So, short answer is I don’t know for sure.

I understand what you’re saying. I just can’t find my way to see one side without seeing the other as well.

But I appreciate the commentary!

Most buyers I work with seem to feel this way. They feel that they are paying both the Buyer’s agent and the Seller’s agent, because that fee has been built into the purchase price of the house.

If the sellers’ net is impacted, then it can’t be said that they’re not paying at least a portion of the commissions. You can divide it any way you choose from there.

I also agree that the Seller doesn’t really pay the Buyer’s agent’s commission. In GA we have closing attorneys. THE BUYER brings ALL OF THE MONEY to the closing table. The attorney pays the buyer’s agent and the sellers agent, and everyone else according to the contract. The fact that the buyer is paying for the various costs is evidenced by the fact that the buyer gets to deduct some of the closing costs even if they are on the Seller’s side of the HUD. (ask your accountant)

Unfortunately, I don’t think there’s any true solution that will sort it all out. I do believe that localization could be a big help in curbing some of it, but even then, I think there will be other problems. I do think that one of the next steps in the internet evolution will be more policing eventually. Not just at Trulia, but anywhere the public is talking. I’m not talking about jackboots and military uniforms here, just more people like Rudy who will step in and talk it out with users; suggesting things, helping people, and explaining site policies. I think the more public you get, the more moderated you need to be on the internet, because we all know the anonymous nature (even when you’re not anonymous, people still feel that they are on the internet for some reason) of the internet does bring out some strange traits in people.

Matt911
(I’ve decided to change my name in JD’s honor…haha.)

Part of my reluctance to jump in is the fear of being lumped into “that” crowd, regardless of my answer. Silly, yes, but still …

Consider that when I’m talking to another agent and they mention a “creative” answer and the city where the person giving the answer lives, I can guess who gave that answer in one try. Two tops. Probably not coincidental.

I do answer some questions about of state. They tend to be how to get a home sold in a generic sense. I always recommend speaking to someone about local conditions however.

Kris – I cringe in the same spots. Anytime I hear an agent say that anything is in ‘good condition’ I flinch just a bit. To see an agent say this online about a property they’ve likely never seen is exactly the type of danger that we should be wary of.

I was consistently answering questions on Trulia up until the last couple months. I have mixed feelings about the platform and the quality (or lack thereof) of some of the responses makes me extremely nervous and often uncomfortable.

And while I agree with the point you make about many consumers knowing good from bad, they may follow bad advice, or accept bad information, and I think the point here is that in this powerful tool, it would be nice if there was a way to avoid the “bad” answers so there was no risk of the consumer being hurt listening to the wrong information. The problem there as I see it is that a matching agent geography does not indicate competence -

I was on another forum where the poster asked what “time is of the essence” meant. An agent answered the question completely incorrectly. It was answered correctly by two other agents right after her.

To me those are the types of questions that will cause a lawsuit.

Not answering a poster’s question and the blantant bid for business or referral money is irritating, but that just reflects poorly on those agents.

Agents are giving bad advice all the time, the difference between Voices / Blogs is that they are doing it in a more public forum.

Just like ActiveRain, Blogs and all other medians, it’s not necessarily the platform but the lack of education and training that permeates this industry.

Every time an agent opens their mouths and especially when they blog (even when it’s not directed to consumers) they open themselves up to liability.

And I’m sure when Pete sells his home, he notices the proceeds coincidentally are light by the amount of the commission.

Never be afraid to do the right thing.

Incidentally, the dozens of buyers I’ve represented during that time have had no issue with how I’ve performed my duties. So it’s probably not your place to do so otherwise, much as I love you.

As a wise person said, “we’re not the judges of geniuses.”

P.S. Ardell’s the one who got me blogging, so if you don’t like what I write, blame her.