Realestate agents, lawyers, used car salesmen

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Real estate agents, lawyers, used car salesmen- what is the difference? I think not much. They all seem to be interested in one thing, their wallet's content. I will not approach a used car salesman, if I cannot buy from a noncommishioned person I will not buy. I would only approach a lawyer if I have a noose in my hand. Real estate agents are fastly joining this group of undesireable people. Why? In the last 20 days I have been looking for a different place to live. I have sent more than 30 emails to different offices, asking if they had anything in my price range and needs. Why do realestate agent post their email address and then never answer them??

Yes, I am on a small pension; yes I know that there is not a skyhigh commishion to be made from me. Did you know you would be helping an individual? Did you know you would be helping a land owner? We are both needy people; it is your chosen job to put us together. Why can't you do your job on both ends of the scale? Persons with limited incomes do not own the latest model cars, like you do. We cannot go buy $20.00 per person resturant meals, like you do. We must limit our spending to $15.00 or $20.00 per day in order to survive. Why? We are disabled, we cannot work, we cannot earn as you do. Learn to answer your email, learn the word "slack", learn a place called "reality".

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), January 11, 2002

Answers

Mitch, I completely agree with your assessment of those people. I would add all media reporters. Most, if not all, lie, tell half truths and generally make gross mistakes because of not caring or not taking the time to inform themselves before attempting to inform others. Scum bag and bagettes - everyone!

-- Joe (CactusJoe001@AOL.com), January 11, 2002.

Mitch, although I understand, I respectfully have to disagree with you. Not all are money hungry mongels. Only a few have created a bad sense for the others.

The same way a few extremeist muslims, or a few fanatical Christians, have made thier religion look.

Or how about some extremeist homesteaders who have given the rest of the world the idea that we are all a bunch of radical survivalist in KKK hoods.

I am so dishearted with the way the homesteaders talk about others. I thought our life style was about choices, love of mother nature, and the freedom to be differant. Seems like a double standard to me.

-- Karen (db0421@yahoo.com), January 11, 2002.


Ah...you've hit upon a major pet peeve of mine, lumping everyone together. I doubt that a realtor, lawyer or used car salesman is any different from any other person doing a job, after all lining their wallet is why they go to work is it not? When I go to sell a lamb, I do it to make a profit, not a) to screw anyone, and not b) to lose money either. Why don't you go to a respectable broker in your area and request an agent who specializes in low income housing? That's no different than requesting an agent who specializes in hobby farms. They each have a niche, and you'd do best with one who specializes in the market you're looking in. Secondly, you most likely have no idea of the huge expenses a realtor has, most make easily less than $24k a year. Add their typical $1000 per month in expenses and they probably make less than you do. I'm sure there are good lawyers and bad, good realtors and bad, and....good farmers and bad. How about ignoring the bad ones and concentrating your efforts on the good ones? Trust me, they're out there....and you don't really even have to look that hard.

-- CJ (cjtinkle@getgoin.net), January 11, 2002.

As a licensed realtor who has been in the trenches of this business for a number of years, I suggest that you make an appointment with a realtor and tell them your needs. Please do not lump us all in one bunch. If I told you how many family meals that have been disrupted, how many lies I have been told- "oh, yes I am qualified to buy, my lender told me to just find a house", how expensive it is to just hold a license, you would be astonished. There ae many realtors who would be glad to help you. If you can't get responses to e-mail, just pick up the phone. It works!!!!!

-- Nelda Church (Carlnelda@aol.com), January 11, 2002.

Oh Mitch, you sound so discouraged and I'm sorry! The dealings I have had through the years with realtors have been mostly good. There are rotten apples in every barrel. It is the same with car salesman. I've had good results with them also. Keep a positive attitude and try again with the previous suggestions.

-- Ardie /WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), January 11, 2002.


Mitch, try contacting www.swisslands.com , a small, family owned private real estate company here in SE Ohio. If you haven't considered Monroe county to live in, you should think about it!

Land and cost of living is far cheaper here than ANYWHERE in the lower 48 states, we looked for five years ( we're truckers so we have been everywhere) and this is the cheapest land that also offers access to medical facilities and libraries that we prefer. As well as being rural enough so we don't have to look at anyone if we don't want to. The terrain and scenery are similar to where you are now, but not quite as steep, more farmable in places.

Also check www.brunerland.com , but they might take a few more days to get back to you, Swisslands will get back to you within a day or two.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), January 11, 2002.


