Category Archives: Dirty Real Estate Tricks

What’s Your Idea of Premier?

Posted on May 16, 2006 by Doug Heddings

My blog is making me a bit schizophrenic. One day I’m praising the industry, defending its honor, and disposing of the “sleazy used car salesman” reputation. The next I’m waxing about “unscrupulous” brokers and their dirty tricks. Unfortunately, today I … Continue reading →

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It’s a Jungle Out There

Posted on May 8, 2006 by Doug Heddings

When you are making your millions in real estate, there will always be risk. And even when you have made enough to retire happily, there will never be a shortage of reptiles eager to prove a point by taking you … Continue reading →

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The Real Estate Bubble: Don’t Believe Your Own Hype

Posted on April 25, 2006 by Doug Heddings

Have you ever read something and wondered, is this real? Timothy Ellis of the Seattle Bubble had exactly this reaction to a recent email he received. Quite frankly, Timothy wasn’t the only one astonished by what “Mr. F” had to … Continue reading →

Posted in Dirty Real Estate Tricks, Market Insight | 2 Comments

A Broker’s View of Unscrupulous Real Estate Brokers

Posted on April 20, 2006 by Doug Heddings

In the latest episode of the TrueGotham podcast, we delve into one of New York’s favorite topics: unscruplous real estate brokers. The episode is a little more than eight minutes long, and covers a lot of ground. Here’s an excerpt, … Continue reading →

Posted in A Broker's Job, Dirty Real Estate Tricks, Podcast, Tips & Advice | 8 Comments

Posing as New

Posted on April 19, 2006 by Doug Heddings

The blog Bubble Markets Inventory Tracking shows how brokers take listings that have been on the market for a while and re-list them to make them look new and more appealing. We’re lucky in New York that this doesn’t happen … Continue reading →

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What’s the Story with 7 and 8% Commissions?

Posted on April 17, 2006 by Doug Heddings

With properties spending more time on the market, many brokers have convinced sellers to increase commissions to as much as 9%. Rather than lower the asking price, they are hoping to increase the number of showings by the brokerage industry … Continue reading →

Posted in Dirty Real Estate Tricks, Market Insight | 2 Comments

Enter Google, Craig’s List, FSBOs, and a Shakeout

Posted on April 11, 2006 by Doug Heddings

The Wall Street Journal Online is reporting on the erosion of Realtors’ hold on home listings. This may come as a surprise: I am excited about the changes that are taking place in my industry and welcome the competition. Let … Continue reading →

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The Exclusive Poach

Posted on April 6, 2006 by Doug Heddings

Word behind-the-scenes at Prudential Douglas Elliman is that you better be the lookout for small agencies poaching exclusive listings. There are reports of listings by competing agencies for properties that are under exclusive listing agreements with Pruduntial Douglas Elliman. In … Continue reading →

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Ugly Views on Water Street

Posted on April 5, 2006 by Doug Heddings

There’s a little spat brewing at 275 Water Street. It started with this news from Curbed in January: The views from the South Street Seaport-area apartments at 275 Water Street are pretty sweet… sweet enough to price this two-bedroom loft … Continue reading →

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TrueGotham: On a Mission

Posted on April 1, 2006 by Doug Heddings

Henry Abbott: Now this thing here, True Gotham, this a crazy thing to do for someone in your positionÖbecause you’re essentially in sales, but you’re dishing some dirt here and telling people the truth about how real estate works around … Continue reading →

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