My staff and I are busy – swamped really, I’m happy to report… but the last two days have been more like an episode of Criminal Intent instead of House Hunters around here.

As is our weekly practice, my team checks our listings on countless websites to ensure that my clients’ homes are accurately represented and that their properties are reaching the largest number of prospective buyers possible. At times there are technical hiccups and, every now and then, we find non-local Realtors claiming our listings on Craigslist. But yesterday we uncovered several of my listings were “claimed” by other Realtors on Trulia and Zillow. One of my listings appears on Trulia 4 times, 3 times with other Realtors claiming to be the listing agent. They’ve even manipulated my description copy and added their own contact info.

I’m aware that this unethical practice occurs but the frequency has skyrocketed. The manpower it takes to investigate the details is unproductive and requires action. I, for one, am filing ethical violations with the Board of Realtors. Consumers deserve for Realtors to be knowledgeable about the listings they claim to represent. I wish you could have heard the conversation with one of the offending Realtors, who – by the way claimed to be with EWM when she is not. It’s fraudulent and I’m over it!

If you are considering buying or selling in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, please feel free to contact me and benefit from the Strength of My Experience.

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithRealtor

Affiliated with EWM REALTY International | Christies International of Coral Gables

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