Comments on: A Crazy Decision

By: disgrunt

disgrunt — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:29:21 +0000

The Redfin fans on this thread are apparently not Redfin customers, at least on the listing side. RF is doing a terrible job for their customers with active listings at present. The business model doesn’t support busy-ness, which is why RF probably shouldn’t be held as the heroes of the real estate space right now. A company like Yahoo with more resources could easily start a brokerage and do much better to support their customers.

I’m in SF, and I’ve had more problems getting my agent to respond to phone calls, much less getting my house sold. The only potential bidders I know about died on the vine probably waiting on the same 1-business-day phone response delay that I am.

Right now, I wouldn’t advise my worst enemy to sign up with Redfin. I actually applaud the suspension of the listing service. I hope it’s permanent, actually, for Redfin’s sake, so they don’t trash their image any more than they have.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 02:08:01 +0000

Dalton is obviously a full commision realtor. Every person with less than half a brain knows that Realtors are in it for themselves. I am in the high end market and hate when I have to pay some realtor (same as a car salesman) 2% or more. It is a complete rip off. When will the general public see this? I hope Redfin catches on

By: Jonathan Dalton

Jonathan Dalton — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:39:55 +0000

Bob,

Flat rate listing companies have been around for quite some time. Many offer options at prices lower than Redfin’s.

None, to my knowledge, have ever taken a two-week hiatus from listings in the middle of the busiest season of the year.

Not sure what business you’re in, Bob, but most companies when faced with overwhelming demand don’t turn customers away for two weeks.

People working long hours doesn’t fly as a reason, not in real estate where that is the norm.

By: Bob

Bob — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 18:53:48 +0000

Glenn, don’t listen to this fool, he is just upset that people finally have a different and better avenue for real estate transactions.

Also, you might want to send your legal team out looking for real estate agents who are infringing on your trademark right now, as I have seen on a few blogs.

By: Jonathan Dalton

Jonathan Dalton — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 18:26:01 +0000

Late nights are tough, Glenn. They’re also a part of the business for better or worse, as I know you know.

By: Glenn Kelman

Glenn Kelman — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 01:34:29 +0000

Jonathan, the VC’s aren’t looking for a liquidity event for years, so they’re as focused as we are on the long-term quality of the brand. Overall, everyone is very happy with the company’s financial performance. That said, I can’t pretend that it’s good news that we’ve had to do this.

And yes, I know that traditional real estate agents don’t get a day off during the busiest time of the year either, and I don’t know how you do it. It’s a tough job. In the case of our agents, it seems to be especially stressful because they’ve been at the office late into the night, every night.

By: Jonathan Dalton

Jonathan Dalton — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 21:47:05 +0000

Given your agents don’t get hired unless they have completed a couple dozen deals, shouldn’t they know that the real estate business often involves working several straight weeks without a day off?

I can’t believe the VC folks were told you were taking a two-week holiday from new business during what is traditionally the busiest time of year.