And how's that goin? When I got into the business there wasn't that bad of a public profile. We can only do what we can do & really .... we have to start walking the walk & the talk by reporting agents that are not doing things correctly. Nothing will ever change if we don't.

I continue to help raise our profession every day.

There are too many agents, the entry level is too low and the training too lacking to raise the bar.

Not really we really need to up the training and education like Carol Williams said

Like you, I strive to elevate the reputation of our industry daily.  It is an uphill battle.

It is an uphill battle and one reason I serve on committees at our Board.

Many good responses here.  Each of us need to do our part to rise above the negative image created by less professional members

No, there is jsut too many unethical agents in this business that keep that stereotype alive and well.

I think there will always be people who don't trust us.

I'm a broker. Never sold anyone anything. Helped a lotta people make sensible purchases, sales and leases.

Having been the proverbial car salesman; there are good ones and then the rest just like real estate. Looking at some of the tactics being played out by the newer agents the profession will be kept digging out of a hole!

Not in my area it hasn't

I don't honestly know Tony Lewis, but do know that I'm a professional in real estate, who is helping, and happy and honored to do so, both Buyers and Sellers.  People have my expertise, my caring, my knowledge, and my heart.   

The NAR has had the opportunity to raise the professional status of the REALTOR for decades but has failed its membership terribly. In the coming decade you will have a much better chance to rise to new levels in my opinion.

Sadly there are some that have not

In most people's eyes, I think the competent ones are above those.  The incompetent ones... make the used car salesman look good!

Yes I believe Representation & Agency has elevated us !!!

Realtors were never in that category; sales agents were and still are. I do my part to keep the Realtor brand reputable.

No.  Many Brokers and Agents (like you) have tried to raise the image, but there are too many in this industry who will keep us right there with the "car or shoe salesman".

As I channel Susan Emo I keep my eye on my own reputation.

Not always. And a few do great damage to many.

No, the studies still show that the public still believes this.

Until you do away with paid referrals, non enforcement of the COE and easy license sales Realtors will continue to earn this reputation.

Good morning Tony. Unfortunately there are some bad apples that hurt the image of the outstanding Realtors, no different than the mortgage business.

Not this Realtor. I give 110% percent

It's going to take a lot more training and maybe a requirement for an intership before we can expect a little more respect. 

i think salespeople in general are looked down upon. having said that, i think RE is slightly above car and shoe (unless its nordstroms lol)

I don't think we are thought of in that way any longer and have been elevated to close to a mortician and attorney. Yikes.

Snake oil? Buy now and at no extra charge, you get a set of knives? The thing is, leads to some agents are like to chum to sharks

No, we just have another influx of them now that homes are selling again

I am not into using the title Realtor ... I refer to myself as consultant and agent. We need to report the bad guys and continue to do what we can to show the public that we are not all alike.

Tony Lewis As long as REALTOR® is associated with the salespersons stigma, nothing will change.

WE MARKET....LISTING AGENTS ARE MARKETING AGENTS.... 

I am following Lyn Sims this morning and have nothing further to offer!

Never connected them in the first place!!

No. 

As individuals, we can make a difference in our profession by being professional. While we would love for everyone in our profession to measure up, we are only responsible for ourselves.

It would depend on the person's experience.

$$$$$$ vs $.

It is the volume of business that makes a difference.

Tony Lewis - in our profession, if we are good, we are good. Every profession has some 'bad apples'. Some has more bad apples than others...

Tony Lewis An interesting question!

The only folks I ever hear who parallel car or shoe salesmen to REALTOR are agents thinking the are the cream of the crop.

NO ONE CARES!

But agents keep bringing it up, breathing life into the urban legend, and invariably chat, "Raise the bar."

Did you know most car dealer sales folk make more than the average real estate agent?  They seem to understand what the craft of sales is and have adapted to the changing expectation of the public.