RealTown's BlogTalk

But Dick that's not true in my case. I have a bachelor's and a master's degree from well-recognized schools and my education also tells the world of my professionalism.

Here in the Princeton, NJ area, most realtors have at least a bachelor's degree. Many of us have advanced degrees and were formerly successful in another profession Many of us including myself are also fluent in foreign languages (and we have a huge immigrant population to serve here). Our clientele is largely well educated and internationally-oriented and they expect the same in their realtors.

In any case, I cannot imagine how giving gifts shows one's professionalism. It is certainly not a substitute for education!

My car mechanic has a lot less education than I do and he never gives me a gift, either. In fact, I can't think of another industry in which this happens. It is obviously a vestige of when your realtor was just your neighbor helping out a friend for "pin money." In my mind giving gifts makes the realtor look insecure and as if she's begging for your business.

I still say, do a good job and collect your fee. It's bad enough we do so much work for no money under current payment models. Clients ought to pay for each service they receive, no more free rides for buyers and sellers who aren't really motivated to sell. Again, which other service provider, from surgeons to car mechanics, frequently performs non-charity work for no renumeration?

The client will come back to you if you have done well by them. If not, a plant or a gift certificate isn't going to make the difference.

Well said Deborah - I especially like your 5th paragraph as I
really can't understand how this business continues to allow
such a totally poor model to continue into the 21st century.
It allows buyers and sellers to take complete advantage of
realtors while making foolish mistakes on their own.
 

Sincerely,
David