I have more problem with agents who don’t know what a property is worth, or who think it’s worth “what a buyer is willing to pay”, than I do with agents not understanding the language.

You know what? You’re right!!! I told two agents they needed a partner to sell a property last week. One had language issues and the other did NOT! The language issue was not the real concern, but I know the agent will feel that it was no matter what I say.

From my prospective, working in the International District, speaking another language is a huge asset, being able to serve an under represented community means less competition for business.

Not understanding the PSA is experience related not Language.

Thanks. I’ve been writing to agents on Active Rain and I use current issues at the office. I read your blog and you have a nice conversational style. I’d guess you to be younger than I since you refer to Blazing Saddles vs. Treasure of Sierra Madre for the “I don’t need to Steenkin’ Realtor” line.

If you had your choice of an agent that gave good advices that differed from your layman opinion, vs. one who would work for $40 an hour and leave the thinking to you, which would you choose?

If they knew you would lose $40,000 if you proceeded with your line of thinking. Say they “knew” in the best educated guess sense, as they watched you overlooking a material issue that would impact value down the road. Not saying you don’t know the fact, but you are not factoring it into the equation properly. What would you think of them if they kept that to themselves because you were weren’t paying for advices?

Should they say, “Are you sure you don’t want to upgrade now?” Should they get a hold harmless letter? Would you sign it?

Are you suggesting that material fact be hidden from the lender?

I was hoping for an answer that involved technology in some way, just as spell checkers help. I was wondering if it might be better for someone to write in their native tongue and then use a translation program.

And just how would that benefit the seller who says, I’m only paying $1000?

What I meant by trusted intermediary was that the accented agents need their own trusted intermediary to help with transactions – not that the accented person is the trusted intermediary.

You said in your post “Are there programs that are a big step up from spell checking, that assist people with these difficulties? Any advices appreciated” so I was offering my recent experience with the thought that a trusted intermediary might be helpful.

Yes, an office broker could be called in, but I’ve had situations with newer agents, or very aggressive agents too, where I have called in the broker and the subject agent was offended and that didn’t help the communications. Usually it does work, but sometimes you just can’t cut thru the clouds so to speak.

???

You are not trying to say that everyone who speaks English fluently is the equivalent of “a trusted intermediary” are you? Clearly we have have just as much difficulty with many, many other agents. To single out language issues therefore, would be discrimination.