IDX feeds and searching the Charleston MLS
It should be common sense that every listing that you find on the IDX feeds on this website could not be my personal listing, heck, there are over 10,000 active listings of homes for sale in Charleston and if they were all mine, what do you think the thousands of other Charleston real estate agents are doing anyway.
But actually, many people don't understand that. Here is what someone recently wrote. "I filled out a form as a general inquiry which one would assume goes directly to the listing agent." (emphasis added)
Of course, you know what happens when you assume anything.
Now if you want to contact the listing agent, that's your privilege but you should understand that the listing agent represents the seller and the seller's interests, not yours but that's a post for another day.
So how come my contact information is right there next to any listing that you happen to like.
Well, for starters, the IDX feed of the Charleston MLS search really isn't provided as a public service although there is no registration required and there is no obligation to use me as your agent. And there certainly is a benefit to you so if and when you are ready to buy or sell a home in Charleston, I hope you'll contact me to be your agent. So I guess the best way to describe providing a search portal for Charleston house hunters is an enticement to attract your business.
Now some home buyers are already working with real estate agents when they visit this website which I suppose is fine but sometimes I wonder why they aren't visiting their agent's website to search for homes. But when they call or email me for more information or to schedule a showing because they don't want to "bother their agent" but would rather "bother me", then I have to tell them that it would be better to "bother their agent" because like it or not, real estate agents earn a commission by being "bothered".
Of course, some of the house hunting public could care less who earns a commission and truth be told, some would probably prefer that nobody earned anything but try that with your attorney, accountant, doctor, dentist or other professional and see what kind of service they'll provide you. But then again, many people don't consider real estate agents to be professional so I guess it makes sense.
I'm not trying to be cynical but the reality is that real estate is at the very least a business and my objective as a businessman is to make money. It's the same as you trying to make money if you own a business or why you go to work at your place of employment in order to earn a paycheck.
So go ahead and search the Charleston MLS and I hope you will choose me as your Realtor® to help you but now you know why I ask anyone who inquires if you are currently working with another Realtor®.