Since the housing bubble burst half a decade ago, residential real estate has been an unsexy industry. As a result, the category has seen limited innovation. Existing giants like Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin have thrived in the home search category, if only by default. But all are nearly a decade old and were built in a pre-mobile world. For the first time in years, there are signs that the tide is turning and that both investors and consumers are once again receptive to new technologies in this space.
Homesnap has cool technology, but same corrupt commission model
By Patrick Follow Wed, 13 Mar 2013, 8:33pm 582 views 52 comments
In Menlo Park CA 94025
Watch (2) Share
Quote
Permalink Like Dislike « First « Previous Viewing Comments 13-52 of 52 Last » See most liked comments
|
Patrick is moderator of this thread. |
Follow
Befriend
29 comments
"used house sales people"...........so tell me Leo, what is it you do for a living? What grand philanthropic profession do you belong to? You snide little man/woman/transgender-ed person............
Follow
Befriend (8)
38 threads
2,024 comments
Pleasanton, CA
Premium
Stormtrooper says
Only if they both get buried. A house is a simple commodity. It should be easily sold or bought. Realtors, brokers, etc. benefit from making it appear way more complicated than it is.
Buyer: "Dude, you selling your house?"
Seller: "Why, yes I am. You must have seen the sign I put out front"
Buyer: "How much?".
Seller: "30 years of your income would be fine."
Buyer: "Deal"
;)
Follow
Befriend (16)
767 threads
7,714 comments
Boca Raton, FL
Premium
Stormtrooper says
So then you should go for the fattest broker you can find, right?
Follow
Befriend (7)
30 threads
1,220 comments
31 male
Premium
I don't think realtors should work for free, but if their profits aligned with their value add to the transaction, then they should be happy to receive minimum wage.
Follow
Befriend
19 threads
1,534 comments
Los Angeles, CA
If you imagine a world where everyone FSBO's thier home- it would be a total nightmare. More fraud than you could imagine.
Patrick has no clue because he didnt even work a month as a realtor - its evil and all that. haha.
Follow
Befriend
29 comments
Funny, you try to have a rational conversation and all you get are ignorant responses. Don't like brokers........don't use em. It's a free country.
Follow
Befriend (2)
61 threads
1,307 comments
Premium
Patrick says
The buyer and buyer only is ultimatelty responsible for the offer. The agent is responsible to give the facts as they understand them. It is a "you" problem if you can't sort that out. Find a good agent and give you the facts.
How many times have you heard a buyer says I absolutely love that house and tell the agent what it will take to get a deal, but can't deliver. Your offer is a reflection of your desire, your own diligence and judgement of the market. Afterall, your goal is a transaction and the agent is just facilitating your desire, not the other way around.
I must have gotten screwed from a jacket purchase recently, knowing the salesperson got a 5%-9% commission on this transaction? Learn to appreciate and see things from others point of view.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
Stormtrooper says
Why not? Sure they go about it in different ways, but they both have the same core motivation--to make a commission on the sale.
Stormtrooper says
Ah, yes the oft mentioned fiduciary "obligation" that a real estate agent has for their client. If you truly feel a fiduciary obligation to your clients then you must oppose the commission system and seek to change the real estate payment model (not suggesting you work for free silly!).
This has been gone over many times on this site, but let me explain...the real estate commission system invites corruption and encourages/rewards agents who fail to put their clients needs as their top priority--it is a perfect example of the principal–agent problem.
A "fiduciary obligation" to how owners means that a selling agent needs to get them the best price possible for their home right?
To make it simple let’s assume that an agent, working at full capacity, can close on 24 properties a year, with the average price being $100k. Taking half of the 6% commission would make an agent’s yearly take home for all that hard work $72k (for this exercise we are also going to assume that the agents is also the broker).
For only $3k per house the agent is getting a great price for their clients. However, let’s say that the agent can put in a little more elbow grease into the deal to get his client an even better price (after all that is his/her fiduciary obligation, right?). In doing so he/she manages to get more for his/her valued clients and ups the average price to $105K per/building. Also, he/she when spending that extra time prepping the buildings for sale, letting “bad” deals go, etc. reduces the sales he/she can close each year from 24 to 20.
With the increased effort and integrity the agent’s new take home is $63,000/year.
So, providing more value, living up to and agent’s fiduciary obligation, and working harder in a clients best interests costs the agent $9,000 a year, this is not an insignificant portion of his/her income and quite a "gift" to his/her clients.
Hmmmm.... I wonder what an agent would really do in this situation.... hmmmm...
This is one example in how the commission system lends itself to corruption and how an agent is motivated to work against the financial interest of their client.