In that list of crooks how did you miss politicians. I think they should be at the top of the list.

-- Mel Kelly (melkelly@webtv.net), January 11, 2002.

Unlike many of you we have had good experiences with the above named culprits of society.

Real estate salesperson: We recently bought property through an agent. She was helpful, courteous,very efficient, and overworked to the extreme. I would not want here job for all the money around. She and her family suffer much for her job. Would not be worth it to me. She sold our house for ABOVE our asking price in 3 weeks. Can't complain about that.

Lawyers: Had a problem with a company not giving me the service that I had paid for. Tried everything, got nowhere fast. Called my attorney at Pre-Paid Legal. Had my money and an apology in about 3 weeks. Can't complain here either.

Used car salesman: My wife bought her last car from a used car salesman. He treated her with respect and courtesy. When she said the windshield was pitted from sand or something, he agreed to replace it. It was the best vehicle we have ever purchased, at least in how long it lasted for the money. Still have the car. Still works great, although it is getting rusty. Can't complain here either.

As others have said there are good and bad in every occupation.

I have met the bad lawyer,who has been working on an injury case on my behalf for almost 5 years and still has not gotten anywhere.(I recently switched to a different attorney, hopefully she will get something done about this).

The really bad used car salesman who demeaned us by saying he had to go and talk to his supervisor before he could give us that low of a price. When he left, so did we.

The bad real estate salesperson: When we were looking for our first property in the country our agent did not inform us that there was a snowmobile right of way through the property, after we had asked her if there was anything else about the property we should know. She never informed us until we had put down earnest money, and since we did not want our house next to a state snowmobile trail we backed out of the deal. Never did see that earnest money again.

We learned a lot through this and other bad dealings with some unsavory people, and it has saved us money and grief MANY times since. Use your bad experiences to learn from.

Talk to you later.

-- Bob in WI (bjwick@hotmail.com), January 11, 2002.


Mitch try going to a real estate agent office in person and let then know the price range your looking for. If they don't deal with the type of place your looking for they usually recommend who does.If the commision is too low they might just give you a map and tell you to check out the places they have by yourself and if your interested in one of the places, they'll make a date and time of when they can show you the place.Also keep posting here, someone might have a place to sell or rent that fits your needs and budget. It's also close to holiday season when you started looking,so people might be on vacation or behind in their work.What type of place are you looking for? What's your price range ? and are you looking to buy or rent? I'm sure you'd find help here at countryside

-- SM. Steve (notrealmail@msn.com), January 11, 2002.

OK. I have a 33 foot motor coach to live in and am looking for 2 to 5 acres where I can have livestock if I choose a calf or chickens. I raise earthworms and want to have a small cut flower operation. I need water, electric, and a sweage system. I need a lockable barn to put my tools within and a work space to make my iron house fixtures (wrought iron). Anybody got anything that fits that?

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), January 11, 2002.


Hey Mitch- If you want to come home to Florida you could set up rent-free on my property in exchange for feeding my animals and watering my garden when I am away. I know, I know, you just left Florida! But, it's warm here!

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), January 11, 2002.

Hello there Mitch,

First off let me say that you forgot to mention "preachers" along with R.E agents, Lawyers, and car salesman.

When you moved to the top of the mountain I wondered how you would fare when winter came. Now I wonder how you will get along when and if some "real" winter arrives where you are. It has been springlike so far.

Sounds to me like you are just having a pity party for "poor Mitch". O.K. all together now "poor Mitch". Now that's better isn't it. Perhaps not better than Florida, but better.

-- Ed Copp (OH) (edcopp@yahoo.com), January 11, 2002.


Mitch, I have exactly what you're looking for. It's even located on a freshly paved old state highway within two minutes of either of two state highways and within five minutes of the interstate. The barn has over 5000 square feet and brand new 200 Amp service to accomodate a welder. It's all just sitting idle right now. I've been looking for some way to put it to use.

It's such a shame you wouldn't want to deal with me on it since I'm a truck dealer of twenty-five years. You've made a pretty clear that you'd not want to lower yourself by dealing with someone in my chosen profession.

You end your original post saying "learn the word 'slack.'" I might suggest you learn not to insult people based on what profession they choose and cut me a little "slack." I work six or seven days a week. I'm a member of my church here. I contribute countless hours to youth programs (not just money, but time). I have a son finishing college this semester and a daughter in law school (on her way to joining another group you denigrate). What a detriment to society I've been.

