FROM THE READERS: Letters

Stigmas are physical, too

Although your recent article on stigmatized property (“Haunted sales ,” December 2003, page 24) did an excellent job of explaining the impact of psychological stigmas and their effects on property values, it left the impression that stigmas are only psychological. They can be physical as well. Physical stigmas are temporary or permanent material conditions that can occur on or offsite. A permanent physical stigma could be a landslide that removes half a property’s backyard or a location in an airport’s flight path. The 1994 Los Angeles earthquake was a temporary physical stigma. Like psychological stigmas, physical stigmas should be discussed with sellers and disclosed to buyers.

—Barbara Nichols, Nichols Real Estate & General Contracting, Los Angeles

Wardrobe!

“ A star is born ” (January 2004, page 26) was exciting and enlightening. But there was a prop missing: the REALTOR® pin on the best supporting actor’s lapel. Whatcom County (Wash.) Association of REALTORS® members wouldn’t think of appearing on camera without their pin. If today’s big stars can demand that caviar and freshly squeezed mango juice be waiting in their dressing rooms, the magazine should be able to negotiate with members to wear their pin on camera. Anyway, it was a great article about an amazing opportunity we have to educate the public on the value we bring to the transaction.

—Mike Kent, ABR®, e-PRO®, Windermere/Semiahmoo Real Estate, Blaine, Wash.

Editor’s note: REALTORS® are routinely photographed wearing their pin. This photo happened a little unconventionally: The writer was attending the taping and brought along a photographer friend. Ron Toyama is indeed a REALTOR®.

A woman of substance

I’d like to point out a glaring oversight in your Editor’s Note column (“ Why one woman? ” January 2004, page 10) regarding the lack of women in the “25 most influential people in real estate ” (December 2003, page 41). Mo Anderson has been CEO of Keller Williams Realty for almost 10 years and was president for seven. In that time, the company has grown from a regional player to a company with offices in almost every state and Canada. Mo has met all the challenges inherent in that dynamic growth pattern and continues to play an active role in spearheading the company’s future. I can think of no better person to have on your list!

—Mike Tavener, CRS®, Keller Williams Professionals, Asheville, N.C.

No glass ceiling here

I couldn’t resist writing you about your January Editor’s Note. You were on target when you said, “I can’t think of a profession where gender is less of an issue than real estate.” RE/MAX was the first major network to name a female president—Gail Liniger (1979). She was named vice chairman in 2002. Today, we have another female president—Margaret Kelly—and three of our senior officers, seven vice presidents, and numerous department directors and managers are women. What glass ceiling?

—Bill Echols, ABR®, GRI, vice president of public relations, RE/MAX International, Englewood, Colo.

Letters are edited for space and clarity. Publication of a letter doesn’t constitute an endorsement of the writer’s views by the National Association of REALTORS® or REALTOR® Magazine.

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