There are more and more websites out here in the Cyber-World where the general Home Buyer or Seller can ask a question. Eagerly, Real Estate Agents, other consumers, anyone really can answer the question.
What scares me is this : Some / if not Many of these Answers are DANGEROUS.
Of course some of the Questions SCARE ME, as well.
On one site; Truila, people ask questions many times a day. I do answer some of these; but many I have to 
pass on. One thing that worries me is the Question:
The Question Asked: Many of these questions are from Home Buyers or Sellers who current HAVE a Realtor representing them with a transaction. Why are they asking a public forum and not their own agent?
Danger: Do they not trust their agent enough to ask them? Does this question asked have all the details? There are many details in a Real Estate transaction; does the person asking the question have them all?
Danger: Does the person answering the question know what they are talking about?! Can or should a Realtor in Texas be answering a question from Virginia? Does some Brand-New agent understand that they cannot be stating things like "Commissions for homes is _ %". Is the guy who sold 10 homes in Florida the expert for Maryland Real Estate?
Danger: Does the Buyer/Seller asking the question; take these answers too se
riously? Do they consult with the Realtor on this advice they received from strangers?
Buyers/Sellers: These websites provide a valuable service to you by allowing you ask questions of others, fairly anonymously. It is a natural thing - even a good thing to want & get a "Second Opinion". Or if you do not have a Realtor representing you; to learn more about the Home Buying/Selling process.
Word of Caution: Ask YOUR Realtor FIRST. If you don't like the answer; ask to speak with their Broker. If you don't trust your Realtor or are not able to to work well with them - THEN DON'T. Find a NEW REALTOR!
If you don't have a REALTOR - get one and ask them face to face! It is always better than asking a question out into cyber-space.
Any answers to your questions; should be thought about carefully. Who IS this person answering the question? Do they live in the area? Do they know the area? Are they a professional with experience? Take all of these into account before taking action based on these answers.
When Asking Questions; every detail is important when answering a question. Be as specific as you can. If there are many details; try calling another Realtor or Broker and ask them - a phone or face to face conversation allows the professional answering your question to ask for more details - which will give you a much more accurate answer.
Call James for all your Real Estate needs and questions; servicing Montgomery County,Prince George County, Arlington and the rest of the Surrounding Washington DC area.
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase
5028 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 100
Washington DC 20016
202-351-5800 Main Office
Licensed in DC,MD,VA
