Re: Google to list property ....
 

Careful Stu, you're beginning to sound like a Cochrane realtor.
I'd recommend the careful re-reading and editing of the above. ;)

Re: Google to list property ....
 

What I am trying to say is that it was never designed to be a consumers tool, its a Realtors tool, with a badly designed consumer portal.

Its not a deliberate disregard for consumers, there is not a nationwide MLS, what you see on Realtor.ca is cobbled together from all the different local MLS systems, each running different software.

Even if Google became super good and had strict listing guidelines the MLS will continue to exist because it is the only comprehensive (there is far more information about a property held on our systems than is made public on Realtor.ca), and more importantly accurate information, that Realtors maintain for our own use.

Re: Google to list property ....
 

I can also see the time when the MLS feeds Google with its listings, I believe this is happening in some US markets already.

I doubt this would pose any problems for Realtors as the more marketing a property gets the better. All of my listings have been syndicated to several dozen internet sites, including Google Base, since I started in Real estate.

Re: Google to list property ....
 

Realtor.ca is not the only portal to the MLS Listings, here in Winnipeg we have a direct entry into our MLS its at:-

http://www.winnipegrealtors.ca/Search.aspx

The search method and speed is different to Realtor.ca and it is updated instantly unlike the update to realtor.ca that can take up to 48 hours.

I expect your own local Real Estate Board will have something similar.


This is the sort of information we give out locally, from one of my listings:-


http://www.winnipegrealtors.ca/viewe...52&direct=true

Re: Google to list property ....
 

I have to chuckle to myself at the above posts.

In Canada or the UK, all realtors/estate agents really do is put those that are sellling houses in touch with those that wish to purchase them. Canadian realtors may pick their clients up, drive them around, open the front door, advise their clients to sign poorly drafted contracts and provide pens and cookies for their clients. However they dress it up. I accept that, as this is all they have ever known, North Americans are happy to pay very high commissions to their realtors to provide such services.

But, in light of the fact that listings on MLS and realtor.ca, to purchasers rather than realtors, are way out of date, the fact that Google's listing may or may not be right up to date is unlikely to significantly sway purchasers. Kijiji no doubt suffers with this but people still use it.

A system that is user friendly and convenient will rival what realtors actually do when push comes to shove. I am very happy that the realtors don't feel threatened by this, time will tell if such faith is justified.

As I said above, I would love to know how realtors acting for purchasers will react to showing their clients houses that are so listed, knowing full well it is likely that the vendor will not pay their commission. The whole "I will act in your best interest and your's alone", will be put to the test then. I suggest that at least one realtor that has commented on this thread would not show his/her clients to that house, no matter how well it fits their requirements. Non existent professional ethics me thinks:ohmy:

Re: Google to list property ....
 

Things are always changing in real estate. If the 'competition act' regulators get their way they are wanting the ability for buyers being able to go straight to the sellers and by pass the realtor.

So why would I list a house for seller, do the advertising etc when there is a chance that i could not get paid if a buyer goes direct.

Like wise why would i spend hours and days with a buyer when they could just go to the seller and buy it direct and again I would miss out on getting paid.

I do not know if the new rules proposed and discussed by CREA are going to go ahead. Within a short time everything could be on google.

But i do know that myself and most of the realtors i know will not compromise their ethics with sellers and buyers by not showing a house.

There are plenty of jobs where you do not have to compromise your ethics and can still get paid. I will just change my jobs.

Re: Google to list property ....
 

I have to say that most of my clients are aware of MLS (realtor.ca) but pretty much always ask me to send them the realtor version of the listing as it has more information on it, they use realtor.ca to get a general idea of things and pricing.

One of the disadvantages as far as buyers are concerned with the google listings or FSBO (for sale by owner) type listings is the lack of information (lots of info probably missing for condos, not so much for houses) but also the lack of a documented history on the marketing of the property which they do get with an MLS listing.

Talking about getting an good idea about a neighbourhoods demographics etc. you would want the same thing in a house. Lets say the agent had no qualms about showing the google listing and the seller did agree to pay a comission to the introducing agent, and there was a similar property on the next street, I think the agent would be more comfortable advising their buyer client on the listing with more info (MLS listing) and would recommend pursuing that one with more confidence (this is without considering the regulation of the listing agents and disclosure requirements etc. whereas a homeowner may be inclined to gloss over things when asked to clarify).

I have to say I don't think any of these FSBO type systems will ever take more market share than they already have.

The other problem with the system is that the seller is motivated to use the system by selling at market value and walking away with 5% more than they would have when using an agent and the buyers are motivated by the hope of getting a house for 5% under market value as the seller doesnt have to account for agent fees. How to settle that one!?

Re: Google to list property ....
 

If the agent has a decent offer he will tell the seller he has an offer and if he/she wants to see the offer he/she must agree to pay a commission if they accept the offer, (we do actually have a form specifically for this purpose).

If you were selling what would you do in this situation, you want to sell your house don't you?

Edit: The agent would have visited the house already to see if it was worth showing his/her client and would know the likelihood of the client being interested enough to make an offer beforehand so would be prepared and would explain what would be happening to their buyer client before visiting the property.

Re: Google to list property ....
 

Utter C R A P, it has Sweet FA to do with ethics, its what can be called the shotgun or blanket approach. The more houses you show the more likely you are to make a sale.

The alternative of course is (assuming you bother to do your research properly) show them the house(s) you have listed, then show them the other Sh1te thats out there. Your listing looks even better et voila double 'commission'

Re: Google to list property ....
 

I do not know you and you certainly do not know me.

Please do not say i would do or not do something just for money or double ending something.

Re: Google to list property ....
 

1) Does it matter if we know each other?
2) Did I SPECIFICALLY say YOU operated that way?
3) Does the phrase 'the lady doth protest too much' mean anything to you?

Re: Google to list property ....
 

Really??