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Tony Lewis, Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo (Summit Real Estate Group)

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Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

And how's that goin? When I got into the business there wasn't that bad of a public profile. We can only do what we can do & really .... we have to start walking the walk & the talk by reporting agents that are not doing things correctly. Nothing will ever change if we don't.

May 05, 2016 08:48 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I continue to help raise our profession every day.

May 05, 2016 08:55 AM
Ambassador
2,178,703
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

There are too many agents, the entry level is too low and the training too lacking to raise the bar.

May 05, 2016 08:53 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Not really we really need to up the training and education like Carol Williams said

May 05, 2016 10:21 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Like you, I strive to elevate the reputation of our industry daily.  It is an uphill battle.

May 05, 2016 10:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,090,922
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

It is an uphill battle and one reason I serve on committees at our Board.

 

May 05, 2016 09:02 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Many good responses here.  Each of us need to do our part to rise above the negative image created by less professional members

May 05, 2016 10:52 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

No, there is jsut too many unethical agents in this business that keep that stereotype alive and well.

May 05, 2016 09:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I think there will always be people who don't trust us.

May 05, 2016 09:46 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'm a broker. Never sold anyone anything. Helped a lotta people make sensible purchases, sales and leases.

May 05, 2016 09:34 AM
Ambassador
1,453,069
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I'm a salesperson and I take great pride in being professional about it!  There are too many people in the business who can only thrive when "selling" is not involved. When 5 minutes after signing a listing, you have multiple offers. 

When the going gets tough, I wish more would get going

May 05, 2016 09:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Having been the proverbial car salesman; there are good ones and then the rest just like real estate. Looking at some of the tactics being played out by the newer agents the profession will be kept digging out of a hole!

May 05, 2016 09:06 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Not in my area it hasn't

May 05, 2016 09:02 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

I don't honestly know Tony Lewis, but do know that I'm a professional in real estate, who is helping, and happy and honored to do so, both Buyers and Sellers.  People have my expertise, my caring, my knowledge, and my heart.   

May 05, 2016 11:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

The NAR has had the opportunity to raise the professional status of the REALTOR for decades but has failed its membership terribly. In the coming decade you will have a much better chance to rise to new levels in my opinion.

May 05, 2016 10:30 AM
Ambassador
5,049,477
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Sadly there are some that have not

May 05, 2016 10:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

In most people's eyes, I think the competent ones are above those.  The incompetent ones... make the used car salesman look good!

May 05, 2016 09:48 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Yes I believe Representation & Agency has elevated us !!!

May 05, 2016 09:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,833
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 were never in that category; sales agents were and still are. I do my part to keep the Realtor brand reputable.

May 05, 2016 09:37 AM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

No.  Many Brokers and Agents (like you) have tried to raise the image, but there are too many in this industry who will keep us right there with the "car or shoe salesman".

May 05, 2016 08:48 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,439
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

As I channel Susan Emo I keep my eye on my own reputation.

May 06, 2016 12:36 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Not always. And a few do great damage to many.

May 05, 2016 10:06 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

No, the studies still show that the public still believes this.

Until you do away with paid referrals, non enforcement of the COE and easy license sales Realtors will continue to earn this reputation.

May 05, 2016 06:41 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Tony. Unfortunately there are some bad apples that hurt the image of the outstanding Realtors, no different than the mortgage business.

May 05, 2016 06:27 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Not this Realtor. I give 110% percent

May 05, 2016 01:41 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

It's going to take a lot more training and maybe a requirement for an intership before we can expect a little more respect. 

May 05, 2016 01:20 PM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

i think salespeople in general are looked down upon. having said that, i think RE is slightly above car and shoe (unless its nordstroms lol)

May 05, 2016 12:45 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I don't think we are thought of in that way any longer and have been elevated to close to a mortician and attorney. Yikes.

May 05, 2016 12:29 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Snake oil? Buy now and at no extra charge, you get a set of knives? The thing is, leads to some agents are like to chum to sharks

May 05, 2016 11:20 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

No, we just have another influx of them now that homes are selling again

May 05, 2016 11:01 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

I think we are doing OK.

May 20, 2017 05:32 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I am not into using the title Realtor ... I refer to myself as consultant and agent. We need to report the bad guys and continue to do what we can to show the public that we are not all alike.

May 06, 2016 03:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Tony Lewis As long as REALTOR® is associated with the salespersons stigma, nothing will change.

May 06, 2016 12:26 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

WE MARKET....LISTING AGENTS ARE MARKETING AGENTS.... 

May 06, 2016 12:01 AM
Rainmaker
5,217,017
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

I am following Lyn Sims this morning and have nothing further to offer!

May 05, 2016 11:34 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Never connected them in the first place!!

May 05, 2016 11:29 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,431
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

No. 

May 05, 2016 10:23 PM
Rainmaker
823,579
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

As individuals, we can make a difference in our profession by being professional. While we would love for everyone in our profession to measure up, we are only responsible for ourselves.

May 05, 2016 09:07 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

It would depend on the person's experience.

May 05, 2016 08:50 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

$$$$$$ vs $.

It is the volume of business that makes a difference.

May 05, 2016 02:53 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Tony Lewis - in our profession, if we are good, we are good. Every profession has some 'bad apples'. Some has more bad apples than others...

May 05, 2016 02:07 PM
Rainmaker
4,160,899
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Tony Lewis An interesting question!

May 05, 2016 01:29 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

The only folks I ever hear who parallel car or shoe salesmen to REALTOR are agents thinking the are the cream of the crop.

NO ONE CARES!

But agents keep bringing it up, breathing life into the urban legend, and invariably chat, "Raise the bar."

Did you know most car dealer sales folk make more than the average real estate agent?  They seem to understand what the craft of sales is and have adapted to the changing expectation of the public.

 

May 05, 2016 10:35 AM