'Over the top' OC Real Estate Blogger Gets Slapped With Grievance

Screenshot

You can't always say what you want online; or, you can, until someone tries to stop you. One Irvine-based blogger, Larry Roberts, has had a grievance filed against him by the Orange County Association of Realtors (OCAR) for his "over the top" posts that violate the professional realtor's code of ethics, according to the OC Register.

On his site, IrvineHousingBlog.com, Roberts has posts with innocuous titles like "Housing demand surprisingly low while payment affordability at record highs" and "Banks stockpile homes buyers don’t need to buy," but also some more colorful posts like "More self-serving bullshit from the National Association of realtors."

The blog contains photos of properties in foreclosure, as well as posts that criticize homeowners who have defaulted on their loans. Roberts is also very critical of his
colleagues, and "has accused real estate agents, in general, of being dishonest."

In return, Roberts attests the grievance is "frivolous," and he is protected by free speech. Moreover, he says while he has a broker's license, he does not "run a brokerage or sell real estate, and he is not a Realtor or a member of OCAR."

Roberts calls what realtors tell to prospective buyers as a form of lying, because some, in an attempt to make a sale, they willingly "make representations about investment value and appreciation without regard to whether or not such statements are true." Added Roberts in an interview with the Register: ”I have never singled any Realtor out and called them a liar.”

Two other associates of the blog were named in the grievance: "[Real estate agent Shevy] Akason, who works at Evergreen Realty, advertises on Roberts’ blog and pays him for referrals," and "[broker Tina] Rector is Evergreen’s founding broker."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@laist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Lindsay William-Ross in News on June 6, 2011 5:00 PM

Comments [rss]

Cape Coral Foreclosures

We all have freedom of speech, but that doesn't mean we can say anything. Online blogging has becoming more and more popular now a days. We should be careful on what we are writing and make sure that we're not harming of offending anyone with our content. We should be more responsible every time we say or write something on the internet.

real estate in malaysia

Very informative post about the facts related to the real estate. I am glad I visited here and come to know about it. I have gathered a huge knowledge being here.

Las Vegas Luxury Homes

I’ve heard this, but happy to finally have a decent understanding of them. Thanks for sharing.

Guest

Yes I think that is right he did not noticed the realtor's code of ethics.

Cape Coral Rental Management

I really enjoyed reading about this article. I think he enjoy writing in his blog while he not noticed realtor's code of ethics.

Foreclosure Investing

Interesting, would not have thought about it that way myself. I think he's just practicing he's freedom of speech.

piercepola

If your blog is just a repository of the latest market, it's time for you to make changes. One way is through the connectivity in your listing of interesting information - history, how - TOS, stories and so on.

Association Management

malcom hister

In an attempt to make a sale, like the tower on the value of the investment and appreciation without regard to whether such statements are true.

homes glen allen va

kaizenranger

I think grievance is a valid. It is important to set the budget before buying any property. If you have necessary documents than you get easily property loan.

Apartments for rent in Toronto

Johny Anderson

That is nice information shared by you. If we are capable to purchase and sell real estate things then we should do it otherwise we have to leave it.

Charlotte Property Management

harrypotter5

In my opinion one should set the budget & according to it they should see or find the property.Then only one can purchase the assets.I think this is a main point while buying & selling any property.

Property Agent

as a blogger one should just really be responsible to whatever said and always have respect in mind

sygyzy

How is their grievance even valid? He is not part of their association or claims to be. He's a pissed off citizen upset at what the mortgage industry has turned into and has every right to be.