Goodbye IHB

NEW -> Contingent Buyer Assistance Program
Like happened when the Buffalo Bills picked up T.O. and made that other guy give up #81 to make T.O happy, will IR2 now need to give up the 'IrvineRealtor' handle to Shevy?
 
Wow. Tough day at the office. Today's front-page blogpost was shocking, to say the least. Hopefully this note sufficiently answers some messages I received today.



I only have a few comments :



First, and most importantly - I think it is a terrible mistake to call into question the admins' integrity in regards to endorsing a realtor; Mr. Akason. Considering that zovall and Larry receive (I'm quite sure) numerous requests for recommendations as trusted resources on real estate matters, wouldn't you agree that as a natural matter of course, they would need to find someone to refer people to? If they can get paid for that referral - even better. Consider also that they could have done this same thing silently on the side and never have subjected themselves to this flogging. They are either gluttons for punishment or are honestly trying to do the best thing. They've earned the benefit of the doubt, in my book.



Second - I recognize that I've been privileged to have been allowed to participate here, openly as an active realtor, marketing my services for one day short of a full year, now. I remain thankful for the opportunity and do not feel as if anything is "owed" to me or anyone else who participates here. As I have never done business with/for either of these gentlemen, I think their endorsement of my service would have been disingenuous at best, and irresponsible at worst. I was as surprised as the rest of you were this morning to read the announcement, and yes it stung (part of me is still human), but such is life. Another opportunity to get better.



Third - I hope you all stick around.



Good luck, and thank you for the support. It means a great deal.



Stay classy,

-IR2
 
[quote author="IrvineRealtor" date=1238944954]Wow. Tough day at the office. Today's front-page blogpost was shocking, to say the least. Hopefully this note sufficiently answers some messages I received today.



I only have a few comments :



First, and most importantly - I think it is a terrible mistake to call into question the admins' integrity in regards to endorsing a realtor; Mr. Akason. Considering that zovall and Larry receive (I'm quite sure) numerous requests for recommendations as trusted resources on real estate matters, wouldn't you agree that as a natural matter of course, they would need to find someone to refer people to? If they can get paid for that referral - even better. Consider also that they could have done this same thing silently on the side and never have subjected themselves to this flogging. They are either gluttons for punishment or are honestly trying to do the best thing. They've earned the benefit of the doubt, in my book.



Second - I recognize that I've been privileged to have been allowed to participate here, openly as an active realtor, marketing my services for one day short of a full year, now. I remain thankful for the opportunity and do not feel as if anything is "owed" to me or anyone else who participates here. As I have never done business with/for either of these gentlemen, I think their endorsement of my service would have been disingenuous at best, and irresponsible at worst. I was as surprised as the rest of you were this morning to read the announcement, and yes it stung (part of me is still human), but such is life. Another opportunity to get better.



Third - I hope you all stick around.



Good luck, and thank you for the support. It means a great deal.



Stay classy,

-IR2</blockquote>


And that says a lot. The guy feels like he has been kicked down a bit today, but sees a positive out of it, and posts about it. Props to IR2, who knows he has earned the right to be referred to as IHB's realtor. At least we have gotten to know him, and learned from his knowledge. I'm still trying to find a post by Shevy... anyone? Okay.,. let me know when you do. I think the search function might be broken. I posted the .jpg too many times. See... IR2 would have gotten that.
 
I swear, if I ever get a RE license, my photo will look different from all these business professional studio glamor shots.



Hypothetically, if I go with the Japanese Gigolo look:



<img src="http://cgi.members.interq.or.jp/royal/acqua/profile/juza.jpg" alt="" />



My clients would have a 2 bottle minimum.



<a href="http://www.thegreathappinessspace.com/">http://www.thegreathappinessspace.com/</a>
 
Shevy`s few posts can be found by using the advanced search feature.

Look for all posts by user "landmark".



I guess I am over the shock. But still confused by the execution

of the change.



My big thing is the manner in which I think of the name or acronym IHB.

Irvine Housing Blog. That name had intention that was known locally

and with the OC Register and some local realtor.



Now its been morphed into Irvine Housing Brokers. As a salesperson for

all of my adult life. Over 30 years working with customers. And owning a business

for 13 years. Brand name and recognition and integrrity are important building blocks for a business. I think it was short sighted to use "IHB" and turn it on a dime to become now Irvine Housing Brokers. That invalidates its original name brand associations.

