Dear Fellow Bagnell Dam Board Member;
I am writing to share with you some of my concerns as a member of the Bagnell Dam Board of Realtors and the Multiple Listing System.
I feel the recent Director’s decision to purchase virtual tour software for all of us was far overstepping their bounds. I have virtual tour software that I have already paid a substantial amount on and have used for over 10 years. I feel it is superior to the software the Board has decided to purchase and have no use for the new program.
I am insulted at having to pay for something I do not want or need and I am further insulted by the insinuation that if I choose not to use this new software that I should overlook the increase in my dues because it is such a small amount. I would also be interested in knowing how much the MarketLinx fee is for the virtual tour software and hosting vs. what is being collected from the membership.
I appreciate the various board committees researching options that will allow members a discount on services should they elect to use them. However, the members should have been polled and anyone wishing to “opt in” could have grouped together to negotiate a good price.
Will the Director’s next decision to be to negotiate cell phone packages that we all have to pay for whether we use them or not? Or websites?
I feel the Directors inability to have this service in place when we have already been charged for it is an opportunity for us to revisit this decision and express to them whether we actually have interest in using their virtual tour program.
A great deal of time, money and effort is spent in areas that I feel would be better focused on improving the functionality of our MLS.
With the large reduction in membership, the income will be down a great deal this year. I feel that all of us need to be aware of board spending and which expenses may need to be modified or eliminated in order to maintain a balanced budget. If we are not on top of this, my concern is that the next decision we get hit with will be to raise our taxes, I mean, our dues, to cover unnecessary spending.
I feel the MREC set a great example when, in response to the increase in licensees, they reduced renewal fees by 80% as opposed to absorbing the extra dollars by increased spending.
I take full responsibility for not addressing this last year when the virtual tour issue first came up. I have resolved to be better informed and more active in board issues this year.
Please let me know your thoughts, whether you agree or oppose my opinion. Let me know if I can include your opinion in a compilation of responses I receive and, especially, let your Board of Directors know your thoughts.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
C. Michael Elliott, Broker/Owner
Gattermeir Elliott Real Estate Co., LLC
573.365.SOLD (7653) Office
573.280.0170 Cell
877.365.cme1 (2631) Direct Toll Free
www.cme1st.com
cme@yourlake.com
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Michael,
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you about the part that we all need to stand up and be accountable for what goes on in our boards. As the new LOBR president I know it is very difficult to get the membership involved in their business of real estate here at the lake. We all need to take more of an interest in our boards and what goes on around us. The best way to start is becoming involved in board committees and coming to meetings. Your voice will be heard.
As far as the Property Panorama program, here on the west side we had many e-mails go out and posted information and links on the bulletin board. We also had a discussion and a vote of the membership to approve or table this issue. After much discussion the membership voted about 5 to 1 in favor of adding Property Panorama to Innovia website. It is a much cheaper way for many agents to have virtual tours that may have not been able to afford another program.
I also use another program that I pay for, but I am a strong believer that as a REALTOR we all need to do the best we can for our clients. This is a cheap step in the right direction and I hope that everyone takes full advantage of it. Good or bad it was the membership that made the final decision for LOBR.
Steve Gum
President LOBR