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Call Robert J Russell - check out his Speaking website: http://robertjrussellspeaker.weebly.com/speaker.html
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Jul 27, 2010
Jul 22, 2010
What's the difference between a Realtor and Real Estate Agent ?
I get this question all the time so I want to address it here.
Some people say they'd rather use a Realtor than a real estate agent because they believe they must have something more to offer. There is a misinterpretation that Realtors have more education, or even that they specialize in a specific niche. Realtor's and real estate agents are the same thing, with only a few very minor differences that don't mean a whole lot when you add them up. Realtors have some benefits that agents do not have, but for the most part, they do not affect the buying and selling experience of the client whatsoever.
Becoming a Realtor. In order to become a Realtor, you must already have your real estate license. To get your real estate license, you need the classes required by your state and then you must pass the exam. As a real estate agent, you are placed in a position of trust, so you must pass a background check and have nothing on your record that could lead the Departent of Real Estate to believe that you might do something illegal.
Discrimination. As a real estate agent, you cannot say or do anything that can be described as prejudice as far as race, gender, orientation, and so forth. It is a common belief that Realtors are more trusted and educated on this subject than agents, which is simply not the case. Realtors do take an orientation class that lightly covers the subject, but there is nothing that delves deep into the rights and wrongs of discrimination under the eyes of the law that wasn't already covered while they were taking classes to get their license.
Education. Some people have the misconception that Realtors are better because they've been required to take extra classes to obtain the status of Realtor, when that is actually another mistaken belief. Realtors do get some discounts on training, which most often amounts to $5-$15 in savings per seminar. This does not declare that Realtors must attend. In fact, it's completely optional for both agents and Realtors.
Medical benefits. Realtors can choose to pay extra to get medical coverage for their families, which can be a lot more convenient and inexpensive than purchasing it individually. This is one of the bonuses that nobody realizes exist unless they have joined the multiple listing service and the board as a Realtor, or are considered a real estate agent and have heard of the medical coverage benefits offered by the board. Again, this is a benefit for Realtors that does not affect the client whatsoever.
Higher status. People who become Realtor's aren't any better than real estate agents. The only true difference is that people who choose to be Realtors pay a lot more dues than those who are just agents. If that Realtor should change to an office where the broker is not a member, that agent loses their "Realtor" status and then becomes a real estate agent. Other than that, their business life continues unchanged and uninterrupted by the different title.
Naive advice. Sometimes people will give advice, in person, in books and even in articles to only use a Realtor if they want to get the best agent. However, it really doesn't make a difference in the end because they are both the same. If you are looking for a real estate specialist to help you in a transaction, choose one according to their personality, work ethic, experience, drive and other characteristics that they need do the best job for you. Then you're options will be open and a good old regular real estate agent might get an opportunity to help you with a transaction, or it could be a fantastic Realtor too.
Becoming a Realtor. In order to become a Realtor, you must already have your real estate license. To get your real estate license, you need the classes required by your state and then you must pass the exam. As a real estate agent, you are placed in a position of trust, so you must pass a background check and have nothing on your record that could lead the Departent of Real Estate to believe that you might do something illegal.
Discrimination. As a real estate agent, you cannot say or do anything that can be described as prejudice as far as race, gender, orientation, and so forth. It is a common belief that Realtors are more trusted and educated on this subject than agents, which is simply not the case. Realtors do take an orientation class that lightly covers the subject, but there is nothing that delves deep into the rights and wrongs of discrimination under the eyes of the law that wasn't already covered while they were taking classes to get their license.
Education. Some people have the misconception that Realtors are better because they've been required to take extra classes to obtain the status of Realtor, when that is actually another mistaken belief. Realtors do get some discounts on training, which most often amounts to $5-$15 in savings per seminar. This does not declare that Realtors must attend. In fact, it's completely optional for both agents and Realtors.
Medical benefits. Realtors can choose to pay extra to get medical coverage for their families, which can be a lot more convenient and inexpensive than purchasing it individually. This is one of the bonuses that nobody realizes exist unless they have joined the multiple listing service and the board as a Realtor, or are considered a real estate agent and have heard of the medical coverage benefits offered by the board. Again, this is a benefit for Realtors that does not affect the client whatsoever.
Higher status. People who become Realtor's aren't any better than real estate agents. The only true difference is that people who choose to be Realtors pay a lot more dues than those who are just agents. If that Realtor should change to an office where the broker is not a member, that agent loses their "Realtor" status and then becomes a real estate agent. Other than that, their business life continues unchanged and uninterrupted by the different title.
Naive advice. Sometimes people will give advice, in person, in books and even in articles to only use a Realtor if they want to get the best agent. However, it really doesn't make a difference in the end because they are both the same. If you are looking for a real estate specialist to help you in a transaction, choose one according to their personality, work ethic, experience, drive and other characteristics that they need do the best job for you. Then you're options will be open and a good old regular real estate agent might get an opportunity to help you with a transaction, or it could be a fantastic Realtor too.
Jul 16, 2010
Which is legal - Pepper Spray or Mace ?
Are self defense products such as pepper spray and mace legal?
Believe it or not pepper spray and mace are legal for self defense and personal security purposes in all U.S. states. New York, Massachusetts, and Michigan have specific restrictions that must be followed in order for users to be lawful.
Residents of New York state must purchase all defense spray from a licensed firearm dealer or licensed Pharmacist from within the state. Unfortunately, for New York residents, this means it is unlawful to purchase pepper spray products from anyone outside of the state. Specifically, residents can lawfully purchase and carry pepper spray by signing a form that affirms they are 18 years of age or older and have no felony convictions. Residents are limited to 2 canisters of pepper spray per transaction.
Massachusetts does not allow consumers to recieve pepper spray or mace by mail. All residents must purchase from a licensed firearm dealer. Residents of Massachusetts do not have to sign for their pepper spray products, so they are on the honor system. As a result, many consumers purchase defense sprays online and have them shipped to a border state for pickup.
Ironically, both New York and Massachusetts put no restrictions on the sale of bear and dog spray repellent. Some bear sprays are more potent and powerful than the human version. With no restictions on the animal version, many consumers living in New York or Massachusetts purchase online for their personal self defense.
The state of Michigan limits the concentration of pepper spray to 2% OC (oleoresin capsicum). A 2% concentration of CS tear gas is also legal. Pepper spray and tear gas cannot be combined. Again ironically, the percent concentration of OC does not necessarily correlate to hottness or potency. For example, we sell a 10% OC pepper spray concentration that is rated at 2 million SHU's, (scoville heat units are the industry accepted measure of hotness) which is illegal in Michigan. We also sell a 2% concentration that has a 5.3 million scoville heat unit rating and is legal. Michigan residents are limited to 35 grams of spray per person.
There are cities, towns, and counties who have specific restrictions regarding the use of a self defense spray like mace or pepper spray. It is advisable that you check with local law enforcement to ensure you are following all applicable laws.
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