"The Seventh Circle of RE Hell" "Got Schadenfreude" "Got Kool Aid" "WTF"



Would have been more effective to start a new venture. With a new name. And a second website. Then you could link the two and mention the fact you were providing a referral

if anyone wanted one. Or better yet. I think you made the error of exclusivity.



Why not pick from a group of 5 Realtors. Why this one with limited experience ?

If your going to whore out your leads. Do it right. Make them pay a monthly service

fee and be a sponsor on this board ? That would have been a more traditional

approach for this type of forum/blog.

Business is simple. It will always take the past of least resistance.

And limiting your ability to provide leads to just one Realtor also seems flawed.



I do wish you good luck and I do understand that working for free sucks.

I Do that everyday to keep my customers. Its called Sales.



In sales. Your not just a little pregnant. Its cutthroat. Rules get kicked out the

window sometimes. Your "as someone said" not going to drain the swamp that's called

RE sales. Your just going to get wet dirty and stink with the rest. But it was a nice idea.

Sales and Honesty = Oxymoron. To survive you are only as good as your last transaction.

People want to be pushed. If you use your approach you will create what I call the

UN-Sales department. Your trying to break some basic rules used in sales for hundreds of years. You can kill yourself by giving out TOO much unwanted/unneeded information.
 
It is always a good idea to form a new venture by capitlizing on the current needs, especially when one needs some extra income. To that extent, I wish all you best of luck.



The part bothers me the most, is that IR and others here are the leaders of the pack that really have been "judging" people who have decided to buy. You might not admit it, but your tones gave it all away. I am very very curious if you are going to laughing all the way to the bank when you finally closed a deal for your buyer client, and calling him a knife catcher or stupid on the way to have your celebration dinner? I am not trying to question ones 's integraty, but in reality, how do you reconcline your past tones with your business? Or, maybe you won't represent any buyers, only sellers?
 
[quote author="bltserv" date=1238921462][quote author="awgee" date=1238918867][quote author="rick_r" date=1238907066]We will miss you now that you have sold out to the devil!!!</blockquote>




Sold out to the devil?







I must be missing something, because I thought they are just going to help some folks buy and sell real estate.







What is with all the wailing and gnashing of teeth?</blockquote>


Awgee.

Do you not find it odd that IR has taken on a RE guy with almost NO EXPERIENCE ?

</blockquote>


Odd? A bit. If it were me, I would have hooked up with the Deuce, but that is me. I have met the Deuce a few times and had numerous conversations with him on this blog, but I have never been involved with an actual deal with him. The Deuce impresses me as down to earth, honest, sincere, and if the thread on Ipo home sale is accurate, the Deuce and Ipo made a heck of a team and did an incredible job of marketing Ipo home. The idea of selling real estate has occurred to me more than once for many of the same reasons IR expounded.







But, I am not IR, and I have no idea of IR's relationship with the Deuce or if there even is one. Very little of what I think is good for me is good for everyone else. So, why would I assume that IR would choose the Deuce to partner with. Would I want to partner with someone who had only been in the biz for 18 months? Heck no, but I have no professional re experience and would need a lot of help and guidance, something which I guess IR needs little of. It sounds like Shev is bringing a specific analysis to the table which IR wants and why would I doubt IR's motivation. He has never lied to me. And why would I not give him the benefit of the doubt. Because he wants to make money while he helps some folks? I say "horray" to that. In all my bitching about re agents, I do not think you will ever find me complaining about how much money they make, because I do not care. It is none of my business how much money someone makes, nor is it anyone else's business how much I may negotiate out of the deal, whether it is commissions or some other negotiable item. And I do not doubt someone's motivation or integrity because they want to get paid.







[quote author="bltserv" date=1238921462]

He just started his own RE company a few months ago. November 08.

And has a history of bouncing from sponsor to sponsor in his young life.

Something does not make any sense.

</blockquote>




Agreed, Shev is young and has little experience. If I was to use an agent, I may choose another based on Shev's inexperience, but IR is a big boy, can make his own decisions, and I tend to think he has considered Shev lack of experience.







[quote author="bltserv" date=1238921462]

Why would you use a BEAR board to help sell RE ?

</blockquote>




I will disagree with you vehemently here. IHB was not started as a BEAR board, is not inhabited by real estate bears, and is willing to share all objective and subjective views. The majority of informed opinions are bearish because of the timing, but the folks expressing those bearish views are real estate fans for the most part. I am. If I was to sell RE, I would market on the most honest platform I could find, and the IHB fits that bill.







