Brownstoner Launches Brokerate.com
Remember when we asked for some volunteers a couple of weeks ago to beta-test a new service? Well, forty or so readers pitched in (thanks everyone!) and the result is a new website for rating and commenting on real estate brokers around the five boroughs–Brokerate.com. We’re not delusional enough to be unaware of the potential…
Remember when we asked for some volunteers a couple of weeks ago to beta-test a new service? Well, forty or so readers pitched in (thanks everyone!) and the result is a new website for rating and commenting on real estate brokers around the five boroughs–Brokerate.com. We’re not delusional enough to be unaware of the potential pitfalls of the project or the potential (near certainty, make that) for brokers to write about themselves and get their friends to vote for them. We’ve taken some steps to mitigate that behavior, but in the end we think people’s b.s. detectors are pretty good and that the honest anecdotes–good and bad–that people contribute will shine through. For the project to work, though, it’s going to need a lot of input up front, so we’re hoping that you’ll find the time over the next few days to browse through the list of brokers who’ve already been uploaded (you can sort the existing list by borough, ranking, broker last name, agency name) and provide feedback where you can. Then add the names of other brokers you’ve had experiences with. Our biggest plea to everyone is to remain courteous and civil even when expressing negative opinions. If you just write “This guy’s a loser” without providing any anecdotal context it’s going to carry a lot less weight. So please be honest, smart and civil–and thanks in advance for helping to create what we hope will be a useful tool for navigating what can be a stressful and frustrating experience.
Thanks,
Brownstoner
View All Brokers [Brokerate]
Rating Brokers [NY Times]
Bad Broker Beware [Gothamist]
Cool new Thing: Brokerate.com [Curbed]
Check out the comments on Michael Shvo.
He’s a highly successful young broker with a very successful firm of his own. I’m sure many of you have read the articles about his aggressive style.
It’s amazing how many jealous brokers are complaining about him! To me this is a perfect example of the certain failure of Brokerate to actually somehow help make it easier to choose an agent.
If the most successful agents are also the most maligned, what’s the point of this new website?
Sorry, Brownstoner, I agree that a FSBO start-up would be much more helpful. I don’t think anyone will be able to take this new site seriously with all the “he sucks, she sucks” comments.
On the other hand, if Brownstoner’s goal is PUBLICITY, this site could hit the motherload and lead to huge advertising revenues and tie-ins to other Brownstoner websites.
Am I wrong, or have I just read Brownstoner’s mind?
Anon 8:22–Bill Gates isn’t in a “people” business. No matter how good you are, if you rub people the wrong way, that’s what they’re going to pass on to their friends. Plus, people in Brooklyn choose to live here and not on the Upper East Side for a reason. We expect different things from a broker– at least when we’re buying. My guess is that everyone wants a pit bull when they’re selling and a kitten when they’re buying.
It looks like people are posting information about both brokers and agents, although mostly agents.
However the input field only specifies broker information.
Are people entering agent information in the broker fields. I’m a little confused.
i think that this is truly the worst idea that i have ever seen/read. i am a broker and all the comments are so lame and really quite useless. everyone has a different experience with people. some people might find those “tough ass rude” brokers to be fantastic. take carrie chang who works for corcoran on the upper east side, she didn’t get to the top of her game by being nice? who does? was bill gates nice? please. this is just another place where brokers can get more coverage.
it’s so stupid and anyone who believes any of is stupid too! these brokers who have posted things themselves saying how great they are should be ashamed of their self congratulatory bullshit.
Nice job Brownstoner. I think it’s a wonderful idea. Keep up the good work.
Good point. Basically, if everyone on Brokerate acts like Ed, it’ll be a flop.
I don’t get Ed’s beef because I don’t really see any opinions expressed in Bstoner’s intro. I’m guessing he must mean the request to keep the comments civil, but there’s a point to that, since like Bstoner says, if you bash someone without justfication it won’t carry much weight. The only thing I’d add is, same goes for praising someone without evidence.
Go for it, Ed. Sure you’ll get lots of readers.
I agree with Bob on this- and I am sure that if there was a notice that this is a personal rating system, it should be fine. Lots of places allow reviews of products, and services anyhow. If you’re speaking from personal experience, it isn’t libel. If a broker needs to fix his methods, they’ll find out here. If they’re doing great, same thing. And bear in mind, everyone has different experiences. Thanks Brownstoner for trying to offer more helpful services. If someone objects to it, don’t use it. And how about people stop insulting Brownstoner for trying? Tell me you don’t ask for refs when you’re shopping a contractor. If not, you get what you deserve. That’s not thought police. If you don’t like the site you’re free to go elsewhere.