RE Agents Hate Brownstoner
So I been doing lots of open houses the past few months looking for a place. Every time I encounter a real estate agent and mention Brownstoner, their demeanor changes. Some have flat out said they hate this site. What’s with all the animosity towards Brownstoner? This is a great site! Most probably feel we…
So I been doing lots of open houses the past few months looking for a place. Every time I encounter a real estate agent and mention Brownstoner, their demeanor changes. Some have flat out said they hate this site. What’s with all the animosity towards Brownstoner? This is a great site! Most probably feel we (users) force RE agents, developers, etc on being more honest. So they cant cut corners and blatantly lie. What do you all think? Similar experience in the field?
slopefarm — for a case in point on pessimistic yet not overly critical comments, look at the HOTD on Schermerhorn from a month ago.
http://bstoner.wpengine.com/brownstoner/archives/2009/06/house_of_the_da_706.php)
The widget came in a million below the ask, the comments were relatively positive yet few were within 10% of the ask. The listing is no longer on Corcoran, so maybe that was the death knell?
@rob – to pete’s point when Awaye Realty pulled that stunt, it became a contest on who can rip them the biggest one 🙂
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I think too many armchair critics that think they are being witty and clever by coming up with negative comments about any condo or house featured.
Almost a contest to see who can come up with snarkiest criticism.
pete, that is a good point, as that is the case with most blogs. honestly tho, i just do NOT see that here, at all.
maybe when there was “horror show friday” here, but that ceased because it was, well, lame.
*rob*
For the record, the reason we bought our home 3 years ago was Brownstoner. First of all, it was the only web site that came up when I put in “Kent Street, Greenpoint” (at the time I found it beautiful and ideal, and wanted to know more about it). That first click lead me into this world of nose-to-the-brownstone (haha) insider info, both from Mr. B and the argumentative, passionate followers of the site. MORE SPECIFICALLY, there used to be a bar on the left with Real Estate Web site links, and I would scan them religiously every day for new listings. These were not just “corcoran” and “brown harris stevens” — it was all the little local ones. My house appeared one day on the Brooklyn Properties site. I called that night, and without having seen the house or hung out much in the neighborhood where it was located, I told the lovely gentleman on the other end of the line that this was going to be my family’s house, “just so you know.” He laughed but I think he knew I was serious. And I was. Thank you brownstoner, and to any Real Estate broker out there, you really are STUPID and deserve not to sell a thing, if you don’t like brownstoner. This site creates appetite and excitement for neighborhoods, homes, interiors, community awareness, etc. . . It helps many people I know get comfortable with the idea of owning a home — the very people you then get paid mad commissions for seducing into a buy. Anyway, a smart RE agent will know how great this site is for them. Everyone else: you get what you deserve, dimwits.
I’ve had realtors get snippy at me for referencing Streeteasy and Propertyshark. In my experience at a few open houses and email exchanges, almost every single broker has not appreciated that I peruse these sites obsessively. I think that most brokers would prefer a return to the dark ages when we didn’t have such easy access to comps, sale prices, and online communities like Brownstoner and other blogs to learn more about the market.
@cottontop- i disagree with your “half the comments on this website are misinformed and ridiculous.” statement. Yes there is misinformation everywhere but at least we can have a debate about it. Furthermore, it gives us the opportunity to further investigate. Most of the stuff I read from the forum is correct or at least gets my fingertips to Google to further validate whatever statement. I started looking for a place over a year ago and was super difficult, I think coming here and seeing questions posted about buying has helped me out since.
I think too many armchair critics that think they are being witty and clever by coming up with negative comments about any condo or house featured.
Almost a contest to see who can come up with snarkiest criticism.
I have to say despite all the nuttiness that does go on amongst posters, this site is INVALUABLE to many of us who need answers,tips and advice to our RE questions. I have learned so much in the year that I have been actively reading/posting that has honestly given me guidance to make some of my decisions.
I think agents fear this site because it does educate the masses. The worst thing for many agents is to have a potential client be it a renter or buyer who knows all the RIGHT questions to ask….
Basically, all of the above comments are correct.