STORY: Both sides can be right

I believe I can speak to some of the comments in the article "Cutting out the middle man" without bias. I have traveled the path, and have worn the hat of the Builder/Cad Designer/Realtor, for many years. I have a passion for all of the disciplines and professions. I have found over the years that they dovetail quite well.

I have designed and constructed homes for clients when we (my wife is also a Realtor) could not find just the right home on the market. This dedication to these professions has compelled me to extend my education, licensure and become involved and have served on the Board of Directors with the professional associations of both Realtors and builders. This path has also taken me to serve our community in various action committees, and Kootenai County Planning & Zoning as a Commissioner. Enough about my background, let's get back to the article.

To put this as diplomatically as I can, there has always been a certain amount of skepticism between builders and Realtors. The direction goes both ways. The truth is, in many cases, the value that both bring to the table is under-considered by the other. It is like the chicken or the egg scenario... Who came first. Some builders feel that if they didn't build it, the Realtor wouldn't have anything to sell, and some Realtors gravitate to the proposition that if it wasn't for their clients, there would be no need to build.

This concept is as far from reality as one could imagine. Both professions have worked hard to develop their skills and their business'. Both professions are due their fair compensations for the product and services rendered. Ask any builder... Is there more to building a house than getting a floor plan? The answer would be quite detailed, as to all of what has to be completed from creating the design to the certificate of occupancy. Ask a similar question of a Realtor... Is there more to a transaction than "writing it up." Again the answer would be quite detailed, as to what has to be completed from creating the purchase agreement to the close of escrow.

Some consideration should be given to referring to the Realtor as the "Middle Man." Realtors strive to be more than that. They are required to be licensed by the state, earn continuing education credits, adhere to a Code of Ethics and a host of legislative laws and regulations. In these challenging economic times, and with distressed properties becoming more of the norm, the Realtor truly has to be on his/her best game to be successful for their clients.

As in any business, the primary objective should be to provide a quality product or service to your customer or client. "Customer Satisfaction" should be the goal. If a person enters either of these fields without having this goal high on their list, and a passion for the work they do, that person, more than likely entered the wrong profession. Both builders and Realtors should know and understand that buying, building and selling a house is a very emotional charged event. If the people involved in these positions realize that if they provide the best service and product, while using their best skill sets, the fair compensation and rewards will follow.

A final note: There is only one commission. Be it a FSBO or a builder, if they are attempting to offset the commission to lower the price and become a better market value, that's a value for the buyer. If they are still priced at market value, that is just a transfer of the commission.

I am sure this will be the topic of many discussions for a long time. It already has been.

CHARLIE RENS

Coeur d'Alene