless. maybe that will get leaked first.....

    lucas - no worries. we'll see you at connect nyc.

    hey, that's the power of blogging - connecting with someone you never met based solely on your writing and online conversations. does it get any better than that?
  • miamism
    Ok, what's going on here? What did I do now?
  • Look what you all have started now. LOL

    Hi Ines. Will you be attending Inman Connect in NYC?
  • This sort of thing happens in every industry at some point. It's only because Real Estate is hopping in the band wagon so late that we're just now beginning to see the old-school vs. new-school technology struggle start to materialize. There are plenty of RE companies that are embracing new technology, and it's a shame that there are still companies/brokers out there that refuse to keep up.
  • miamism
    Hi Lucas - unfortunately, I will not be attending IC-NYC...it's a shame because there are so many bloggers that I would love to meet.

    That Kevin is a trouble maker! : )
  • It's a great Blog, I am always on the lookout for such real estate useful resources
  • I agree with Rudy, most brokers at this point don't know what a blog is, how do it and consider what is the point?
    If they ever do figure it out and try to censor I would be gone too.
  • My broker tolerates me but would like to see me use some more main stream (80's) prospecting methods. Ideas, ideas . . old ones . . . always being pushed at me. I isolate myself from the noise so I can think, experiment and create. I best be quiet about it too. Who is going to pay money for old school coaching and marketing if they see that there is a better way? No one wants me to set a bad example, but they don't want to see a post like this about the company either.
  • Rudy:

    Great article and discussion.

    I can't imagine a broker trying to stifle an agent's blogging efforts. unless the writings were libelous or untrue. And if that were the case, a little coaching might be in order.

    Better that brokers understand the power of blogging and encourage their agents to do it well. EWM's blog is an impressive effort.

    Look forward to seeing the video of your strip show in San Francsco. I had to cancel January's trip to Inman:-( and will miss seeing you guys.

    Bummer.
  • When I post blog articles about the market, or pitfalls for consumers to avoid, they are things I truly think the consumer should know about. In fact, if I wouldn't say it to my client's I don't blog it. I also abide by all the dept of commerce rules about including those little logos on my blog. That being the case, how is censoring a blog any different than cesoring agent emails...also in writing...also available to be published? It seems a broker better have a handle on who their agents are and how they run their business, because it's near impossible to look at all the marketing and written communication agents produce! The day my broker starts to censor, is the day I jump ship.
  • Yup, I have lived this saga. My story is a bit more than just "censoring" I was "ordered to obide by NO blogging within days or I would be fired"

    Since then, I have been threatend and harrassed as well as my new broker by the old broker. I have yet really blogged about it - just because I am with a new broker who would infact be pulled to this silly situation.

    So until then - I pray for STD's for my old napoleon - like broker.
  • hi metrowest! - agreed. if there is no trust between the broker and the agent, the relationship is doomed. both should try to learn from each other while maintaining a clear channel of communication. if they still can't see eye to eye, then they should be civil, shake hands and part ways. i think some brokers have a fear that their agents will become more popular or successful via their online blogging and social media efforts then they are. ego. but, i also see that some brokers are just more traditional and status quo. to each his own.

    education is the key to overcome the fear. communication and trust are needed to maintain a healthy relationship. remember, their are lots of choices out their, don't feel that you have no options - this applies to both brokers and agents.

    matt - good point. it happens in many industries. technology alone is not the solution. whiz bang this and that means nothing. understanding it and implementing it correctly is what matters. it's best to have a healthy combination of old school and new school strategies.

    hi missy! - don't mess with missy ;) here's a crazy thought - imagine your broker told you that online technology is savior. you will no longer be allowed to use yard signs. would you stay with that broker?

    t - you crack me up. maybe a class on how to best optimize the placement of yard signs. sign me up.

    hi roberta - yeah, unless the agent is breaking fair housing rules or falsehoods, it seems a bit extreme. coaching would help for sure. we'll miss you too.....
  • hi lisa! - exactly. blogging helps us educate everyone including other brokers, agents, consumers and even ourselves. by blogging about the relevant issues and news, we all benefit. if we as the agents pounding the pavement don't do it via blogs or other social networking outlets, then we suffer the risk of getting old news second hand. how many times have bloggers broke news stories? shoot, jay thompson broke a huge one last week. that's the power of blogging. but anyone reading this already gets it. it's like preaching to the choir. we need to educate those that don't know or understand the benefits of blogging. by communicating valuable local "first hand" news and information as well as personal opinions and observations to the masses we are in essence "publishers", "reporters" and "journalists" so to speak.

    i remember when people were afraid of email. some still are. i'm glad to see you and others stand tall and not be afraid to move on if need be.

    hi christine! - your situation is unique. i truly feel for you. remember, you have options. if push comes to shove, don't hesitate to protect yourself. nobody has the right to mess with your livelihood!
  • Christine, you definitely do have unique situation. I wish you well. I'm lucky that my broker could care less about what I blog about, as long as I don't cross any legal lines. And if I did, he would probably never know, since he doesn't even read my blog. Sometimes he will even tell me something about the market and I'll have to correct him. "Hey broker, if you read my blog you would know homes in that neighborhood are selling for $xx /sq ft." It's kind of funny.
  • Anonymous
    Hmmmm! Just heard that EWM fired Luchas Lechuga .....I guess I was not so far off from my first assessment. (first comment of the thread)
  • Anonymous--

    Ines,

    I know that the previous comment was left by you. I can't believe you are running around leaving "anonymous" comments--when you trumpet "transparency." Look at Lucas' blog, you left a comment at 11:29 am and then you were over here at Sellsius at 11:33 am.

    Not cool. Oh, if you want to do anonymous things, turn off your My Blog Log.

    All of us knew that when the first comment was made, that it was you.

    Ines, NOT cool.
  • Hey guys, I stopped by to listen to the music. Did Roberta change her name? I always thought she was a Murphy not a Nurphy? I'm confused, again. :)
  • Anonymous
    Kevin - I have no need to write anonymous comments - I come to Sellsius often - ask the guys to check their IP addresses.

    You shouldn't go around accusing people. What's wrong with you?
  • Anonymous
    : )
  • Wasn't born yesterday.

    Sorry.

    Nothing's wrong with me. What about you?
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