http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/ The consulting Blog providing consumers vital information on an alternative to buying real estate services that simply makes more sense. en Copyright 2008 Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:59:46 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Because of politics, and so much money at stake, where does that leave the consumer, or those of us who have been in the business for years and ARE ethical, honest and competent? Politics - money - government control. There is a thought for those who are trying to figure out how to fix this whole mess. Those in power, who could make the change for the benefit of all, will never do so, because they will lose money. You can't fix greed and you can't fix 'stupid'. http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/11/03/the_mortgage_mess.html http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/11/03/the_mortgage_mess.html Featured article mortgage Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:59:46 -0500 3rd party lead generators espouse the fact that their agents are ‘elite, experienced, etc’ when in fact anyone who gives them a credit card can join their club. What the public doesn’t know is that once you get a middle man involved in the process, that low fee, best price they hoped for goes out the window, because someone has to pay these fees to them. http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/06/17/what_is_all_the_fuss_about_pay.html http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/06/17/what_is_all_the_fuss_about_pay.html In the News online leads prospecting Sun, 17 Jun 2007 15:31:22 -0500 There is total transparency in the engagement that is typically lacking with other real estate business models. Consumers want what they want and want to know what they are paying for. http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/06/16/real_estate_consulting_fills_t.html http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/06/16/real_estate_consulting_fills_t.html Consumer choice advice choice consulting expert gap knowledge professional Sat, 16 Jun 2007 11:26:19 -0500 I recently had time to surf around the Internet and came upon this terrific article regarding the top five real estate myths, that even some agents believe, from a well respected real estate publisher and investor, as well as a... http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/05/30/the_top_five_real_estate_myths.html http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/05/30/the_top_five_real_estate_myths.html Four financial potholes 5 biggest myths 60 minutes parade magazine Wed, 30 May 2007 12:32:57 -0500 Professor Hsieh is absolutely correct: real estate services shouldn't be costing so much and they wouldn't if consumers were to pay for the services themselves rather than what is essentially an insurance policy with services thrown in. http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/05/12/others_are_beginning_to_face_f.html http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/05/12/others_are_beginning_to_face_f.html Current state of real estate commissions Sat, 12 May 2007 07:39:12 -0500 It's time for a middle ground: harnessing the incredible power of the Internet to allow those consumers that have the time and desire to market or find their own homes to do so, while bringing in a real estate consultant to provide the vital fiduciary contract-to-close duties. The consultant can also provide choices in how their services can be paid for. http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/04/25/technology_versus_handson_care.html http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/04/25/technology_versus_handson_care.html Consumer choice discounters home valuation companies Internet Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:11:37 -0500 The papers and newsmagazines have been filled of late with articles about the crisis in Sub-Prime loans issued over the last few years. Seems as though many buyers took out loans that they clearly should not have: loans that sucked... http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/04/05/the_subprime_lending_crisis_in.html http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/04/05/the_subprime_lending_crisis_in.html In the News fiduciary Internet loans sub-prime Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:01:11 -0500 After you have explored and weighed different options, based on your individual needs and comfort level, you may find, as many consumers do, that a traditional commission is the best choice for you. And that’s perfectly fine. But you should make that choice because it's the BEST option, not because it's the ONLY option. http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/04/01/having_choices_can_save_you_mo.html http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/04/01/having_choices_can_save_you_mo.html Consumer choice Featured article choices commissions fees hourly counsulting Sun, 01 Apr 2007 12:02:59 -0500 One of my goals in writing my book “Ripping the Roof off Real Estate” as well as in developing the Accredited Consultant in Real Estate (ACRE)™ course for agents is to see the real estate industry evolve similarly to how the financial industry did 20 years ago. http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/03/31/one_ofmygoals_in_writing_my.html http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/03/31/one_ofmygoals_in_writing_my.html Current state of real estate consulting financial planners Sat, 31 Mar 2007 14:57:19 -0500 We believe the time is now to provide consumers what they have wanted for years - responsible choices that give them real value for their money yet provide the real estate professional the compensation that is worthy of the skills, experience, and expertise that we agents bring to the table. We look forward to lively discussions! http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/03/29/real_estate_consulting_simply.html http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/03/29/real_estate_consulting_simply.html Current state of real estate Featured article choices Consulting Thu, 29 Mar 2007 06:00:00 -0500 Property and homes are commodities, pure and simple. Market value is ultimately determined by what a buyer is willing to pay and a seller willing to take. http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/03/21/the_first_pothole_pricing_your.html http://www.theconsultingtimes.com/consumer/archives/2007/03/21/the_first_pothole_pricing_your.html Four financial potholes commodity demand home price your home supply value Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:08:55 -0500