The First Step in Taking Back our Profession!!!

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Originally Posted by jbushart

I think it's time to teach MAR a lesson.

Looks like they are doing more harm to themselves. This should not be hard. Just a slight push, all it is going to take.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

I have personally experienced a leader of MAR stand in front of a large group discussing the home inspection bill and claimed that his brokerage office had no such home inspector referral list. He lied through his teeth because I saw the list with my own eyes years ago. His own office manger handed to me.

[Emmanuel J. Scanlan]

Jim,

This is not a "boycott" list. Boycotts are public actions that are intended not only to inform others of an unfair or potentially illegal action but also to gain sympathy and support for what is perceived as a just cause. If this is a valid letter then it amounts to a "Blackball" list (non-public, for the most part private list) which has been called illegal for many reasons and in many different ways.

Yes it is time for Inspectors to work at regaining at least some modicum of control over their own industry. However, "boycotting" one or just several agencies is a localized effort that, at best, puts pressure on just those agencies to comply with all laws, not just licensing laws. If this is a valid letter it would be, in my opinion, better just to file a complaint with the MO Attorney General and MAR/NAR and let the chips fall where they will. If nothing else, the news of the complaint will make it around to all MAR members and provide the remainder of them something to think about.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by escanlan

If this is a valid letter it would be, in my opinion, better just to file a complaint with the MO Attorney General and MAR/NAR and let the chips fall where they will. If nothing else, the news of the complaint will make it around to all MAR members and provide the remainder of them something to think about.

Missouri may be a bit different from other states when it comes to used house salesmen.

Our salesmen get elected and appointed to key positions in the legislature and take pretty good care of each other.

For example....the Missouri Real Estate Commission is the state agency appointed to govern used house salesmen. In this, their most recent newsletter of 27 pages, pages 15 through 27 (almost half of the publication) lists the recent disciplinary actions they took against salesmen.

Read about the salesmen arrested for selling drugs, writing bad checks, felony assault, and lying on their applications regarding their qualifications....and then read about their "probations".

The industry is sick, in Missouri, and they are desperately trying to draw in the home inspector ---- the only party to the transaction who does not benefit from the sale of the house ---- under their control.

[klott]

You guys might want to keep your plans to punish MAR a little quiter, else you can be accused of doing the same thing they are. It might hinder your efforts if you ever have to take legal action. JMO

[klott]

A more effective strategy would be to acquire the list and then post it publically with an explanation of why they do this. It could work to HI's advantage if handled right. JAOMO

[Emmanuel J. Scanlan]

Jim,

A very interesting read ( Read about the salesmen arrested ) and another example of lopsided justice in handing out penalties. Regardless of any extenuating circumstances some possibly should have had complete license revocation?

Whether you call it MREC or TREC we are in a situation too where control of the HI factor is handled by the Real Estate Broker industry. John Cahill has made a very good point about this type of situation in the following thread:
http://www.nachi.org/forum/f14/texas-atty-general-renders-opinion-liability-insurance-22797/ . In the MO case you can only hope to help mold what your outcome will eventually be. But that takes a great deal of cooperation from "ALL" Inspectors in MO. Given previous track records of other states, other efforts, etc., I honestly do not see that happening.

I honestly wish the MO Inspector community a great deal of luck in this turning out at least somewhat the way they want it to and in their favor!

[James H. Bushart]

Did you read the case of Ben Carmona of Wentzville, MO (20 miles west of St. Louis) who was issued a "probationary license" since he lied and withheld his conviction for burglary and assault?

Burglary and assault? Probationary license?

The used house salesmen in our neighboring state of Kansas (and a few of their clones in Kansas City, MO) think that home inspectors need to have "background checks".

What difference does that make to a group of people who would knowingly issue a license to sell a house to someone they know to have a criminal record for breaking into them?

The Missouri Association of Realtors want to control those who can "break their deal". Plain and simple.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by klott

A more efective strategy would be to acquire the list and then post it publically with an explanation of why they do this. It could work to HI's advantage if handled right. JAOMO

Perhaps a couple of hundred of you can email the keeper of the list, aimee@reeceandnichols.com and request a copy.

[klott]

No need to get sarcastic Jim, just trying to help. The difference between you and me is; you like to fix the blame, I like to fix the problem. But it ain't no sweat off my ***** if they run you out of business.

[Paul Sabados]

I'll bet aimee forgot to run this dumb idea past her legal counsel.

Nick, I'm sure the Aimee was actually instructed to put out that email. This has been an ongoing item with them for years.

Reece and Nichols is one of 20 real estate companies owned by Home Services.

From the Home Services Website

Who We Are
HomeServices is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is the second largest, full service independent residential real estate brokerage firm and the second largest brokerage-owned settlement services (mortgage, title, escrow and insurance) provider in the United States.

HomeServices was formed in 1998 by people with the expertise, experience and dedication to being the best in residential real estate. We had a vision that we could develop an integrated system to provide a seamless delivery of core services to home buyers and sellers. As a result of this commitment, HomeServices now has operations in 19 states doing business under 20 brand names:

Pay attention to the seamless delivery part of the quote. So adding control of the Inspection process, whether WDI, HI, or other ancillary items would be part of THEIR SOP. List it, sell, finance it, insure it, inspect it! BAM

Now I wonder exactly who is the head man that controls Home Services? I do believe that a certain media mogul, from down under is that person.

It appears that the opposite is happening. Pay to play and you better play nice or else.

Paul

[Joe Farsetta]

Ruppert?

Say it aint so...