Real estate agents are worth their fee
I was appalled by Matt Kempner’s “Do-it-yourself trend slow to expand into real estate market” (Business, Oct. 4). As a Realtor for 28 years, my job is to protect and advise my clients. Kempner’s column does them a disservice. Technology is just part of the toolkit; it does not supplant Realtors any more than being able to read a legal case study online obviates the need for an attorney.
Homeowners still benefit from tailored expert guidance on pricing, negotiation and other aspects of the sale. Buyers still rely on seasoned pros to ferret out what they want and need and to see the transaction through to fruition. What you’re paying for is years of experience and networking capabilities, just as you would with any professional. Discount approaches to selling homes rely heavily on an agent being involved on the other side of the transaction doing twice the work. Buyer (and seller), beware.
BILL GOLDEN, ATLANTA
Vote ‘no’ on Pacific trade agreement
The Trans Pacific Partnership is just the latest escalation of the kind of bad trade policy that has done so much damage to the American economy and manufacturing base (“Trade pact could help Ga.,” News, Oct. 6). Especially offensive are provisions to elevate the rights of corporate investors over our laws, and huge rights giveaways to pharmaceutical special interests and others that have nothing whatsoever to do with trade.
The vote in Congress may now already be rigged, but the voters of America have every intention of holding responsible in the next election any member of Congress who votes for this monstrosity, including those who voted for fast track in the first place.
STEVE AND LINDA DORAGE, DECATUR
No, Jefferson didn’t really say that
Contrary to Mike Lowry’s column (“End government’s choosing winners, losers,” Opinion, Oct. 7), Thomas Jefferson never said the quote attributed to him: “A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away everything you have.” Geez, these things are easy enough to check out. Give the guest columnists a hand.
TIM HEWETT, TUCKER
A suggestion for MLK’s belongings
Regarding “Carter will mediate King siblings’ dispute” (News, Oct. 6), why don’t the siblings settle this rift over selling the Rev. Martin Luther King’s possessions by donating them to the Civil Rights museum? Do they need the money that badly?
R.L. TURNER, ATLANTA
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