Fighting deceptive real estate practices

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What can we do about unethical real estate brokers and agents? Since writing about my own experience with a questionable real estate practice Sunday, I’ve been flooded with e-mails complaining about some practices by Realtors. Many of them are from brokers and agents frustrated with bad actors in their industry. Others come from individuals who feel they were burned in a transaction.

Several people shared their own stories of real estate agents they claimed rigged transactions to favor people they know. Others suggested ways to get justice if you’ve been wronged. Those suggestions include contacting the California Dept. of Real Estate and reporting alleged ethical violations to the local board of Realtors.

Perhaps authorities should also toughen standards for real estate licenses. Let’s hear your thoughts on shady practices and what can be done to police the industry. Please keep the comments civil and constructive.

-- Peter Y. Hong