1. The trend of suggesting that people should ignore the news, turn off the tv, it's all distorted by the media, we are at the bottom, only we know the truth , trust me thing. As they say denial ain't just a river....

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This is true, two of the most disturbing things, IMO are sellers who ignore the news and think their houses are worth more than they never were, and realtors who list at those prices.

1. The trend of suggesting that people should ignore the news, turn off the tv, it's all distorted by the media, we are at the bottom, only we know the truth , trust me thing. As they say denial ain't just a river....

As for the degree, who's smart, who knows what comments. The RE industry is no different than any other, some are honest, hard working, and will provide excellent service. Some will be less so and some are just bad news. It's always the smart consumers job to be informed enough to tell the difference. When did education become the determing factor in who we trust or who does the job better? Is it not the results that count especially in a large financial committment?

Another deflating 1.1 cents worth, Dunes

Thanks to all, especially JR in New Yak, who gave "trolls creating profiles that say they are real estate pros" as his answer. A troll is "a fearsome member of a race of creatures from Norse mythology," whereas a realtor is merely "a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors." Which leads to the next question: who is more suited to negotiate effectively on behalf of buyers and sellers, trolls commissioning realtors or realtors trolling for commissions?

In my opinion its "D" the banks that play games by "lowball" listing their homes and therefore start the bidding war! It's so frustrating for the average person looking for a home to be outbid all the time even when the offer is thousands over "list price"

Mike, all of your answers assume that we are an entity and that we are all equal, have the same values, make the same decisions, offer the same advice. It does not take an educated person to realize that your assumptions are wrong.

Realtors will always be needed because the home buying process gets more complicated as time goes on. Every year the laws get more complicated and more disclosures are required. Marketing is constantly evolving and your euphoric online presence is already here it is a combination of sites powered by Realtors, Realtor.com, Trulia.com, homes.com... The best sites on the internet are either provided by or based on Realtors.

If you notice all Realtors don't say Buy, Buy, Buy and because of this forum you are able to sort through alot of agents that wouldn't fit your criteria as a good agent. Oppose Realtors if you like but in the end all that matters is where does your money go, If you choose to use a Realtor then you are fueling a profession you don't like. Your other choice is to buy a home by an unrepresented seller, Hopefully your doctorate in proctology will help you in that case.

Half the agents in my office are retired teachers, so at least all of them have graduate degrees. Couple of Phds there, too. What is this fallacy? Do you think all agents are high school dropouts or something? Really now, Mike, are you a teacher? I find it's usually teachers who think degrees equate superiority. You guys repeat the same lies over and over: we get our licenses after a weekend class, we all say IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BUY all the time, whether or not it is, we get paid too much, we make a quick buck, etc etc. Really Mike, maybe YOU should become a realtor, it's such a high paying easy job! Newsflash, Mikey, scholastic rankings have nothing to do with REALTORS. And it seems you have a pretty dour view of our country, too. Are you that angry all the time or just when you're posting in these forums?

David,
How many of your fellow realtors (%) have a graduate degree? Or better yet, how many have a BS/BA? Realty is the death of this economy. This is mainly due to fraudulent lending, Acorn, "the american dream" (i.e. keep up with the Joneses). Realtors have not helped with the enormous inflation of real estate over the past 8 yrs. You guys push the highest price, because you benefit via commissions. Then you try to scare people into buying in a market that is falsely elevated (AZ is still 70% higher than 2002). You say that the bottom is here and everybody must buy now. Unfortunately/fortunately, I feel most local realtors will be a thing of the past with the new online realtor shops with low commissions popping up. Using a realtor to tell you about the regional school system, etc, is no longer needed with current data found online. Trying to make a quick buck is a big problem in this country, and realtors are a prime example. Just take a look at our horrible scholastic rankings vs other developed countries.

Z.) sellers who think their home is better than everybody elses on the market

d) trolls creating profiles that say they are real estate pros.

f)Buyers viewing over a 150 homes
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And lowballing all 20 of their offers.

f)Buyers viewing over a 150 homes

e. banks not losing improtant paperwork.

A Realtor making more than someone with a Ph.D is a tribute to the work that they have put in to their business.

Mike, any one can start a business if they like. Real estate is an entrepreneuriall endevor whether you are a real estate agent or invester, you get out of it exactly what you put into it . They are people just like you trying to live the american dream.

General statements like yours are useless. You have no idea what education any particular agent has.

Well, the realtors working in restaurants isn't disturbing. If you have an adequate education, there are jobs available (not in finance). Realty is a big scam. All you need is a certificate; then charge 6%. Realtors making more than Ph.D's and MD's is disturbing.

D) Home Buyers Waiting to get Pre-Qualified but still choose to preview homes.