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Kyle Volenik, Director of Marketing at Truepad (Truepad)

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Rainer
8,784
Bob Canning
Idaho Agents Real Estate - Rexburg, ID
IdahoAgents.com | Realtor | Partner | Idaho

So I consider myself an outsider that just came inside when it comes to Real Estate. Before this, I ran an IT company for 20 years. To answer your question, you would have to ask what the definition of the real estate industry is. What I see as a person coming into a new industry is a bunch of professional sales people giving up THE most important commodity they have. Data. In my opinion, Realtors are insane. They give Zillow and Trulia their data and pay Zillow and Trulia for leads, essentially feeding a beast that will one day consume them, leaving them with nothing but a fond memory of the good old days.

So my answer to your question is STOP GIVING AWAY THE BANK! Control listing data and find lead generation avenues that do not feed the beast that is designed to destroy you.

Of course I am new to the industry, but I am no spring chicken in business and I know a good business plan when I see one. Zillow and Trulia have an awsome business plan that is designed to destroy Realtors.

The biggest problem is that it would have to be done as policy from the top, because their are too may Realtors feeding off of Zillow right now that will not give up the leads that are eventually going to kill them.

Just one guys opinion.

Apr 06, 2016 02:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Kyle Volenik Have new agents go through an apprenticeship program before being let go on society.

Apr 05, 2016 11:32 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,880
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

More requirements to get and keep a license.  It is too easy.

Apr 06, 2016 01:04 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

all newly licensed agents need to go through an apprentice period with training....

Apr 06, 2016 01:49 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I would raise the bar for entry into the profession. And Michael Setunsky has a good idea, too. Lots of other professions require apprenticeship before someone can work on their own.

Apr 06, 2016 06:53 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

Outsource all ethics complaints to retired attorneys who understand ethics and the law and are not afraid to call it as it is. Make the broker liable for every mis-deed of their agent and double the penalty.

Eve

Apr 06, 2016 06:46 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I think the barriers to entry should be greater. College education, skills training, apprenticeship. We are entrusted with a lot of money and valuables, and many are ill-equipped to handle it which creates problems for the competent--and consumers.

Apr 06, 2016 12:52 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Have competing 'unions' to the NAR

Apr 06, 2016 03:30 AM
Ambassador
1,452,919
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I focus on my own business only.  What others do is their own business.

Apr 06, 2016 12:25 AM
Rainmaker
582,106
Eric Kodner
Madeline Island Realty - La Pointe, WI
CRS, Madeline Island Realty, LaPointe, WI 54850 -

Too many small Associations and MLSs, with duplicate MLS numbers and overlapping boundaries. NAR and State Associations need to address this "featherbedding" by small Associations. It is a growing problem and it adds needless expense to the operating costs which small to midsize brokerages have to bear.

Apr 06, 2016 12:19 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Standardize practices acrosss the entire country, e.g. agency regulations - there are too many variables across states and even within counties. One set of laws and contracts would make it a great deal less confusing for both consumers and agents.

Apr 06, 2016 12:07 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

It is something I have little to no control over, the way other agents act!

Apr 05, 2016 11:17 PM
Rainer
115,342
Margaret Kapranos
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services - Novato, CA
San Francisco Bay Area REALTOR. 415-608-5070

Hard to weigh in on only one!

  1. Not allow third party vendors to have access to the MLS.
  2. Charge buyers for our time if they don't buy
  3. Charge sellers for our time if they don't sell per our advice
  4. Raise the bar on educational standards for entry
  5. Have stricter guidelines and penalties for ethics violations.
Apr 07, 2016 10:17 AM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Just one thing...

 

The only thing that I can change is myself.

Apr 06, 2016 03:13 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Kyle,

I would stop the public criticism of real estate agents about each other.  I am a dreamer.  A

Apr 06, 2016 09:10 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Real enforcement on practices and professionalism. We tend to let so many things slide and don't enforce our own Code of Ethics. It should be tougher to get a license and equally tough to keep it.

Apr 06, 2016 05:09 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

I would go along with the apprenticeship program AND pre-activation (of license) counseling.  Seriously, professional industry counseling so they are clear about what the job entails... not the rose colored glasses image they usually have.  

Apr 06, 2016 04:19 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

Higher costs to get into and stay in the business and an apprenticeship program.  Lots of loose cannons out there!

Apr 06, 2016 01:51 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,419
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Help several hundred thousand surplus agents to find alternative careers.

Apr 07, 2016 12:34 AM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

 

           Abolish NAR

Apr 06, 2016 09:12 AM
Rainmaker
261,342
KAREN SANCHEZ
Reputable Realty - Apple Valley, CA
...Marketing your home like no one else will.

I would change the law so that buyer's were not responsible to make sure that seller's paid their taxes.

Apr 06, 2016 04:05 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,716
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Something to make other agents answer there phone that it would not go to a full voice mail.

 

Apr 06, 2016 02:13 AM
Rainer
84,578
Fathom Realty Group Inc.
Fathom Realty Group Inc - Orange, CA
Get Paid what your WORTH!