[quote author="bltserv" date=1238921462]

Kind of like Mothers Against Drunk Driving taking on some new Vodka Company

as a partner to sell booze.</blockquote>




Here is a quote from Gollini which I find appropriate:



<em>"I define professionals as people that are willing, able, and obligated to look out for their client?s interests above their own. I define a salesperson as someone that is interested in maximizing his/her own personal gain, even at their client?s expense. Yes, there are sales people that act in a professional manner, but they are few and rarely the top performers in their field."</em>





I have no idea what makes a top performing sales person, nor do I care, but again I am willing to give IR the benefit of the doubt when it comes to looking out for his client's interest. And why are folks attacking Shev? I think some on the blog are referring to him as sleaze when so far I not have heard anybody weigh in who has actually been involved in a deal with him. Don't you think he should be given the chance to prove himself or hang himself?









It does not appear to me that Zov has changed this blog to "Irvine Housing Brokers". As far as I can tell it is still the Irvine Housing Blog. It seems Zov, IR, and Shev have partnered to form "Irvine Housing Brokers" and are using the blog to market their venture. Big deal. After reading the questions from the newbies on this blog, I have come to realize that most folks are fairly ignorant regarding a real estate purchase or sale and they need help. I would prefer they could get help using a payment structure that aligned the agent's interest with the client's interest, but I do not doubt there are agents who can represent their client's interest in spite of the current commission motivation to close a deal at all costs, including loss of integrity. I think I could do it. Could you? Do you?









bltserv - Please consider the following as observation and not a personal attack. I have no desire to embarrass you or make you feel uncomfortable. Your posts seem to indicate how you would do it differently. I would ask you to consider that your way is not necessarily the best way. IR is doing what works for IR. You seem to be taking this personally. Why? Or am I just wrong? I am happy that there may be another re agent out there who can put his/her client's interest above their own. There are so few out there. I truly feel that 95% or more of all re agents are liars and ignorant amateurs, and I will cheer lead any effort to help buyers and sellers. I would have pm'ed this last paragraph, but I think you are mature enough to handle it in the open forum without taking offense for the benefit of others who may have some of the same feelings as yourself.
 
No Problem Awgee.



I am an old timer in sales and sales management.

Young sales types often "skip around" and have a hard time finding a nitch.

Time will tell with Shevy.



I do wish Larry well in this endevor. Hope the forum where I enjoy

participating continues as normal.



In these tough times we all need to maximize our return on investment.

And one of those is the investment of time. Larry has invested a couple

good years and the popularity of this board is a direct result of that

time and effort. And to that I am thankful. Best to all and good luck.
 
Everyone keeps talking about he is doing this for free.



What about all the advertising on the site, Chase Banners, Google Adsense, etc... Also the book sales he generates off the site.



I've seen this blog written about on CNBC and other large web sites. He was not doing this for free. This is not wikipedia or something. He could have made more money by leveraging his traffic in different ways then selling out and turning into "Irvine Housing Brokers".
 
I'm not suprised or shocked. As far as the ones that feel betrayed or those that feel transperancy is at stake...well my only advice is don't judge until you have a reason to judge. Lying and cheating another only works for so long, eventually everybody gets exposed. (even if sometimes takes a while, see Madoff) So don't assume that IR and company will mislead individuals or act in their own interest, until you have a reason to. My positive view of them hasn't changed a bit. (less Shevy, no offense I don't know you, I'm sure you're a cool guy...probably not as cool as me though ;) )



I wish IR, zovall and their partner all the success in their new venture.
 
[quote author="awgee" date=1238972058]



I will disagree with you vehemently here. IHB was not started as a BEAR board, is not inhabited by real estate bears, and is willing to share all objective and subjective views. The majority of informed opinions are bearish because of the timing, but the folks expressing those bearish views are real estate fans for the most part. I am. If I was to sell RE, I would market on the most honest platform I could find, and the IHB fits that bill.



</blockquote>


In the most respective way, I would say it can't be any further from the truth that that IHB is not a bear dominated board. You might not have started the board with the intention to be dominated by the bears, it worked out to be that way regardless of your intention. I know most of your are "WILLING" to share views. However, non bearish views are met with strong and immediate reactions. There is no reason to argue about the exact words, but the dominating tone is bearish. The fact of the matter is, the bears are right on Prices. I don't understand why you want to dipute that now??



