-Tyler

“Tax credit extended to April!!!”

And it had a link to an article titled: Senate Approves Extended U.S. Homebuyer Tax Credit

Someone needs to read the Constitution. Or retake high school civics.

Got an email this morning from a local lender saying the credit extension and expansion was approved and to call him.

Why would I send my clients to a lender that can’t A) read; B) comprehend; and/or C) gives a damn about being accurate?

I’ve almost given up trying to help people understand how all this misinformation is a bad thing. It frustrates the hell out of me.

Fred – I think it will political suicide for anyone to stand in its way. Sad to say it, but I do believe it. I myself wish it was not extended. What message are we sending by continuously extending it? The people that didn’t jump on it this year…will they still be waiting for bigger and better come April 2010?

Mark – I wonder if some of those same people who I watched sending out that info were serious about their social media and blogging efforts or just doing it because they wanted to feel like the mouthpiece for the news (so that clients would “flock” to them)…much like Jim said. I didn’t spend time researching how each person was utilizing their blogs or Twitter accounts, but I kind of wish I had, it might have been an interesting look at two different belief systems when it comes to real estate blogging/tweeting.

Jim – Thanks for stopping by. I loved your tweet and it stuck with me as I continued to think about the issue. I had some thoughts about the idea of the Code Of Ethics and I would think that in the future, NAR will have to look at the issue a little closer and perhaps refine some more of the language in the Code Of Ethics. Then again, what would I know…I’m “just a blogger.”

Here’s a tangential thought – extend the new social media CoE Standards of Practice … sure, the statements weren’t about other Realtors or business practices, but they sure were inaccurate.

It’s a damn shame that people refer to what a lot of us do professionally as “just blogging”.

Sometimes the responsible thing is to wait.

Mark – I’d argue that a relative few of those who were posting inaccurate information recognize or care that they may be perceived as being “trusted sources;” many write because they feel that they “should, because everyone else is” and not because they intend to be accurate, authentic, authoritative sources of information and analysis.

Seriously, remember when the Sec’y of HUD mentioned something about “monetizing” the tax credit into the FHA loans at the NAR Mid-Year in DC? Hell, it was all over Twitter before the guy left the podium that home buyers might, perhaps,if HUD could arrange a plan be able to use the $8,000 tax credit for a down payment.

It’s this whole thing of wanting to get out there 1st with information…as if that really means anything.

Truth be told, though, even “reputable” bloggers cum journalists sometimes use the platform for their nefarious purposes.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch people!