There's a word you don't need to learn as you certainly epitomize it. That word is "prejudice." You've met neither me nor my daughter, yet you've insulted each of us. I'm sorry for you that you choose to live your life with such bitterness. I hope after reading this maybe you'll take stock of how what you say insults others before you do it again.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), January 11, 2002.


ED, the title on this place is not clear which is the cause of me moving courtsy of a realestate agent who was not allert and did I mention lightened me of $3,000.00. I have lived in 26 degrees below so winter is not a factor.

GARY, used car salesmen have long been known as people who will say anything to make a sale and I have had ample experience with their embellishments. Of course not all are dishonest but the percentage is high enough to give the group a bad name.

As for lawyers, the only problems I have encountered in life have lawyers in there somewhere- the farther I am away from them the less problems I have.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), January 11, 2002.


I did not have time to read all the fine responses you rec'd, so I'll just throw in my advice/thoughts. As far as real estate folks are concerned, we had many (15?) real estate transfers taken care of by a "friend" who we met by virtue of his wanting to help us relocate to our present area, where (Maine) we have seemed to settle down (@25 years). He has now gone to picking prime spots in Heaven, but he was a wonderful help when he was here. Thing was, we "hired" him to represent us as buyers as well as sellers. In any profesion, there are honest people and those who are less so. I am a remodeling contractor, and believe me, there is no profession so infected with dishonest dingbats as mine. But there are really good folks, too. I have several elderly (read vulnerable) women customers. I have earned their trust, and rightly so. I take care of them, and they are my friends. There are many contractors like me. You just have to find them. GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), January 11, 2002.


Mitch,

Let me point out something about the real estate business, a business that I have been in now for over 34 years off and on. The condition of the title to a piece of property is NEVER the resopnsibility of the real estate agent. It is the responsibility of the agent to represent information as it is/was represented to him. The matter of the condition of the title is a matter between the buyer and the seller, and thier legal counsel.

You indicate some defect in the condition of the title to your property, and that is your fault. Not the fault of the agent. Might I suggest that $200 or $300 spent with a law firm for a title search might have saved you a considerable amount of greif. The $3,000 that you mention may not be lost just a bit hidden for a while, but it is quite improper to blame the agent because the buyer was too "thrifty" to pay for a title search. The real estate agents job is to "bring buyer and seller together" nothing more.

-- Ed Copp (OH) (edcopp@yahoo.com), January 11, 2002.


Thanks, Ed!

-- Bonnie (chilton@stateline-isp.com), January 11, 2002.

Mitch, there's no way to straighten out the title? Maybe a lawyer could help you out. They're not all bad. You don't have any title insurance?

Do you know how much commission the average car salesman makes? If you did you might look at them differently. The commision is nothing compared to the dealer markup. Commission or not nobody is giving cars away for free. Just because you don't buy a used vehicle at a dealership doesn't mean someone isn't making money off you. I bought, repaired and sold some myself and made nice profits. When I sold new cars/trucks I could spend an entire day or more working a sale on a 30k vehicle and come out of it with about $100-150 in my pocket. Quite common to spend hours with customers and not make a dime out of it. Most salespeople you see out there on the lots are making less than 25k a year. Half of them barely making minimum wage. The majority who enter that profession don't last more than 3 or 4 months. I wouldn't buy used cars from dealers because I can find better deals but if I did I sure wouldn't care if the salesperson is making a tiny percentage of the deal.

I wouldn't expect a real estate salesperson to go out of their way much if they're not going to gain much. They probably get lots of email and most of it leads to nothing but wasted time for them. Show up in person or call them on the phone to let them know you're serious. Find one that specializes in what you're looking for.

I'm sure at some time in your life you've benefit from a lawyers work.

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), January 11, 2002.


I ran a similar forum question about a month ago on realestate agents. Basicly, I got two types of replies a) you're a unpleasant person who no respectable RS "professional" would deal with and b) the same thing happened to me. There did not seem to a middle ground. Either bite the buyer (who is paying the bill) or someone with like experience(s). I thought a) was real strange; kinda like blaming someone on the 98th floor of the WTC for working in such a tall building. Maybe that is a poor comparision but that is how I took it.

I don't have any words of wisdom just some empathy

-- mark (toymeister@hotmail.com), January 11, 2002.


