Tony,

I think everyone in the industry needs to focus on the good agents and make it known rather than constantly ranting and raving about the bad agents...we are the only profession who is constantly airing their dirty laundry...A

No, surveys show them still down below used car sale people and lawyers.

I think the industry will always have it's nay-sayers, but if we run our businesses like professionals, work well with each other across the bargaining table and treat our clients relationally, not transactionally (so as not to comodotize ourselves) then yes I believe over all we can and are elevating the industry's image. I know we've done away with the notion it's a part time job to be done on the side. The depreciated markets of 2006-2011 ate those folks alive and vetted out our industry a bit (30% left the industry). ActiveRain and it's members are doing their part too, I believe we're here to network and share ideas; so I believe there's a solid effort in process with results happening. It's up to us, not the public, to elevate ourselves with how we conduct ourselves.

Best to not focus on what they think.

We're somewhere in between pond scum and the stuff thats stuck to the bottom of theatre seats.

No changes that I have noticed Tony.

Realtor? or Real estate agent?  I think public perception begins with us not using those terms interchangeably.  And I think it depends upon if it's a personal perception or a general perception.

Tony Lewis - I agree with that. At least I feel I get due respect from my clients. And if I don't, they are not my clients. Simple.

No, I don't think it has changed much. They still see us as used car sales people.

Yes

Not really. Some consumers still see as as used car safesmen....and frankly, there are some Realtors who act like that!

No. The public perception of real estate agents has been poor for all of the over 50 years that I have been in the business. 

Dealing with some of the agents is one of the most difficult aspects of being in this business.

i think, in general, the public thinks less of realtors. my 2 cents. i think the on line everyone is an expert has accounted for most of that

Not really upgraded.  If allowed, the public will probably speak critically that for no other reason they may think we are overpaid...It goes on

Not really. Most of the public still has a negative view of real estate agents. The short sale phase from 2006- now, where many agents were fined and/ or lost their license or went to jail didn't help. The public doesn't care if someone is a Realtor or not, they just group them all together.

I've seen a change from 1978.... big change....

No.  I believe many see Realtor or sales agent as interchangable and we are viewed in the same groups as used cars sales people. mattress sales person, the person trying to sell you a new cell phone when you walk in the mall....

Until the code of ethics is truly enforced with a heavy hand.  The public will perceive real estate agent for what they really are...untrained, unsupervised and unethical. (NAR's own words)

The problem is not "one bad apple"the problem is "mostly bad apples".

Read the NAR "danger report" that states that the biggest threat to the real estate industry is the agents themselves.

Has the image changed?  NO!  the public still sees Realtors as dirt bags who make too much money.

Eve

Much like any industry you have the good and bad apples in the bunch. I think it is getting better for those that use a professional agent, all it takes is one person to have a bad experience though and they tell others.