Can You Handle the Truth?

At Help-U-Sell we know there is a lot of misinformation about us out there

They say we're a discount broker:   FALSE! We are a full service broker providing all the same service as traditional brokers. 

They say our fees are paid up front:  FALSE!  We are paid at the closing just like you.

They say we don't have training:  FALSE!  Our training is highly rated by outside sources and is continuous and FREE!

They say we lack technology:  FALSE!  Our technology is definitely ahead of the curve and improving every day.  PLUS we OWN our technology platform and don't have to rely on outside vendors for changes and updates and there is NEVER a charge to our franchisees or agents. 

They say we lack support:  FALSE!  Our Tech Time Tuesday is an ongoing training on our systems and updates on all the many programs agents and brokers are approached about all the time.  Our Wednesday Power Hour is a broker get together on best practices, ideas and general communication.  Plus, our home office staff responds immediately to any help we may need.

Stop by Booth 201 at Triple Play next week for a refreshing chat or we can schedule a private meeting.  You'll be glad you did and at least you will know the truth.  Our VP of Development, Ron McCoy with be available all day and evening Tuesday and Wednesday.

WHY I NO LONGER SUPPORT "BRAS FOR A CAUSE" AND OTHER EVENTS

Last night was the 4th annual "Bras for a Cause" gala at the Captains Inn in Forked River.  It was sponsored by the Ocean County Chapter of the Woman's Council of Realtors.  The industry promotes several occasions like this including Toys for Tots and the Children's Miracle Network and others.  Please know that I support these and other causes in my own way -- Who wouldn't?

HERE IS MY PROBLEM

The real estate industry sponsors these and other events but who knows how much brokers and agents  personally give?  AND, anyone who has followed me on social media or knows me personally also knows that I am an EXTREME critic of percentage based real estate commissions where sellers pay more and more as the selling price of a home goes up.  For instance, a $300,000 sellers pays double that of a $150,000 seller and a $450,000 seller pays an astounding triple at any given commission rate which are always negotiable.  (Although the overwhelming majority are 5% to 7%.

SO WHATS WITH THESE FUNDRAISERS?

Think of it.  All the industry has to do is donate the DISGRACEFUL EXCESS from a few transactions each year and these monetary needs are met.  Here is the unfortunate truth.

THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY HAS MASTERED THE ART OF CAPITALIZING ON THE UNFORTUNATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF OTHERS, GETTING THE PUBLIC TO PAY AND MAKING THEMSELVES LOOK LIKE THE HERO'S!

I just can't buy into it anymore.  I tried for a few years but my conscience scolded me.  So I'll continue being a good citizen in my own way.

Real estate agent friends.  Please don't make any comments unless you can explain what EXTRA services you provide for the EXTRA money sellers pay the example above.

THE BEVERLY CARTER HORROR

We all know by now of the tragic loss of Beverly.  I have no idea why she went to a rural vacant house alone to meet a stranger.  This lady is experienced and I'm baffled as to why she ignored an obvious danger.  But the fact that she was an attractive female should not shroud the danger to all real estate agents including men.  In this crazy world of drugs and violence men are at risk as much as women.  Why?  Jewelry, cell phones and other electronics, automobiles, cash and more.  Several years ago an ex marine agent was found dead and his personal belongings were taken.   A New Jersey agent was killed by one of her listing people when she visited them for a price reduction. 

I hope your next office meeting is one where your safety procedures are reviewed.  Everyone is a target due to the drug problem.  Discuss within your office what jewelry or other things makes you stand out.  And don't take anything for granted.  You too GUYS!!

WARREN BUFFETT, SHAME ON YOU.

Warren Buffett is one of the world's richest men and the author of books on wealth accumulation and a published New York Times article called "Stopped Coddling the Super Rich".  He also preaches conservatism and lives in the same house since 1958.   But last year he put his Berkshire Hathaway name on a real estate company which is mainly residential.

Now anyone who has read this blog knows how unfair percentage real estate commissions are.  As the value of the house increases the sellers pay more because of the percentage and get very little or no additional services.  A seller of a $300,000 home pays $2500-$5000 more that a $200,000 seller depending on who presents the buyer.  A $400,000 seller pays $5000 to $10,000 more and it gets insane from there.