While I am sure that you are perfectly ethical in your business dealings, and are more than willing to put the financial well being of your clients above your own income you must realize that not all humans are the stalwart of moral virtue that you are. Most people have human failings, and a system that lends itself to corruption is going to lead many down a path that they may not otherwise tread. For these reasons--even though you are able to easily sort out the ethical dilemma--you should oppose the commission system in-order to avoid having to work within an inherently corrupt system.
Thank you for now working to reform the system.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
Stormtrooper says
You don't sell used buildings? Do you really feel that it is an insult to say someone sells used homes? Do you prefer the term "pre-owned?"
I apologize if I hurt your feelings.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
PockyClipsNow says
AAAAHHHHHH...Hahahaha.......hahahahaha.....aaaaaahhhhh........
*snif*
*chuckle*
OK, let me try and compose my self...
AAAAHHHH...hahahaha.....*snort*.....
Whew, OK.
Granted I am not suggesting that we should go entirely FSBO, but you are suggesting that the monumental fraud that exists in the current system would somehow be worse? Oh, do tell, I am all ears.
Follow
Befriend
29 comments
WTF Patrick? Petty? Screwed? Don't blame others? The buyer & buyer owner? Sort what out? You're rambling.....
You still haven't answered my question.
OBTW- Nothings free........I used that as a figure of speech. The cost of the commission for BOTH sides of the transaction are built into the price of the home. Along with taxes, government fees, and other charges associated with the transaction are the "costs of doing business". Nothings FREE!
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
Stormtrooper says
Funny...
Stormtrooper says
Stormtrooper says
Stormtrooper says
Stormtrooper says
Yes, those do all sound like things someone who is trying to have a rational conversation would say.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
Stormtrooper says
Yes, we understand that. The commission is build into the price of the home. The home that the buyer shells out money for.
That is why statements like...
Stormtrooper says
...sound a little silly. The buyer is "paying out of pocket" an extra %6 so that both the buyer and seller can have "representation."
Follow
Befriend
29 comments
Patrick.....my last comment was in error. That was not your comment.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
Stormtrooper says
You can press the "Edit" text above your comment to fix the text.
Follow
Befriend
5 threads
96 comments
Premium
Stormtrooper says
Don't forget the amount of the underwater mortgage. Mustn't leave that out of the price calculation.
Follow
Befriend
29 comments
Oh Leo......you are sooooooo smart. YOU are the reason I don't sell used homes anymore. Now I deal with business's that understand how things work and can rationalize the value of time and money. You're just a bitter and jealous person. I'll bet you're a lefty, someone who despises success. I should have known, you live in CA. The redistribution capital of America. Why does it bother you so that a broker makes a living?
Walmart not paying well?
Follow
Befriend
29 comments
Sorry turtedove.......the value of your property has nothing to do with the amount of debt you have.
Follow
Befriend
29 comments
Unless your buying an investment property of course. Had to get that out there before the vultures tear me up.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
Stormtrooper says
Thank you!
Stormtrooper says
I am glad that I could take some small part of you leaving the corruption and moral depravity of your past life behind.
You are welcome.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
Stormtrooper says
Funny that this is how you would characterize someone who opposes a system that lends itself to being corrupt.
Follow
Befriend
29 comments
Nothing corrupt about people mutually entering into a contract to pay a fee for services rendered. But heh, let's just agree to disagree. I wish you the best!
Follow
Befriend (54)
5,191 threads
6,158 comments
46 male
Menlo Park, CA
Stormtrooper says
That would be fine, but getting paid by the seller to sell a house at the highest possible price and also claiming to represent the buyer's best interest is definitely corrupt.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
Stormtrooper says
Sure we can agree that contracts are not inherently corrupt, but just because a contract exists--and is legal--does not mean that the agreement bound by the contract is a moral or ethical one.
Putting aside the fact that there are many ways that contracts can be manipulated and corrupted that is not really what we are discussing. We are discussing that the current way that real estate agents get payed--through commission--lends itself to corruption and encourages/rewards an agent to act against the best interests of their clients.
Stormtrooper says
Thanks! I with the best to you in whatever new career you have chosen.
Follow
Befriend
29 comments
Patrick......"claiming" to represent a buyer when you truly are representing the sellers interests ONLY........then I would agree. However, MOST state's real estate laws require full disclosure of your (agent's) relationship with the consumer, upfront. Kinda destroys the "corrupt" aspect of your argument. However....most consumers make assumptions, still no laws against stupidity.
