When I share (give) opinions, I usually clarify how I know what I am sharing. If it is of a somewhat legal, accounting, medical, other -- I say, they should contact them for the best advice.

Opinions and data are different. We should always testify to the data. Any opinions need to be couched as such.

Our opinions should always be accompanied by disclosures that they are our opinions based upon our experience...   Often less is more when sharing opinions.  IMHO.  lol

I agree, especially since the so-called experts are just making guesses most of the time anyways, haha.

While reading your quesstion - I am reminded of a lesson learned a long time ago:  Cite the source.  

I think we should just say what we know is right - and nothing else. 

Some are experts, many are not, having a 72 hour license does not make a person a professional or an expert.

It it up to each of us to continue to learn and grow if we want to achieve either of these categories.

I would disagree, but only on the "near" part.  Given that we are professionals in the field and have "more knowledge than the common person" we are considered experts in the eyes of the courts.  To the public, we should be as well.  I've given BPOs for a court case before.

I share what I know but then explain I am not an attorney, mortgage officer, tax accountant or any other specialty of Real Estate so, they should also check with the appropriate expert in that particular subject matter 

No, we are "experts" only in the real estate arena and never should we step outside of that.  We are not financial experts, builders, inspectors, lawyers, doctors nor indian chiefs!  Opinions are just that, opinions not facts.

Clear and concise rules when lending opinions. To prevent trouble, referring to sources for certain information is also expected and accepted.

The world is filled with self-proclaimed "experts" many of which cannot find their arse with both hands. Opinions?  Who does not have at least one on any given subject? Always vet an option. Research. Go to the Source for validation/verification. 

I stay in my own lane of real estate. Anything outside of that, legal, tax, accounting, construction, you name it - get pointed in the direction of someone licensed and qualified to answer/help. 

We serve no one by pretending to be the know-all, be-all, end-all. 

Some things are a matter of perspective and opinion. Others do have a right and wrong answer. 

I am an expert in my market, therefore a trusted advisor & a voice of value.

I'm also Irish/Italian, so I'll tell you whether you ask or not. 😅😂🤣

We here "experts" all the time, but still have to question some.

Richie,

Ron was asked to testify at a trial as an expert witness, and he did.  The trial dealt in commercial real estate, and his testimony was taken into account by the judge.  A

I stay in my lane of 'expertise' and recommend the professionals outside of my practice...and I disclose, disclose, disclose!!

We are licensed by the state and federal government.  No Realtor should ever forget that we are experts and fiduciaries and held to a higher standard.  Testify to only what you are 100% sure of though.

I prefer to verify opinions

Just was put on a Maine Tourism panel and you tell it like it is from the local turf perspective. Parts of a state or even county can be oh so different in what is happening real estate market wise Richie Alan Naggar ! Trust your local real estate professional who lives, breathes, eats everything local and knows his or her way around like you do in your market! Make your information source live and local fresh and accurate.

I am not sure I agree with the near expert term.  I am an expert in some things and not at all in others.  I do have opinions but label them as opinions.  I don't offer legal advice, or accounting advice.  I speak the truth, to include the answer, "I don't know".  that is an area that i do not have any experience in,  

"When called up one should testify to what they know.."

One must assess the intent of the one asking the question. For example, Richie, answer "Yes Or NO, are you off the Cocaine?" Clearly manipulation is the intent.

However, the one asking may actually be seeking guidance for imminent action. In most cases the questioner already has the information and in most cases have a plan they  intend to take.  The one providing the response can 'repeat what the questioner already knows' or offer something useful. 

I DON"T KNOW if those four guys hanging on the corner at 2AM  are going to mug you but I would testify it to be a great idea not to find out today. That is wise and actionable and useful opinion. Lacking a cited source does not make the adivse invalid.

There most certainly IS a right and wrong but in a society who lives on the slippery slope of relative morality, right and wrong is hard for them to discern.

Slippery slope... we get enough of that from idiot pundits.

In an effort to clarify my thinking I am ordering gourmet ice cream. Nancy's brain freeze, although I don't think she needs the ice cream, intrigues me. I want to experience stupid thinking!

There is and always will be a right and a wrong. Sometimes it takes a court to get some people to understand this!

When I worked on Wall Street- I was accustomed to working with SME's - Subject Matter Experts. In the 4 years I have worked in real estate, I rarely come across professionals that qualify as subject matter experts. It's also a matter of priorities- since we are concentrating on sales and often difficult to pivot away. I have made it my business to ensure that I am an expert- and while their is still much for me to learn, I often have senior agents that want to consult with my "expert" opinion.