Disclosure: All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only.
As a real estate agent, I’m often asked why we sometimes receive a bad reputation. While many hardworking professionals are in the field, the negative perceptions surrounding us are understandable. My goal with this blog is to address some of the common reasons behind these perceptions and offer some perspective to help you see the bigger picture.
Reason #1: Perceived Self-Interest
One of the most frequent complaints about real estate agents is that we prioritize our commission over our client’s best interests. This perception can arise when an agent pressures a client into making a quick decision or buying a property that may not be the best fit. These situations can indeed happen!
Personal Viewpoint: As real estate agents, we have a fiduciary duty to always put our clients’ interests first. If we fail to comply with these ethical standards, we risk losing our licenses. It’s important to note that agencies exist to protect the public from unethical behavior. For example, in Texas, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) issues licenses and revokes them when necessary.
Reason #2: Lack of Transparency
There are times when agents don’t fully disclose all details about a property, whether due to a lack of information or because they don’t share everything they know. This can leave buyers feeling misled.
Personal Viewpoint: As real estate agents, we are required to disclose any known facts that could influence a buyer’s decision. Failure to do so can put us at risk of losing our licenses, pay fines, and pay triple the amount of damages.
Please know that we obtain the information from the seller. Under the law, sellers must disclose defects they are aware of—whether visual or not—that could impact the property’s value. If they fail to do so, the buyer may have grounds for a lawsuit.
While agents are required to disclose visible defects, a seller’s failure to disclose unknown hidden issues (such as a bad foundation or difficult neighbors) is a challenge.
It’s crucial to recommend a professional home inspection to avoid these surprises. Agents are not trained to inspect homes and cannot legally perform inspections without a specialized license.
Reason #3: Aggressive Sales Tactics
Some real estate agents may use overly persistent or pushy tactics in an attempt to close a deal. This can make clients uncomfortable, especially those who prefer a more laid-back, consultative approach.
Personal Viewpoint: Most real estate agents are independent contractors, which means they only get paid if a transaction is successfully completed. The time they spend showing houses, driving to meet clients, or hosting open houses doesn’t come with a paycheck unless a sale happens. From that perspective, it’s understandable why some agents might feel pressured to close a deal quickly. After all, we have families to feed, just like everyone else.
Reason #4: Fluctuating Market Behavior
The real estate market is constantly changing, and agents must adapt their strategies based on whether they’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market. This can sometimes give the impression that agents are more focused on market trends than on what’s best for the client.
Personal Viewpoint: Before I got my license, I didn’t understand terms like “buyer’s market” or “seller’s market.” These terms are all about supply and demand. The market is like a seesaw—sometimes it’s tipped in the buyer’s favor, and other times it’s in the seller’s favor. As agents, we have to adjust our strategies based on where our client stands in relation to the market.
Reason #5: The “Bad Apple” Effect
As with any profession, there are always a few individuals whose behavior reflects poorly on the entire industry. A handful of negative experiences can overshadow the many agents who are hardworking, ethical, and dedicated to their clients.
Personal Viewpoint: As a former registered nurse, I can tell you that real estate is no different from any other career. Just like doctors or lawyers, there are great and not-so-great ones. It’s important to focus on the many professionals who truly care about their clients and work with integrity.
Conclusion
My goal is to educate the public and improve the home-buying experience for everyone involved. If you found this article helpful, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section. If we have differing opinions, that’s perfectly fine—I believe in respectful conversations and “agreeing to disagree.”
Let’s strive to keep the conversation professional, positive, and high-vibrational. Together, we can create a better experience for all involved!