Unless IR, Graph, and etc, are ready to call the bottom or close to the bottom, most buyers IHB will represent are called KNIFE CATCHERs by IR, etc. I asked this questions before, and I would like to ask again, will IHB call or imply his buyers are knife catchers? If not, why are you using the term knife catchers for the past two years? What has changed?
 
With this new venture the posts will lose their unbiased opinion.

That was one of the main reason I loved coming to this blog.

I'm sad to see what has happened to this site.
 
Why are there so many negative comments? The site is not going to change, except that we now have an additional resource.

IHB will continue to be <span style="color: red;">the best source of information we have on the local housing market </span>(not to mention interesting posts on the economy in general). We have built a community based on trust. Many people may choose to act as their own agent, others may find themselves in the capable hands of IR2, or some of the other fine real estate agents who post here and still others will prefer to go to IHB for assistance. <strong>Nobody</strong> should consider buying until there's a consensus among graphcakes, IR and the other real estate mavens here.
 
Did anyone read this?



<a href="http://findmylandmark.com/Irvine-market-analysis-2000-2800-square-feet-1990-or-newer-n26645.html">http://findmylandmark.com/Irvine-market-analysis-2000-2800-square-feet-1990-or-newer-n26645.html</a>
 
Check out this Shevy Special.

<a href="http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/15112-Carnation-St-Fontana-CA-92336/17315634_zpid/ ">15112-Carnation-St-Fontana-CA-92336 </a>



Now is the time to move to Fontucky. Its lost 33% of its value this year.

NO Way it could go any lower.



New ceramic tile floors, new wood flooring, new carpet, custom paint, make this home turn key! A great back yard and a terrific floor plan make this a home that you do not want to miss.



You cant be serious.
 
[quote author="bltserv" date=1239004065]Check out this Shevy Special.

<a href="http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/15112-Carnation-St-Fontana-CA-92336/17315634_zpid/ ">15112-Carnation-St-Fontana-CA-92336 </a>



Now is the time to move to Fontucky. Its lost 33% of its value this year.

NO Way it could go any lower.



New ceramic tile floors, new wood flooring, new carpet, custom paint, make this home turn key! A great back yard and a terrific floor plan make this a home that you do not want to miss.



You cant be serious.</blockquote>
That home is about $70k overpriced based upon the fact that homes in the IE are going for about $100/sf.
 
[quote author="BlackVault CM2" date=1238992733]...well my only advice is don't judge until you have a reason to judge. </blockquote>


Best comment I've seen on this. I'm in this camp as well. IR has personally helped me not only avoid making a terrible mistake over 2 years ago, but has also shaped my strategy for the future. I owe him a lot, and told him so in person a few weeks ago. I am not and will not get angry with a business decision he makes for himself and his family.



That said, I am very disappointed at the partnership formed. I've always thought about the IHB group as a strange little family, and appreciated those who have given much of themselves to make it what it is --- even if I didn't always agree with them, the key contributors to this blog have my upmost respect. We already have a realtor on this blog who has given and added so much here....he is truly part of the family. So my disappointment lies not in the fact that IHBrokers was created, but that this guy did not have his photograph next to Larry's:



<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cf11b3127ccec5e8a2431c5e00000040O08BbN3LZs3ag9vPhg/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" alt="" />
 
[quote author="usctrojanman29" date=1239005757][quote author="bltserv" date=1239004065]Check out this Shevy Special.

<a href="http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/15112-Carnation-St-Fontana-CA-92336/17315634_zpid/ ">15112-Carnation-St-Fontana-CA-92336 </a>



Now is the time to move to Fontucky. Its lost 33% of its value this year.

NO Way it could go any lower.



New ceramic tile floors, new wood flooring, new carpet, custom paint, make this home turn key! A great back yard and a terrific floor plan make this a home that you do not want to miss.



You cant be serious.</blockquote>
That home is about $70k overpriced based upon the fact that homes in the IE are going for about $100/sf.</blockquote>


IR is more than likely going to edit these posts.

The point of showing these properties is not in any malice.

Its just posting public information. The sole reason this site is so popular.

Or it was.



"We are particularly interested in hearing from any potential buyers or sellers".



IR. Can you be serious and give your opinion on this listing in Fontana ?

Its a true KnifeCatcher. Dont you agree ?



Is this a house you would want someone in your family or a personal friend to buy today?
 
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