I’m pleased with results of my community newsletter. I sent out several thousand copies first week of January and there were 5 responses asking for information. Two became appointments to place a value on a house and offer staging suggestions. I think that’s great! Helping people. Serving people. “Selling Fine Homes, Building Community” That’s what it’s all about.
One response was not expected. It came to me in the form of an official complaint from a real estate professional . The complaint was that houses shown for sale or sold were misleading! Misleading because it suggests that I sold or listed the homes and not the company; Keller Williams Ottawa. Odd conclusion! Every agent knows that a listing falls under the watchful eye of the Broker of Record; the legal entity of each office. And we sold or listed each of the homes depicted.
This complaint was filed at the Ottawa Real Estate Board but they have returned it because they feel it is the jurisdiction of the Real Estate Council of Ontario. If they feel false advertising has occurred they have the authority to hand out fines of up to $25,000. It is a serious offense to knowingly disregard the code of ethics.
So what will I do? If I’ve incorrectly placed photos of houses in my news letter then I’ll gladly change that part. I like to do things right. On the other hand if there is nothing wrong than this can be attributed to the actions of a bully trying to intimidate a fellow real estate professional. Well I think that’s a shame! A true David and Goliath story. My next newsletter comes out in February 07, 2009. I watch and listen for Goliath prowling!