These are not necessarily wealthy people - they could be your neighbors.  So why then does Warren Buffet's company suck hundreds of millions of undisclosed dollars from the folks on Main Street and pay the profits to wealthy stock holders who pay around $200,000 per share - what many houses sell for?  GREED!

Shame on you Warren Buffett - Shame on You!

A CHALLANGE TO REAL ESTATE AGENTS (NOT BROKERS)

Almost every month I ask what you do EXTRA for a $400,000 seller for the EXTRA commissions you charge compared to a $200,000 seller (figures for example only.  Commissions are always negotiable but we know that's a joke too!)  Now I am asking you - the folks who are in the trenches as real estate sales agents - to go to your broker and ask the same question.  Demand an answer!  Nail them down and remember, this is YOUR client in YOUR office.

I know there is no answer so let me ask you WHY you work for a company that disrespects your clients this way.  (I know the answer is greed but give it a try.)  And WHY do you disrespect your clients this way when they put their trust in you in one of the more important transactions they could have?

Again  --  YOUR client in YOUR office.  I look forward to hearing from you.

THE ENDLESS CYCLE OF REAL ESTATE

 Once again I remind my real estate friends that the lead hawkers have no control over the size of the market - how many sellers or buyers are active at any one time.  It’s impossible to feed fresh leads to even 10% of NAR members yet many of you still buy them.  I’ll bet you don’t even know why.  It’s because of YOUR BROKER who is one of the biggest enemies you can have in real estate!

You see, the agent business model relies on a constant flow of new blood to go out and seek business from their circle of influence.  Most experienced agents have worked with buyers only to lose them because a friend or relative just got their license. “Sorry, I really liked you though.  (Sniff).”  The industry’s constant recruiting creates a million NAR members (not including referral agents) where there is a need for about a third of them.  This creates a “fish in a barrel” environment and in order to stand out from the crowd agents spend tons of money marketing themselves.  And since most states require you to put your broker’s information in ads, you are really building the franchise and broker’s brand – not necessarily yours.  Is this necessary?

No.  Offer consumers a fair proposition and the results will follow.  Work in an office where there is one agent for each 10,000 of population instead of enough agents to fill a college lecture hall.  Be different, spend less and enjoy more time with your family, church or civic organization.  It’s so great to be Help-U-Sell.  Who has the courage to put greed aside and do what’s right for your clients.  And, SURPRISE!  You’ll make at least as much without feeding the lead hawkers.

IS YOUR FRIEND TRULY A FRIEND?

You answer your door one night and your friend the real estate agent is standing there with a sack.

“Put $10,000 in the sack”, demands your friend.

“You will never see it again!

You will never receive any value for it!

Don’t ask what it’s for – it’s none of your business!

Just put the money in the sack!”

Would you do it?

Well, that’s exactly what you’re doing when you sign a percentage listing agreement based on the value of your home -- and   ‘throwing money in the sack’ is exactly what a “friend” is asking you to do!  Whether your home is worth $200,000 or $1,000,000 the transaction is the same!  Why would a friend ask you to pay more?

Call Help-U-Sell today to see how you can stop paying painful commissions with our common sense marketing plans!  Our unique set fee system allows you to price your home more competitively yet walk away with more of your equity!

For 38 years in hundreds of offices Help-U-Sell has saved sellers over two BILLION dollars.  Why not you!!

How Sellers Can Save the Most with Help-U-Sell Real Estate

Here's a recent article about my real estate consumer efforts.

http://smallbusinesstrendsetters.com/consumer-crusader-dan-desmond-fights-for-set-fee-real-estate-commissions/

When will they ever get it? Don't they care about their constituants?

Hey everyone, take a look at page 45 of this edition of the Home Shopper. It's the letter I wrote to the Real Estate Commission at the end of January. The only response I received was from the Real Estate Commission who informed me that the disclosure I was seeking would have to come from the legislature. Well, DUH!. Why didn't those idiots have it introduced? Easy, because it would be beneficial to the public and the Real Estate Commission, which is also supposed to protect the public, consists of real estate brokers and non licensed cronies. In the meantime, the public is losing over $100,000,000 PER YEAR in undisclosed excess commissions. I have also visited our legislative office twice but no response.

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http://barnegatbayhomes.helpusell.com/lf.aspx?lf=Help-U-Sell%20Buyer%20Reba

 Here is free money for anyone who is represented by Help-U-Sell Bay Beach Realty when you purchase your new home.