What Good Agents Do Differently
Introduction
Real estate agents are an important aspect of today’s housing world, where homes are being bought and sold. However, they are not all viewed favorably. Some homebuyers and home sellers go it alone and even prefer not to pursue the services of a professional agent.
Why are many people not fans of realtors then? Let’s dive right in and explore the whys — and how great agents are vital.
Exorbitant Expenses Without Obvious Value
One of the top grievances against realtors is their commission rate.
Typically 5–6% of the sale price of a house, this figure can appear astronomical to clients.
When a homeowner looks at thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars paid to a real estate agent, they may wonder what they are actually paying for.
Few people ever witness the countless numbers of hours invested in marketing the house, processing paperwork, negotiating offers, coordinating inspections, and ironing out prospective legal difficulties.
But without transparency from the agent, clients are likely to perceive that the fees outweigh the service.
Past Experiences Tend to Shape Perceptions
Regrettably, all real estate deals do not have a happy ending.
If an individual dealt with an unprofessional, pushy, neglectful, or even deceptive realtor, that bad memory lingers.
Bad experiences may lead to buyers and sellers stereotyping every realtor to be untrustworthy or greedy — even though there are numerous professionals who operate ethically.
Trust is a fragile thing in real estate.
One bad experience can spoil the image of the industry for an individual for life.
A Deficiency of Transparency
An additional major problem is transparency.
Many customers believe that agents do not always disclose what they know.
They might feel that agents are concealing imperfections in a property, pushing them to make an unplanned choice, or are more concerned about making a sale than actually assisting.
It boils down to trust.
When realtors aren’t communicating honestly, clients wonder which side their allegiance actually lies.
A good agent will always prioritize honesty, even if it means losing a sale.
The DIY Trend for Buying and Selling Homes
Information is now more readily available than ever.
Websites such as Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com enable buyers and sellers to explore homes, prices, and areas on their own.
Due to this easy access to listings and information, numerous people feel that they no longer need a realtor.
They ask themselves, “Why pay for something that I can do myself?”
Although a few deals are easy enough to DIY, there are several deals that are entangled in complex negotiations, inspection issues, financing hurdles, and legal conditions that only a good agent can tackle proficiently.
Pressure and Aggressive Sales Tactics
One more reason to dislike realtors: aggressive tactics.
No one wants to feel forced to make a life-altering choice, particularly one such as purchasing or selling a house.
Some agents urge clients to act hastily, to accept offers that make them uncomfortable, or to agree to suboptimal conditions — simply to complete the sale more quickly.
A reliable agent pays attention to their client, advises them sincerely, and is respectful of their pace.
Guide and not force.
The “All About the Commission” Stereotype
Because agents receive their pay upon closing deals, many feel that agents will do whatever it takes for the check — even if that includes pushing a bad deal.
Fair or not, this stereotype exists.
The majority of professional realtors actually care about their client’s happiness and their future success.
They are aware that satisfied clients result in referrals and repeat clients.
But for those who have dealt with an agent who only looks out for himself, it’s simple to envision that all agents are only out for themselves.
How Good Realtors Distinguish Themselves
Despite all the complaints, however, numerous realtors perform an amazing job.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
-
Clear Communication: They clarify all steps and all fees upfront.
-
Transparency: They give both good and bad news regarding a property or a deal.
-
Client-Focused Orientation: They keep their client interests ahead of short-term commissions.
-
Education: They educate clients on the process so they can make informed decisions.
-
Patience: They do not hurry clients into awkward decisions.
-
Integrity: They behave ethically, even if it’s not always the simplest route.
A great realtor doesn’t only sell houses — they forge lifetime relationships grounded upon trust and respect.
Conclusion
Few people trust realtors, and there are valid reasons for that.
High fees, poor experiences, aggressive behavior, and a changing DIY environment have all been factors.
But exceptional real estate agents shatter that stereotype by providing real value, openness, and actual care for their clients’ success.
If you are purchasing or selling a home, it is all about locating a realtor who listens, informs, and gains your trust.
When you do so, the experience can not only be smooth but also rewarding.