From: "Lynn F. Russell" 
Newsgroups: misc.invest.real-estate alt.invest.real-estate alt.real-estate-agents
Subject: Re: How useful are comparables?
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2003 13:05:59 GMT

Alas, Dear E, you are probably more right than wrong.  In some ways, I do
view the world through rose-colored Serengetis.  A contract is no guarantee
but at least it gives the consumer some recourse, however slight.  One of my
favorite sayings is "If you don't have it in writing, you don't have it."

I conduct my business with the assumption that consumers today are a lot
more educated than those of past centuries.  I do not wish to be sued or
have my license taken away because of some impropriety on my part.  I may be
in the minority, but I do believe in the NAR code of ethics.

I also agree with your comment on the education requirements.  I was
required to take a "Principles" course (equivalent of one 3 credit course).
I do have ceu requirements to meet in order to renew every two years but
it's not as stringent as the beautician requirements you stated, although
I'm not licensed to carry a lethal weapon.

One word of advice to you...spellchecker.


 wrote in message
news:2aa9d431.0308101703.46a6b081@posting.google.com...
> "Lynn F. Russell" 
>
> > "Sum" should insist on buyer representation with this current agent,
then
> > she would be legally bound to provide advice that would be in his best
> > interest.
> >
>
>
> Legally bound ... hummm
>
> Just finished a 3-hour continuing ed course on ethics.  The instructor
> sighted public surveys where year after year real estate agents scored
> below every profession except used car salesmen and attorneys.  52% of
> agents say their peers are unethical.  When tested, Realtors scored
> just as low as non-Realtor agents.  Hey you can't make this stuff up,
> its right in my states license renewal core course.
>
> Depending on state, 1,200 to 3,000 hours of education are required to
> become a licensed beautician, meanwhile agents study 60 to 90 hours to
> become licensed  vacuum cleaners of the public's wallet (more data
> from the core course).
>
> So Lynn, if you know of some way to "bind" agents to do anything, you
> should bottle and sell your method.  Truth is ... survey says you've
> been dooped into a false belief system.  The unethical beast can not
> be tamed.
>
> Oh and lastly, the new agents are more ethical than their brokers and
> other seasoned agents, again according to my state's core course.  So
> hang on to your hat Lynn, survey says you may (given time) become as
> jaded and corrupt as your broker.