I think maybe part of the problem is that Mitch did not phone or come into an office, and, in other words, was not able to be questioned at length to be seriously qualified as a buyer (although I do not know what info you provided in your emails, I wouldn't put that kind of financial info on the web anyway).

Someone mentioned the "give map and drive thing". That has far less to do with commissions and more to do with fear of (discrimination) lawsuits for "steering" people to or away from certain neighborhoods. If you are new to the area they are usually more than happy to give you a tour. Locals should know where they want to move if it is within the same town or city. Also, some agents actually do not like to work with buyers, they prefer to work with sellers, and vice versa. We had an agent once who pretty much would only list your house if you had previously bought through him. He preferred working with buyers (and also did property management), and getting out of the office every so often.

Also, people are not really specific on what they are looking for. They say 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and forget to mention that they are totally disinterested in properties with swimming pools, or CC&Rs, and won't even look at them. If you are not specific, it can really waste an agent's time (and yours). If you need minimum size bedrooms to accomodate a king size bed for a large person, or higher than normal ceilings in some rooms to accomodate tall bookcases, tell the agent. A lot of selling agents measure rooms when listing, or can call the seller and tell them how to do it and find out that way. If you want to be within a certain distance of town, or only want a one-story house, tell them. One agent told me that if you were specific enough, he was often able to narrow your choices down to three houses, and go from there.

As to title/deed restrictions/zoning (I am not sure if they are the same), that is the seller's issue, unless you are in a state where there are no seller disclosure forms and can sell "as is". In CA, for example, people have been known to disclose bad (noisy or trashy) neighbors, cats next door, etc. because of a question about "neighborhood nuisances". No joke. In CA, the only way you can get out of a disclosure legally (you can put "I don't know, but if you lived there a jury could find that you SHOULD have known this or that condition, like a leaky roof and you would lose a lawsuit) is by being an heir who is selling a deceased person's property. You wouldn't know the condition of the property, and therefore aren't expected to.

The snowmobile right-of-way or easement example, is not the same as a defect in title (problem with exactly who owns the property, liens not paid, etc.). You didn't like the easement. Some people wouldn't mind it. Ususally going through an agent getting the preliminary title report is part of the cost of escrow. Also, the agent is not responsible for knowing who has what easement, that again is the seller's responsibility, or the buyer's (again depending on what state you're in). Where your agent failed you (if anywhere) is in not telling you that in addition to the standard contingency (buyer able to get financing), you could add a continency of say, "no adverse deed restrictions on property" (not sure exactly how to word it, but your agent SHOULD know) to let you out of the contract, and get your earnest money back. Other people have been known to put "need mother-in-law's approval" (also known as a "weasel clause", but savvy sellers will usually give a thumbs down to the entire offer, unless the mother-in- law will be on the note, or is providing the down payment.

The agent (disagreeing with Ed here slightly) IS responsible to know some things, particularly if they have been in an area a very long time, and one might be able to use "special trust and confidence in their abilities as an agent" as basis for a lawsuit. Using CA as an example again, they would have access to maps showing floodplains, and especially earthquake faults (you have to disclose if you live within I think 1/4 mile of one). They tell the sellers that so they can help fill out the disclosures. They might well have thought they discharged the responsibility of discovering the easement for the snowmobile trail (in the previous example) by simply saying, "oh, there's a National Park Trail in the area," but then again, maybe not, depending on the court. Agents are supposed to pick up on things that sellers miss, like "you live within 4 blocks of a freeway" which is yet another disclosure form question (has to do with noise and traffic). People get used to noise after a while, and tune it out.

No, I am not an agent, but anyone (including Mitch), can read books on real estate, or take a class at the local community college (Mitch might qualify to audit for free) or online, (Principles of Real Estate is the one to start with, Real Estate Ethics maybe number 2).

Real Estate is NOT brain surgery by any means, but there is a good deal of "attention to detail" involved. For example, an heir was selling a house, and the real estate agent represented the house as being on sewer, which it wasn't. The heir doesn't know and doesn't have to, but the AGENT knew where to check for this information, and didn't. The AGENT wound up eating the cost of hooking up to the sewer, because of FHA and VA rules that if the sewer is in the street, the house MUST be hooked up to it to get a loan.

