Comments on: Why do most people look down on Realtors as a whole? Do most people realize the actual job requirements?

By: MSAD

MSAD — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:11:59 +0000

I’ve never known Realtors to be looked down upon or laughed at.

But then I’m an insurance adjuster.

You should see some of the nasty looks I get when I tell people what I do! I’m hated just as much as a lawyer or used car salesman but no where near as well paid!!
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By: donmustard@sbcglobal.net

donmustard@sbcglobal.net — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:25:59 +0000

your right/ realtors are one of the best kept secrets on the planet! one should not do any real estate deals without one.
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i am just an old innocent bystander…

By: Dawni Do Right

Dawni Do Right — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:39:59 +0000

This August will be the beginning of my 23rd year in real estate. It has it’s ups & downs but I love the industry.

It’s interesting to see owner financing making a comeback. Back when I first started, these were very common & we had to draft out all the verbiage ourselves. Now the addendums are all pre-printed.

There are always those few bad apples that make the rest of us look bad. I personally can sleep with a clear conscience every night.

Many never realize or know you sometimes work at least 60 – 80 hours a week, plus weekends, holidays and at times for no paycheck at all due to circumstances beyond your control.
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By: not_exactly_sure

not_exactly_sure — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:09:59 +0000

a) alignment of interest – you partially answered your own question. They don’t get paid unless the deal gets done. They have incentive to close the deal when it is not in your best interest.
b) coziness with financiers – everyone knows they get kickbacks from lenders they are "in bed with"
c) the realtor does not save headaches unless their interests are properly aligned with the buyer or seller. i.e. – closing a deal for a buyer quickly, lowering price for a seller quickly. By and large, the industry is known for these moves that are costly to the current or future owner, but only means pennies to the broker
d) competition. realtor fees are not competitive. there is a cartel, if you will, keeping fees high. 6% +/- is not a fair and competition inducing fee structure. It is laughable if you do not see this.

I conclude that people are neither jokers nor snobs. Try charging a competitive fee and see how the buyer’s agents shun your properties like a leper. Then you will realize why the average consumer dislikes the behavior of agents – which despite sometimes being helpful – is often viewed with contempt.
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By: bob shark

bob shark — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:58:59 +0000

If you don’t like the "Job" don’t do it…get another profession.

But from what I have seen, a listing agent will try to get you to put a lowball price on your property so it will sell fast, or to get the listing , will give you a high starting price and once you have a contract, start pressing you to lower the price.

A buying agent takeas you around and tries to use all his tricks to get you to buy..You think it is thankless work, I usually see it as being deceptive.

I use realtors, but I keep reminding myself that "My agent, Is My worst Enemy", I remember that, and I do OK.
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By: glenn

glenn — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:31:59 +0000

I have been a Realtor for thirty years and never felt slighted. Well maybe a little. We laugh at lawyers, politicians, and many other people that really do jobs that are tough.

Everyone has the opportunity to be a Realtor but most can not succeed.

You are right, it is tough, but I love it.
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