More educational classes on agent to agent etiquette.

Apr 06, 2016 01:52 AM
Rainer
305,560
Tammy Adams ~ Realtor / Podcaster
Maricopa Real Estate Co - Maricopa, AZ
A Maricopa Agent who Works, Lives & Loves Maricopa

Some pretty darn good answers here.  Since I think a lot would be gained by having better agents out there I have to jump on the bandwagon of better training / apprentice of new agents. Heck, even if you required all the GRI classes before going solo. Yes they cost but maybe they would prove how serious someone was. 

Apr 12, 2016 08:12 AM
Rainer
9,380
Lori Keesey
Arvada, CO

I think something needs to be done about the way our pay is ALWAYS on display.  I don't believe there is ANY other profession that the Commission, Salary, income amount is disclosed over and over again.  So many folks pass judgement on the amount we are paid, those same people have week ends off, get off work and can turn off their phones, get paid regardless, have sick time, health insurance, etc, etc.. and many make more than we do!!  At the same time they have no clue what kind of overhead costs we have, darn, I think sometimes I get charged more for my purchases once they find out what I do.

Apr 11, 2016 04:46 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Realtors would have to pass a personality & ethics class tougher than American Idol.

Apr 10, 2016 11:25 PM
Rainmaker
282,018
Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

One thing..... raise the educational level to that which equals of  an appraisers license and  include a one year training in  ethics.

 

GREAT ideas posted here about entry level and ethics! 

 

Apr 10, 2016 10:19 PM
Rainmaker
183,505
James (Jim) Lawson, DBA
DomainRealty.com LLC - Bonita Springs, FL
Broker Associate, RSPS, BPOR, HI & PE

Far too much time is wasted when agents work with listings where the properties are way over-priced. More agents need to learn how to use data to establish fair market value and convince sellers to properly price their properties. There is way too much wheel-spinning in residential real estate!   

Apr 09, 2016 02:52 PM
Rainmaker
516,437
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in Conroe/Willis, TX

Teach agents how to respect each other and work together - possibly a class on how to work with other realtors.  

Apr 07, 2016 11:41 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Agents should work with a mentor during the first year.

Apr 07, 2016 09:29 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I just love the hear from those newbies what the perception is. Agents who should have their license revoked are still around hanging on to their brokers who should also be disallowed to practice.

Technology improves buyers and sellers so agents are opt to be left out and there will be a lot more discounted brokers like it or not. Stock market went through this the $350 per trade is $6.99 etc.

Apr 07, 2016 04:31 PM
Rainer
20,077
Carly Horsman
Cressy & Everett - Elkhart, IN
Make the Right Move!

Make it harder for a buyer to back out of the contract. 

Apr 07, 2016 11:54 AM
Rainmaker
2,362,977
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Better educational requirements and more useful courses

Apr 07, 2016 07:06 AM
Rainmaker
1,291,481
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

After the week I've just had, if I could wave a magic wand and change anything I'd make EVERYone better, more respectful communicators, Kyle Volenik ...  maybe a simple communication etiquette should be mandatory??

Gene

Apr 07, 2016 05:23 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Electric shock treatments to anyone who harms their clients for their own greedy gain. Ignorance can never be a defense  

Apr 07, 2016 01:04 AM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Raise the bar for entry and maintenance of a license.... Although let's be real, sometimes it's that low bar for entry that makes it easy to soar...  ;)

Apr 06, 2016 09:37 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Mandatory contract for buyers. In that case, they would not be able to work with multiple agents at the same time. 

Apr 06, 2016 04:33 PM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

I kind of like it the way it is, after all we are all in business for ourselves. Am a broker in California and Hawaii and each is very different. I would say Hawaii is much more regulated from the state level which actually makes it easier to do real estate business there. You have to renew your license every 2 years too. In California, they swamp you with forms and the renewal is every 4 years for your license so much looser in my opinion.

Apr 06, 2016 04:13 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Kyle Volenik - the attitude of some agents! 

Apr 06, 2016 03:52 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

To make it madatory to use a Real Estate Agent when buying and selling a home or property.

Apr 06, 2016 12:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Fully electronic closings with no bricks and mortar or paper.

Apr 06, 2016 09:49 AM
Rainmaker
50,831
Lana Mosley
Keller Williams Realty Services - Hammond, LA
Building my empire one listing at a time.

Make them answer the PHONE.  And respond to an email within 24 hrs!

Apr 06, 2016 09:31 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Keep both agents and customers responsible for their actions.

Apr 06, 2016 05:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Get rid of lazy agents.

Apr 06, 2016 03:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

I don't control what others do in the business.  Each person and company runs their own business model.

Apr 06, 2016 01:30 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Less paperwork is a good start

Apr 05, 2016 11:33 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

ONE thing only. yikes.

Here it goes....however, give thought to the long term benefits that will result.

REQUIRE a BROKER to sustain a predefined annual agent transaction sides goal and if not achieved agent receives 'trainee' status.

A broker who predominate agent status is 'trainee' will change away from the failure system they currently support.

Apr 05, 2016 11:25 PM