Sellsius real estate marketing blog

The comments that are the worst are from agents in other states giving advice based on "how its done in my state"...who cares?! The customer isn't in your state, they're in mine, and you just muddied the waters even more, thank you.

That seems to be a common gripe. Maybe folks do it to get more points?
TruliaVoices point system is unnecessary & serves no consumer benefit. It
only encourages this sort of gaming of the system. I guess from Trulia's
point of view, the points encourage folks to continue to respond to add more
content (& Google juice) for Trulia. Consumers aren't concerned with
points-- so why have them.

I'm sure Trulia will fix this in due time.


1

I also agree with Jay that Article 16 applies. But aside from that issue: I like to review and sometimes post on Trulia, but I also think that many questions are poor quality and are in expectation that they can get a Realtor to jump at anything for the chance to do business, I think it's a poor reflection on our profession to even respond to a lot of them.

I think that since the client/consumer initiated the question then it is fine to answer the question, depending of course on the nature of the question. Only some of our local MLS's are Realtor required ones, so not everyone will be held to the NAR's COE.

Well, if answering questions on Trulia Voices is a violation of the Code of Ethics, then that should be enough for procuring cause, right?

Guess I should answer me a BUNCH of questions right now!

If Trulia is the one warning Realtors not to answer questions without first asking if the questioner has an agent or nor it makes me wonder why Trulia even has Voices in the first place.

My guess (to answer my own question) is that Voices warning/disclaimer is like those weight loss commercials that have "Your Results May Vary" in teeny tiny print at the bottom for a one second view.

Jay is "the man" on this one, though. It clearly isn't unethical and in here in MD it's perfectly OK to answer questions of a general nature as long as you're not practicing law.

experts not needed. the industry is full of dumb dumbs.

My favorite is when you get Real Estate Agents answering complex "loan" questions.

Joe (Spake) - I've seen agents here also try to nail down an EBA agreement without ever really engaging or even meeting the potential client. Not a wise way to do business in my opinion, but to each his own I guess.

I just know how I would personally react if I asked someone a question and their first response was, "Here, sign this."

First, I agree fully with Jay, but different state real estate commissions have different laws and approaches regarding agency. My state's agency rules are complicated for not only the consumer but for agents to interpret and follow.
Taking a more cynical approach to the question you posed, I have found that some agents try to nail down an exclusive buyer agency on the front end, even from a personal website visit or through social media sites like Trulia.

Of course you can answer a question from a consumer. Someone needs to read (and comprehend) Article 16 of the Realtor Code of Ethics.

Standard of Practice 16-6
When REALTORS® are contacted by the client of another REALTOR® regarding the creation of an exclusive relationship to provide the same type of service, and REALTORS® have not directly or indirectly initiated such discussions, they may discuss the terms upon which they might enter into a future agreement or, alternatively, may enter into an agreement which becomes effective upon expiration of any existing exclusive agreement.

Clearly, if a consumer is asking YOU (or posting a question open to ANYONE) then that is not initiating discussions with someone elses client.

You can't just dive in and try to take someone's client (if an agency relationship exists), but if asked a question, you can answer.

Some discretion and professional judgment is required. Many times my answer has been, "You really need to discuss this with your agent".

But answering a general question does not put you "in violation".

Where people DO need to be careful in places like Voices are answering questions in areas outside their expertise (which includes geographical expertise). It's also frightening how many Fair Housing violations and near misses are posted on a regular basis. What I also find stunning is, as you mentioned, the number of agents on Voices and the like that also apparently passed the bar exams.