I will say that it is not unusual for an agent to cut their commission if neither party will budge and the sale is within their grasp. Further, don't believe the hype about so-called buyer's agents. Unless you are paying a predetermined price, either by the hour or a flat fee (say $2-3000), and they are not getting ANY of the typical commission from the seller, they are STILL the seller's agent! A lot of these so- called buyer's agents are saying they work for you, and you may in fact sign a contract saying so, but, if they are still getting paid based in any way on the selling price, do you think that they will be motivated to get YOU the best possible (i.e. lowest) price? Think again. That is a definite conflict of interest, and hopefully one that will be addressed in future laws. If you think of all agents as working for the seller (and conducting yourself accordingly, keeping for example the absolute top price you will pay for a property to yourself), you should be all right.

Sorry for the long post.



-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), January 11, 2002.


I just hope that the readers and their opinions never get placed in the $0.87 cents per hour pension mess, its a bit hard to pay $50.00 per hour bills when you have mobility imparement.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), January 11, 2002.

A person has a right to be frustrated without being attacked for it.If Mitch is frustrated so what we've all been there. I don't think he's feeling sorry for himself. I notice that it seems to be the same people over and over again who do the verbal attack thing. Mitch is doing what is called "venting" let him do it and if you can help without attacking than try to help. If you are in one of the professions he mention and your feelings are hurt then be nice and explain in a resonable manor why he is wrong to feel how he feels. You can't honesly tell me there has never been a time when you have become irritated at someone in a certain profession and did not have negative thoughts about any others in that profession until you have cooled down a bit.I'm sure that Mitche's intentions were not to attack any of you. He wrote what he wrote because of how he is feeling right now. I am in quality control and when I hear people make remarks about how quality control people suck for letting such and such pass by them I do not get offended and attack that person, they have every right to their thought as you or I do. Mitch may feel differently tomorrow and tomorrow you may also stop to think that maybe you were to harsh towards Mitch tonight.

Mitch, I have been in your shoes more times than I can count but I have found that sooner or later the right person will come along and things will work out alright. Best of luck finding a place to move to.

-- george (bngcrview@aol.com), January 11, 2002.


"Mitch, Mitch, Mitch"! I wished I had been one of the first people that read your post. I would have warned you of what kind of replies you would have gotten. I posted a response to someones post one time and put down the dirty low down car salesmans in my response and I got some very dirty e-mails from car salesmans. They were channeled directly to me and not through this web site.

Anywho! For what my 2-cents might be worth, here is a couple of my suggestions. Either drive the countryside or search in newspapers for land that is offered for sale by the owner. One that is not selling through any realestate firm. Some even offer owner financing. But check everything out before signing any papers, such as a title search, etc.

Second suggestion: Take up Elizabeth offer. In the long run she might end up being your little love dove.

-- r.h. in okla. (rhays@sstelco.com), January 11, 2002.


I sold cars for 5 years, people expect you to know everything about a used car you have on the lot. Unless you personaly know of the vehicles past all you can tell a customer is that it was brought to your lot for you to sell.

-- B. Brown (coyotegun@aol.com), January 11, 2002.

George, you're right. Mitch, I apologize for getting my dander up over your comments. I think though, that if you would go into a real estate office and explain your situation, someone would be happy to help you. Someone made a comment above that the condition of the title is NOT the agent's responsibility...well maybe not legally, but any agent worth his or her salt would point out any defects or possible problem areas to their client, if not simply to provide outstanding service, then to cover their butt from a future lawsuit! Find and agent whom you are comfortable with, and have faith in them. If you find yourself tempted to hop around to various agents...don't, you'll likely not get very good service. Good Luck to you.

-- CJ (cjtinkle@getgoin.net), January 12, 2002.

My brother used to own a title research company. I believe that anyone planning on buying real estate should get a title researcher to research the title. I would suggest having the title researched back 20 to 50 years. I belive that if there are any liens on the property and a person takes possession of that property that any liens or judgments against the property become the responcibility of the new owner. I may be wrong on this but I do believe that is why there are title researchers, real estate agents can answer this for you.

After reading my post today it seems to me that I came across as a bit rude, I am sorry to anyone that I may have offended.

I have dealt with real estate agents and I have found them to be some of the nicest most honest people in a profession there is. Heck, I even worked in a real estate office in Florida and I saw lots of times when the agent would willingly speak up about a problem, after all they do want to be recommended in the future. Also, I have dealt with the same car saleswoman for years and she is great to work with. It is the Lawyers who confuse me but only because all the legal talk confuses me and I find that the lawyers get way ahead of me because they leave me thinking about a legal term they mentioned 15 minutes earlier but I have learned to ask that they repeat what they said so that I can understand it. All in all there are good and bad people in every profession and there are good and bad customers and as much as we would like to be, none of us can always be right. George

-- george (bngcrview@aol.com), January 12, 2002.


