I believe there are people who ask "how's real estate these days?" and they're the same as the people that automatically say "how are you?"    To me that is just a space filler and they really could care less.  I get a kick out of people who actually start telling them exactly how they are, every symptom, pain, and heartache! 

When my clients are asking for real estate advice, they get the truth, the full truth and nothing but the truth

When someone asks my professional opinion, I generally ask them some questions.

Will my opinion make a difference to your decision?

Have you made up your mind and do you want me to play devil's advocate?

Do I look like Lucy van Pelt(Charlie Brown's nemesis)?   And if so, the rate is no longer 5 cents.   So if you want to know, let's start that clock....

I provide the best advice based on my experience but an not upset if they do not agree.

I think that depends. If they have their minds made up I think it will not change a thing. If it is subjective then they may consider what I have to say to weigh into their decision.

I give it straight up  like it or not is up to them

That all depends on whether or not they are a client!  Clients get the real answer.

I do have people that are sincere when they ask me this question, but a lot of times I get asked this as a way to get the conversation going. 

I'm a straight shooter like it or not.  It is what it is. 

I typically assume someone asked because they want to know the truth, so I always speak truthfully and frankly (albeit, diplomatically). My experience is that people remember you when they know they can trust you to speak the truth.

Ron and Alexandra,
It can be hard to know why people are asking. I try to broaden the conversation so they don’t make a decision on that one point where they might be making a mistake.

I always tell the straight-up truth. If they don't like the answer, then they can stop asking me for my opinion.

Candor is best!

People like their own opinions sometimes more than the truth itself

Ron and Alexandra Seigel I usually tell them the truth.

Honesty is the best policy even if the truth hurts.

a little of both. I try to give people permission to buy if that is what they want, but I also don't want to be on the record for a purchase if I don't think it is a good one. 

I think it's called conversation and they really don't give a rats xxx.

I provide my opinion based on my experience and they appreciate it.

I know how to play that game pretty well. It is fairly easy to be honest and give the buyer what they want to hear-it's called selling!

The truth wins out on a direct question. As for opinion, after many years in the business, I ask what they think first!

I tell them the truth.

 Good Sunday morning Ron & Alexandria. I give them the best advice I can give them based on the situation.

Good morning A & R. Yes, I would answer the question, but wouldn't be willing to share information that wasn't truthful, even if would cost me a sale.

Ron and Alexandra - I tell it like it is, always the truth, at least my opinion, because that is what they asked for. I do think people often want me to approve or agree with them, but that is not what they are going to get with me. I will only agree if I truly agree with them.

So many people around town know what I do for a living Ron & Alexandra and I always get "so how is the market" nearly everywhere I go so you have to wonder. Is that the same as talking about the weather? Do people really care?

I give my honest opinion, why mislead them by giving anything else

I believe a little bit of both. Some people really want to know, and some just use it as a conversation question. 

Conversation topic to get a realtor talk...

How is business? How many sales you have this week?  Have you been harassed as a man? Are you divorced so you are single also? blah blah blah....

Many times they are just asking for approval.

I believe they want to know the truth.

Depending on the opinion needed, schools - no way that is their decision, what home if there are two in the running and they love both, I will offer an opinion.  Sometimes they take it, sometimes they don't.

I think most people want to hear what they want to hear ....but if you explain the answer properly then they come over to your side ....

Ron and Alexandra Seigel I think, it depends on the question. Very good question.

Typically they are looking for affirmation of their own beliefs, though I try to sneak in the truth in the most palatable way.

It depends on the person and the question.  I think generally people really do want a legit answer not just a sugar coated answer.

I give them the honest answer as I see it....if they want it sugar coated, they shouldn't be asking me.... 

Often neither of that. People often ask about real estate as soon as you mention what you do for living. Does not mean they care or need to know, but it is a good conversation starter:)