Top 10 real estate posts of the day for 2/17/2010

Here is today’s list of top real estate posts of the day.

1) HVCC (Home Valuation Code of Conduct) causes dysfunction… again – It is a shame what is going on with appraisers right now. They were a big part of the problem during the run up in home prices when they were including things like pending offers, and now they are a part of the problem on the extreme opposite. If a house has 5 offers on it from $100-110k such as a recent one here, how can it only be worth 87k? Not sure if they don’t care about what is going on, or just don’t get it. And I am not sure which is worse. This rant turned into longer than the post I am linking to.

2) The Age Old Dual Agency in Real Estate Debate – One of the best write-ups on dual agency I have seen in a while. This phrase is just classic… Dual Agency is a hold over from the days before we had agency laws that protected buyers. I view Dual Agency sorta like your appendix, it no longer has any practical use but for whatever reason, we’ve not evolved enough to purge them from our DNA. And, both can kill you when they go bad! …. I agree in theory, but I do think there is no problem with a buyer and seller being represented from people in the same office, but not the same real estate agent license representing both (see my comment on the post)

3) Tip Tuesday: 5 Ways to Make the Most Out of LinkedIn – LinkedIn is one of those tools I know I should use more, want to use more, and know how to use better, but just don’t. I guess there is only so much time in the day.

4) Top 10 Cities to Bargain for a House – This video bugs the heck out of me. Nothing like sensationalizing something for views. “House listed at $365k, but sold for $290k” like it is a normal thing. They do mention that the average price is 93% of list price in that city, but the highlight for sure is the one extreme case that gives buyer a false sense of the market. I smell a video later today.

5) The Importance of REALTOR® Accreditations – Starting to feel like a negative-Nellie. Give me a break. The importance of REALTOR© Accreditations is zero. From those who have taken the e-Pro course I hear basically if you can send an email you can get the accreditation. What is accreditation really for? $$$$$. That is right Mr. Consumer, the agent has to pay every year to be able to use that accreditation that may or may not help in their job. How about teaching agents what they need to know before we give them their license.  Would love to have seen comments open on that one.

6) NAR Needs Major Education Reform to Preserve Our Industry – Maybe the reason comments were off was because of this post and comments.

7) Will Interest Rates Jump When The Fed Quits Buying Mortgage Bonds? – You need to read this so you understand what is happening.

8) Brokers: Emerge from marketing hibernation with caution – Brokers READ THIS!!!. I am going to start asking the guys at 1000watt blog to start posting their stuff directly to my Top 10. They just produce great content and it is a rare occasion when they post something and it does not make the list. Those who made it through are awakening from a long hibernation to find a changed world. Which is all very exciting. But step deliberately out of the darkness!

9) 7 Hours on Facebook? – Do you need more proof that Facebook is where you need to be to stay on the mind of your sphere?

10) #RETT – A Very Bright Idea (Audio Interview) – If you are not following what is going on with #RETT in Phoenix, you should. It will be a game changer.

Tagged as: #RETT, accredidations, dual agency, interest rates, NAR, Real Estate Technology