O.K. I answered this another thread but here it goes again. We looked for three years for property and this is what we found. Realtors do not answer e-mails because they get so many people just surfing and they said that they would spend all their time just answering them. One said he got hundreds of e-mails and that he wouldn't get anything done if he answered them. They use their e- mails to send imformation to you after you talk with them personally. It is very frustrating but you will have to phone (and phone and phone) to get an answer. Even then it is hard to get imformation as they would rather deal with local people. You have to be VERY persistant to make them think you are a serious buyer. We called every realtor in two states and it was hard to get any imformation at all. If they tell you they are sending imformation and you din't get it within two weeks call again if you are really interested. Get a cheap calling card at Sam's or something to use to make your calls and keep a log of who you called, when and what they said. Call one realtor in an area and if you get a bad response or they have nothing that you are interested in THEN call other realtors in that area. They don't like it if you call all the realtors in their area and will drop you. They feel they are wasting their time sending repeat imformation on what is avaliable. Rural properties take more time to show than those in the towns so finding someone to work with you is hard . Be Persistant!

-- Barb (MBRanch@POP.ctctel.com), January 12, 2002.

CJ, unless someone is doing an all-cash transaction, I can't see how anyone could possibly have title problems and still sell the property, or have the sale fall through and the buyer lose the earnest money. If you are getting any kind of a loan at all, the mortgage company is going to insist on title insurance (part of all those fees you pay). Or is this problem only common in states where you use lawyers to buy and sell rather than real estate agents and escrow companies? I didn't know it was possible to buy property without title insurance, because it seems to be a mandatory hoop to go through with each sale, like proof of termite inspection, and septic pumping/inspection.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), January 12, 2002.

Mitch I'm in north east Tennessee, I'll keep an eye open in my area for what you described and if I see or hear something I'll check it out and e-mail you personaly.Your sharing your negative expirences with used car salesman and with realestate agents has put some people on the defensive.They are probably honerable people of their trade .My neighbors always bash city people, they've gotten so comfortable with me (an outsided who was born in a big ciy) they no longer see me as an outsider and forget I come from a big city.I don't get offended or get on the defensive when they voice their opinion of city people.I realize it's the experiences they had before that has shaped their opinion.I live in a high dollar area but their are always deals around by word of mouth and the economy is still healthy here.

-- SM Steve (notrealmail@msn.com), January 12, 2002.

George,

I read your response to Mitch's post and the subsequent responses with great interest. Unlike CJ, I don't apologize at all for what I wrote. It was Mitch who got his "dander up" and started this. While I understand he may have been "venting" his frustrations I feel that can be done in an appropriate and reasonable manner. You seemed to indicate you felt it was somehow acceptable for him or anyone to denigrate an entire group because of the actions of some members "until (they) have cooled down a bit."

I wonder if that logic would apply if he chose to denigrate a particular racial, ethnic or religious group. Somehow, I doubt that would be considered acceptable behaviour, regardless of "how he is feeling right now."

I don't feel my words to Mitch were "to(o) harsh" at all. Certainly they were not anywhere near so harsh as his directed toward me (as a member of one group he attacked) or toward my daughter, who I love more than life itself (as a member, or potentially so, of another group he attacked).

Prejudice seldom changes and that is exactly what we're dealing with here. I doubt Mitch will change his views or "feel differently tomorrow." I think we've all felt we were somehow shortchanged at one time or another in our lives. I don't think that's any excuse for prejudice. You're right about him having "every right to his thought(s) as you or I do." I believe I have not only the right but also the duty to call prejudice what it is wherever I see it. I don't think I was "too harsh towards Mitch" at all. If anything, I was too easy on him because I know his situation.

The irony is that I really do have what sounds like it would have been a perfect piece of property for what he needs. Somehow it's always funny to me when things like this happen in life. It makes me think God has a great sense of humor in teaching us lessons sometimes.

I bear no malice toward anyone here. Truth be told, I feel sorry for Mitch on a couple of levels. Had I known of his situation when he was looking for the property he has currently, I'd certainly have told him of title searches and title insurance which, for an owner's policy, is typically a seller expense around here. I hope things work as well for him as he'll let them.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), January 12, 2002.


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