The value of transparent blogging

Posted on February 19, 2007 by Jim Duncan

I find myself referring to this blog frequently in conversations with clients and prospective clients. The ability to refer to what is essentially a public record of my opinions has proven to be invaluable (and I guess dangerous).

Can we see how long a property has been on the market? Sure, but the data may be worthless.
I have been talking to an internet lender … That’s fine, but be aware of the potential problems.
Is Dual Agency good? No, no and no.
What about Zillow? Well, they could be right …

In a conversation the other day with another Realtor, we were discussing the soon-to-be-released Buyer-Broker form (to replace this one-PDF), which I sign with all of my buyer-clients.* He was wondering whether we should put a disclaimer in that says that we may not know about all of the properties that are out there, either by the limited-service firms, unrepresented sellers, etc., in light of the current wording in the Agreement that states:

Broker shall use professional real estate knowledge and skills to represent Buyer in a diligent and effective manner and to locate property which is available for purchase and suitable to Buyer.

My response to him? I’ve written a story about that, stating that there are so many different sites to search, frankly I need my buyers’ help in locating the property sometimes. I’ll say it again, my value is in representing my clients, not necessarily searching various websites.

My constant references may seem annoying at times, but the fact is that I write almost every day, and I will inevitably write about many aspects of the real estate market, transactions, agency, etc. through the course of now years of of writing.

No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar ~Abraham Lincoln

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What’s the difference?


Client is anyone that you or your firm has a formal agreement to work with. It could be an agency relationship or you could be providing a non-contracted service.

Customer is a party to a real estate transaction who receives information, services or some other benefit from you, but doesn’t have a contract with you or your firm.

Source: The Code is Good Business

About Jim Duncan

A Charlottesville Realtor who tries to stay on the bleeding/cutting/functional edge of technology and real estate trends. I have been selling real estate for the past 10 years, lived in C'Ville for twenty+ and am married to one of few Charlottesville natives left.
This entry was posted in Blogging, dual agency, General Real Estate. Bookmark the permalink.
  • http://www.realtormarketinginfo.com Jim Bruce

    I have to agree with you. Someone buying or selling needs a competent realtor. The new form will be just a replacement to the old one. But, the new form outlines the transaction in a more legalistic manor. I’d tell your client not to worry about putting a disclaimer out there.

  • http://www.duncansblog.com Duncan Fremlin

    Jim: I’ve only just glanced at your site but what I’ve seen so far, I’ve liked! I’ll explore your blog more later but I think our approach is somewhat similar.
    I relate to this particular post. I too encourage clients and friends and family to go the my blog for more information on topics we’re discussing.
    I try to write about real estate issues that other Realtors aren’t inclined to talk about. The public at large here in Canada aren’t very well informed about how our industry works. There haven’t been too many exposes published disclosing the unethical side of the industry. I try to fulfill that void on a limited basis.
    Though I don’t agree with it, I liked your comment on dual agency. It stimulates discussion I’m sure.

    Best regards
    Duncan Fremlin
    Toronto

  • http://www.realcentralva.com Jim Duncan

    Duncan -

    Thanks for the comment. I appreciate your time and visit. Have you written at all about the challenges that mls.ca is facing?