Misleading information about the real estate business draws a quick response from the National Association of Realtors.
In this letter to Today Show producers, 2011 NAR President Ron Phipps reacted quickly when the Today show disparaged Realtors in the show’s May 31 segment, “House Hunting? Don’t Fall for These Tricks.”
“Realtors are working hard in today’s market to help people sell their homes to buyers who want to realize their dreams of owning a home. Not only did Today’s segment, ‘House Hunting? Don’t Fall for These Tricks’ unfairly disparage these hard-working professionals, it also misled viewers rather than giving them helpful, accurate information about buying and selling a home,” wrote Phipps.
“In all honesty, the entire segment seemed sensationalist and slanted - rather than give buyers truly helpful tips and advice, you preferred to plant suspicions and spread misinformation.
“Several recent studies show that a majority of Americans — both homeowners and renters — believe in and aspire to homeownership, and Realtors are working to bring sellers and buyers together in that context. The segment suggested that listing agents intentionally mislead buyers, when in fact many of the tactics you describe simply help position homes in a competitive market.
“As a condition of membership, Realtors must subscribe to NAR’s strict Code of Ethics, which includes being honest with all parties in the transaction.”