Seen a Rogue on the loose? Get in touch with our Roguemeister: JOHN SCHRAG jschrag@wweek.com (503) 243-2122 FAX: (503) 243-1115 In the competitive world of selling houses, nearly anything goes--anything, that is, except the tactics of this week's Rogue, Mary-Jo Avery. Based in Lake Oswego, Avery is a high-end realtor who says she closes $40 million worth of sales annually. In the past couple of days, we've talked to a number of her clients who assure us that she's a wonderful woman. But the following letter she recently mailed offended several recipients and brokers contacted by WW. Even Avery's own step-daughter said the letter was "not appropriate" and admitted she would not have sent the heartstring-tugging missive. For her part, Avery explains that the letter, which came with a photocopy of her father's obituary, was not a mass mailing but rather a highly personal "letter from the heart" that went only to 900 friends and clients. WW, however, spoke to five recipients who had no direct relationship with Avery. All five viewed it as a crass attempt by Avery to profit from her loss. Avery said she could see why some people might reach that conclusion but insisted it was not her intent. Whatever the explanation, we think the letter speaks for itself.   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Willamette Week | originally published April 12, 2000