If you read Trulia's community guidelines, you'll see that this kind of action is highly discouraged.

But I think that the general public is smart enough to discern the difference between agents who are adding value to the conversation, and agents who are just out there shilling for business.

I agree with you. If you are not qualified to answer a question, you should not. Nor should an Agent use a out of state questions a referral tool. Thats not what a customer expects and a good Agent should always be geared to fulfilling customer expectations.

I agree. I think if you are going to provide information on any topic you are doing an injustice to all agents by not being informed. I live in TN & I know nothing about CO.

I would agree with what Elv!s mentioned... the general public probably sees right through this type of post for exactly what it is... non-advice and rolls their eyes accordingly! We probably shouldn't understimate the users of this site. That goes both ways... don't underestimate that your non-advice post won't be taken as horse puckey and don't underestimate the savvy surfer that is frequenting our "Voices." However, I share your frustrations!

It is an interesting point. Two things I find a little troubling. I have noticed agents answering questions outside of their likely area of expertise. There are some issues about Real Estate that may lend themselves to any agent being able to assist, but there are quite a few agents who offer nothing but I can refer you to an agent.
If they actually know a great agent in that area, that is helpful. If they are offering no knowledge and just trying to squeeze a referral fee, I think it reflects poorly on their intentions. I hoping this is not the point of the site.
The other issue I find troubling is similar; agents that answer a question with one or two non useful sentences just to be first. I like to get the first answer spot, but our goal I am hoping is to help people, not a contest of speed.
i think it is a great question, thanks!

Thank you for everyone's responses. I suppose enough thumbs downs will eventually catch up with this person and it will hurt her business locally as well when customers read her profile.

I think this is what killed (or at least maimed) the Q+A over at Localism/ AR. Instead of working on creating a web 2.0 community it fostered a bunch of competing buffoons fighting for table scraps.

Get over it! You must see yourself as a global agent in a global market. Your license may limit you in showing properties abroad, but part of the benefits of licensure is that you can refer anyone, anywhere, at anytime. Don't take the offer as a personal attack against you or your position as a intrastate realtor, but rather, how can you develop a value proposition that "sets you apart" across the globe. This is a national and global network, expand your borders!

I don't think you should be answering that sort of question. You should stick to your own state, and for that matter, whatever county you are comfortable with as well.

I would ask if the rules have been set up on here or is it more of an ethical question. If agents are using this as a tool to get more business, then we all have to accept that premise. You can always send a note to them directly.