patrick.net

Here’s my personal take on it.

Before the bubble (say 1998), when an average house was worth say $120k a 3% commission seemed reasonable, suddenly a few short years later, the $180k home is now worth $350k (or more). Add to that the ubiquitousness of the internet, and how it has made marketing homes and accessing listings easier... it seems that an agent gets more money for less work

This may not be true, but it is my own perception of it. I don’t see the “value added” in using an agent, particularly on the buying side.

Also, you market yourselves as “Real Estate Professionals”. Average Joe Q homebuyer may not ever realize that you are licensed (at least in the states I have lived in) as “salespeople”. In short there is a misconception regarding what a realtor is and is not.

They are not financial advisors. They are not lawyers, and the educational requirements to get ones foot in the door are minimal. Yet the assist people in making the largest financial transaction they will make in their lifetime. As a consumer, I’d expect that much more from a “Real Estate Agent” than a “Used home salesperson” But when you get down to brass tacks, they are one and the same.

Kind of like asking why people hate child molesters. How can you not hate them.

I don't put the energy into hating realtors that many here do, but I can tell you that almost every one I ever met lied constantly and pretty much the first minute I met them.

That's enough reason to dislike them strongly or not want to have anything to do with them.

If a realtor would simply help handle a transaction or a real estate search or a sale that would be OK with me. They constantly tell you that now is the time to buy no matter what. They have pretty much all said so for the last 6 years. They really don’t care at all for their clients. It’s not hard to come to the conclusion that they ain’t got no soul.

Biff

Jealousy???

E-man says

Jealousy???

Yes. I wish I had a job where I lied all the time. They must feel very secure.

And the majority of them don't make much. They sell real estate because they didn't finish school.

Biff

Biff,

You sound jealous. Thanks for confirming my believe. ;)

I'm a Real Estate agent and I can tell you no one wants to hear the truth.

There are some properties worth owning for a variety of reasons, schools, condition, location, or price. That isn't how people shop for a home. People have dreams, and buy fantasies all the time.

I worked with six investors for most of my selling career before switching to listing properties for sale. We also have a set of Real Estate services, like cleaning, painting, and yard work with the idea of preparing properties for sale.

I know a lot of good Real Estate agents who do care, and are fair. Most people don't seek out good agents. Most people hire any one who spins a great yarn.

I'd say in Seattle there are maybe as many as 100 good agents out of the thousands of people who have a license to sell.

Being a Real Estate agent is hard work, takes a 24/7 commitment, and you are constantly learning, or you lose the edge that made you good to begin with.

I know agents who grew up in the business, own plenty of property, don't need the money, but wouldn't do anything else, because it's fun, interesting, and a daily challenge.

So, I would ask the same question, why do people hate Real Estate agents?