HHHmmmm, that's a neat idea. Just wait till they starting having a mortgage department. ...'CLEANUP ON AILE #1003". Discount Mortgages. One stop shopping ... Groceries, underwear, a new home and a mortgage to go.

Sean Allen

I can't tell if you're being funny or not-but it is kind of funny.  I think it's a good idea though.

It certainly is an interesting idea. Im not sure what kind of clients you would get from Wal-Mart.

Walmart is a mega-store, with way too much power already.  Sure, they may look like they're just providing an opportunity for a few local agents, and then BAM, one day they decide to get into the real estate market.  The upside: Walmart will finally offer something made in the USA.

Hey Rita .... Yes, I was trying to be funny. It may be a good idea for those agents who work in the Walmart Office, provided they don't mind weeding out those that are wishing from those who truly can buy.

Sean Allen

I live in a fairly upscale area and I think that there are plenty of qualified people who use Wal-mart for various items.  I agree that it would be a little scary if Wal-Mart actually got into the real estate business!

This doesn't sound that far fetched to me. As the weaker companies continue to fall off, you will see more and more consolidation. If at some point they determine that it simply does not work, they'll outsource it, and if its a real failure, then they'll get rid of it. From a foot traffic perspective, it probably serves as a decent referral source primarily for those who are interested in listing their homes; it would generate some buyers I'm sure, but not many.

Let competition decide if it makes sense. I have no objection to it. There is plenty of business to go around.

Costco has a similar program, and its not used very much. I have a friend who is a regional manager, and its just a way to offer an additional service, but an insignificant source of revenue.

Rita,

You west coaster's come up with everything.....LOL.

It was only a matter of time, color me NOT surprised.

Have a great holiday.

Thanks for stopping by everyone! 

Fascinating.

Bill Cherry

Rita, this idea I haven't heard of. I know the tax prep companies buy kiosk space in Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart leasing tends to lean more toward "buy now" type of stuff like glasses, photos, banking, etc than it would a long term process like buying or selling a home.

Though it would be a good display space for homes for sale.  Lot's of foot traffic exposure.

I know plenty of upscale shoppers that still visit Wal-Mart.

-

In Nevada the Association has lobbied against companies like Wal-Mart getting their fingers into real estate.  The problem was that Wal-Mart type stores wanted to refer to agents their "club members" and the members would get discounted fees.  Nobody liked it because we already have an up hill battle making consumers understand why we are worth our fees, offering discounted services would make it difficult for the rest of us.  Furhtermore, there was some discression between the whole independent-contractor/employee thing.  I don't know if these are even the same concepts being described here, but they did trigger thought in my area before.

 Personally, I would love to have that kind of exposure, but I couldn't take having a "wal-mart meltdown" every day.  Come on guys, you know what I mean.  The Wal mart trauma that leaves women in sobbing rages, husbands withdrawn from families.  Its that crazy feeling you get when there are too many carts around you, too many other people's crying children, flourescent lighting, and information in your sight equivilent to thousands of prime time commercials blaring on your tv at once??  No thank you.  I like my office.

I know what you mean Lisa.  I should shop at discount stores more often but I can't take it.  Thank you everyone for stopping by.  

We have H&R Block in our Walmart every spring, so it doesn't surprise me at all. Greg W. --- your comment makes me laugh.

Rita-

Scary. Really, scary.

Wal-Monster. Yuk. I swear I get road rage just driving past... I think I'll find another use for my marketing dollars!

(No, I don't really get road rage. I go the other way around!)

~Emily

The San Diego Real Estate Expert