Conspiracy is in the air!
What am I talking about you ask? I am talking about a presentation given by Blanche Evans of the Realty Times to the NAR Realtor Association Executives Institute held in
San Diego this February 19th, 2007. Here is a link to the intro and here is a link to the power point presentation. (All on realtor.org)
The entire presentation is about a conspiracy by Banks, Federal Government, third party service providers, consumer groups and the financial press to “Demonize” Realtors, NAR and Associations, interesting times Indeed. Normally I read things like this with interest, often finding truth and validity in the arguments. Imagine my surprise to learn that the P2NLS, even more specifically this blog, are part of this widespread organized conspiracy. Hmmn, normally I would shrug something like this off as water drops off a ducks back, but this presentation was made by Blanche Evans.
Blanche, if you read this (and you must be reading my blog if you used it in your presentation) I want you to know that I am a little hurt and confused. Why? I have always read your “stuff” and found it to be well researched and written and I am disappointed that you didn’t take the time to understand the P2 National Listing Service. I am disappointed that the NLS was portrayed as a party enjoined in the conspiracy against organized real estate. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, only licensed real estate professionals can participate in the NLS and THERE IS NO PUBLIC FACING MARKETING COMPONENT of the NLS. Brokers have COMPLETE CONTROL and CHOICE as to where, if at all, their listings are displayed and who their marketing partners are. Further, these listings are displayed with their brand and their contact information and link directly back to their website. With respect to the NLS and consumers; consumers can only take advantage of the power of organized real estate by enlisting and working with a licensed real estate professional.
In short, If you look at the P2NLS in its entirety one can only come to the conclusion that it is the penultimate proponent of organized real estate.
If you listen to Blanche’s presentation, and I encourage you to do so, you will see it implies that we are trying to capitalize on the weakness of the regional MLS system. Not true. We are simply filling the gaps in marketing, advertising and analytics that these organizations were never intended to provide. I prefer to give Blanche the benefit of the doubt. I am sure she has simply misunderstood our purpose and commitment to organized real estate. To this end I am extending an olive branch and this promise to Blanche and the AE Institute; In every way we will continue to take the high road in our attempt to promote and promulgate the altruistic agenda of organized real estate. The end result will be better for Realtors, better for Associations and better for consumers, because remember, “first class is always full”.