And Leo......I said I don't sell homes, I didn't say I don't sell real estate. And for the record, the vast majority of agents I know personally, professionally or otherwise are some of the finest people you will find. They, nor do I practice any of the "corrupt" behavior you claim to be so rampant in my profession. They are the most charitable & giving people I know. It's sad that you are so cynical.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
Stormtrooper says
How can you possibly know this?
...about the others not you.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
Stormtrooper says
You seem to be ignoring the principal–agent problem in the agent client relationship. That is where the corruption in the arrangement lies.
Plain-and-simple...
Payment for the agents is not tied to getting a good price for their client. In fact in many situations an agents level of payment is contrary to a clients best interest. Can you not see how this would lead to corruption. Under these circumstances even good people are tempted and can drift into grey areas.
Follow
Befriend
29 comments
Because I know them personally, and do business with them.
Follow
Befriend
29 comments
Leo......what you describe is not reality. Maybe in some cases, but that is NOT the norm.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
Stormtrooper says
Can you be more specific?
Follow
Befriend
29 comments
You are making too many assumptions when you generalize. Your question is too vague.
Follow
Befriend (1)
2 threads
119 comments
San Jose, CA
Stormtrooper says
I personal feel that it should be free to the buy and seller. Find a better business mode, innovate or someone else will. Google and Facebook provides it services free to public why shouldn't you.
Follow
Befriend
19 threads
1,534 comments
Los Angeles, CA
agents sure dont 'last long' on this site, haha.
exceptions are greg and roberto of course
Follow
Befriend
5 threads
96 comments
Premium
Stormtrooper says
Sure... Asking prices have absolutely nothing to do with the amount the seller originally paid to purchase the property. The asking price has nothing to do with the amount of equity loans he/she took out against the property either. The properties are really just worth that much! Thank you for clearing that up. Surprising coming from a person who sells property for a living.
Follow
Befriend (23)
55 threads
3,819 comments
Scottsdale, AZ
robertoaribas's website
turtledove says
hmm, that must be why there are never any short sales, since clearly homes are always worth what is owed... thanks for the information!
Follow
Befriend
5 threads
96 comments
Premium
robertoaribas says
Well, since short sales make up such a large portion of the MLS portfolio these days, I can certainly see why you might think they have a material effect on median asking prices.
Follow
Befriend
88 threads
457 comments
El Cerrito, CA
Premium
Property is worth whatever a bankster will lend to an idiot. That is, unless the bankster is buying it himself.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
PockyClipsNow says
Isn't E-man also a real estate agent?
Anyway most agents who come to this site come to toe the NAR party line and think that their participation is a great way to drum up business and get exposure. Unfortunately for them almost everyone who participates in this forum is familiar with the bullshit-ness of such ideas as "fiduciary obligation", buyers agents are "free", etc.
The agents that stick around are more likely to respond to criticism of real estate agents with things like reasoned arguments (not that they never get heated), data, or--hell--even sometimes agreement; rather than responding with personal attacks, straw man arguments, red herrings, anecdotes and "trust me."
While I don't always agree with robertoaribas, E-man and gregpfielding I do respect what they have to say.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
chanakya4773 says
Yes, this is true. It is also true the some professions for one reason or another attract more bad apples than others.
chanakya4773 says
Right, any system has the potential for abuse, fraud and corruption. The propensity for a system to encourage corruption is a continuum; some systems lend themselves and reward corruption more than others. Imagine if your doctor or mechanic's entire paycheck was a percentage of the total cost of procedures they billed to you. What do you think would happen to the number and cost of your medical and mechanical procedures? Would you worry more about the % fee system than the current systems used?
chanakya4773 says
Yep, I like reviews and it is a good idea to have access to reviews they are not a fix for an inherently corrupt system. Reviews can be interesting anecdotes, but just about any review systems is also easily manipulated and should be taken with a grain of salt.
Follow
Befriend (12)
10 threads
3,516 comments
Oakland, CA
leo707's website
Premium
Stormtrooper says
What I described is what happens in every real estate sale with agents representing clients.
To break it down:
Agent's (buying or selling) financial interest = get offers accepted as quickly as possible while balanced with the property selling for the most amount of money as possible.
Seller's financial interest = sell their property for as much as possible.
Buyer's financial interest (the person who is actually paying all the agents commissions) = buy the property for as little as possible.
In no world is does a full-time serious buyers agent's motivations and rewards ever align with the interests of their client.
The argument could be made that sometimes a sellers agents interests are aligned with their client, but there are many situations where they are not only unaligned with the seller, but where a selling agents motivations are more inline with the buyer than the seller of the property. Remember, no matter the price no agent gets paid until the property sells.
Every transaction has these conflicts of interest.