Realtor Bias? It Just Might Be A Thing.

Remember this moment from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”?

Lucy Van Pelt: I know how you feel about all this Christmas business, getting depressed and all that. It happens to me every year. I never get what I really want. I always get a lot of stupid toys or a bicycle or clothes or something like that.

Charlie Brown: What is it you want?

Lucy Van Pelt: Real estate.

So, let’s talk real estate.

I recently came across a rather odd video on YouTube posted by Eddie Brady of Showcase Real Estate. It’s called “Six Reasons to Avoid Columbia.” The video runs 9 minutes, 37 seconds and it’s the first real estate video I have ever seen telling the viewer why they don’t want to move somewhere. 

I understand that Columbia can be rather an acquired taste and that it’s important to understand what it’s all about before making the leap of home ownership here. To be honest, many of the issues raised seem reasonable. We know we’re not perfect or at the very least we know we’re not exactly like other places. We weren’t meant to be. Even if you are a wholehearted fan of all things Columbia I think you’d find some of this video relatable.

BUT…

At 7:04 the video reaches a section on schools. Or rather, what the host has entitled: 

INCONSISTENT PUBLIC SCHOOL QUALITY

Rather abruptly we are plunged into a laundry list of all things that realtors should not be doing when it comes to taking about schools during the home buying process. Chief among these is his total endorsement of “school ratings” as an accurate measure of school environment and educational quality. It’s also an exercise in racist dog whistles so carefully spun out that you almost might not know what was happening - - if you don’t know Columbia, that is. 

I began watching this video out of curiosity. Some of it, though blunt, was understandable. But the section on schools is, in my opinion, 100 per cent an advertisement of why you should not use this particular realtor. If any realtor starts talking to you about schools this way you should start looking for someone else.

Watch it and see what you think. If you’re pressed for time, just watch the education portion beginning at 7:04. 

One thing I found interesting was how the video combines of photos from the area with generic stock footage. I imagine it’s a cost-saving approach. You know what I’m going to do today? I’m going to go back and rewatch the video to examine the racial makeup of the people depicted throughout. After that school section I’m…curious. That might tell me a lot about how this realtor sees the world and who he sees as his target audience.

What do you think?

Village Green/Town² Comments

*****

Today in Local HoCo: Did you know that today is International Tea Day?  Why not celebrate at Queen Takes Book? Sip free hot tea, enjoy LiteraTea tastings at 11am & 2pm, and discover literary-inspired blends perfect for gifting. Warm hearts, cozy reads, and delicious teas await!