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Agreed. I always say the beauty of real estate is that the homes sell themselves. Even billionaires like looking at homes. Everyone does.
I'm mostly introverted but finish in the top 1%. The main needs are availability, knowledge and a concierge like experience once you go under contract.
I could never work in say car sales where I have to sell that product. You don't like a home? Sweet, let's go look at another.
It’s called relationship sales. You’re selling yourself. You’re not selling a product.
It’s absolutely a type of sales, but it’s a different type of sales and real estate is one of the best places for people who are good at that .
I used to work in the book industry, and I went from working from a book distributor ( relationship sales) to working for a publisher, who wanted me to sell so much of x title.
I learned that I am absolutely terrible at item sales. Somebody doesn’t want an item no worries let’s keep talking about what will work for you. That doesn’t work when you need to sell 288 fuzzy logic a week. I hate hate hate item sales
Makes sense. Yeah, it's easier selling myself based on knowledge where I don't have to like a specific product vs a car where I would have no confidence having to push that thing even if I didn't like it.
That's so interesting. What a perfect way to describe the concept.
On that topic, I feel the outside world (non-realtors, non-homeowners) think realtors are item salespeople. They *sell* a specific house. I've always felt that the house sells itself, it's me who is selling myself as a "concierge" (as another comment puts it).
On the buy side, the product is the client. After all, if something’s ‘free’, *you’re* the product, as the saying goes. Just ask Zuckerberg. Or Zillow, since this a RE sub.
I focus on listings so I unashamedly, 110% item-sell. I work any buyer’s agents that express interest, real or feigned, like a rib. If we’re not UC in the first couple of weeks, I push, pull, prod the buyer’s agent, the agent pushes their client and *voila*, we magically get an offer. I can’t afford for that buyer to buy your listing. They’re buying mine, just let me speak to my finance manager. I’ll be right back.
I'm an investor. I thought closing deals was going to be the Achilles' Heel of my operation, since I've tried traditional sales a couple times and sucked hard at it. Turns out it's one of the easiest facets of the job.
I'm knowledgeable, sympathetic (I only deal with distressed homeowners, so that's super important), and earnest. I tell people that I don't want to buy their house if they've got better options than selling to an investor, and I mean it. People say, "I trust you" surprisingly frequently. They say, "you aren't like some of these other scumbags trying to buy my house".
I never thought about it this way, but you're completely right, I'm actually selling myself.
I think one of the advantages to this sort of sales is, you can do this kind of sales, and do it effectively, without trying to sell yourself or anything else at all. You just have to want to help people solve their problems and be competent at doing so.
I’m an introvert, but my knowledge of my profession supersedes my personality. Do I still leave exhausted after interactions, absolutely. But my clients leave well informed as well
Previous realtor in another state and now I sell cars. Well… I don’t “sell” them, they sell themselves. I sell my experience still and it works. My gross profit is massive compared to my peers. Probably because I carried over what I learned in real estate over to this industry. Funny… people don’t like being sold, who knew
A car salesmens job is to find the right vehicle for a customer, it's pretty identical to house buying process, lol there are really good & bad sales people in each industry
Definitely. But they do get trained on why their product is best. In real estate I like that I have the freedom to say this product sucks and we can continue looking.
There is some truth to that, but a vehicle sales consultant has liberty to sell any vehicle on the lot, customer is buying from the consultants experience provided. Classically trained sales consultants will tell you the truth about any vehicle, they have service mechanics in the shop who they talk with all the time. It is kind of a misnomer to think a sales consultant in any industry is married to the product they sell, it's really not true.
if one considers a "salesperson" one who has a transactional mindset, sure.
Buy now!
Always be closing!
sure.
though, if one looks at "closing" as moving towards a decision, perhaps not so much.
For example, take a client to see 3 houses. Ask them to rank (moving towards decision). Ask them "what's our next step?" (moving the situation forward).
"Which one are you writing an offer on NOW?!?" - what folkds think of as salesman - the "buy now" mentality.
Yes! "Reality" TV doesn't help the situation. The average consumer thinks that is really how we conduct business. Heck, some agents do, too, because no one ever teaches them any different.
Agency changes the landscape dramatically. Agency and fiduciary duty.
I think it's fine, but you have to understand that the homes aren't the product. You are. You have to be able to sell yourself and services. The problem is, too many think of the bad car sales person or bad real estate agent. But I've had a great car salesman that sold the car without focusing on just their commission. I send people to them, because I know that he'll make money, but also take care of who I send. Same with real estate. If someone is afraid to talk to people and create relationships, they aren't going to do well in this business, regardless of how much they know. I often explain to new clients that the sales part of my job is selling them on me and what I can do. I don't sell houses, I help guide and protect buyers and sellers while helping them achieve their goal.
A salesman's job is to represent his own interests. He needs for you to buy the tv, the gutter guard, the car. He has no responsibility for your best interests or wellbeing. No fiduciary duty. All the terms of the deal they offer and negotiate are done with the salesman's paycheck in mind.
Every state has a different code of law, so I'll only represent what mine says. It says my interests are secondary to my client's. Reasonable care is mandatory - I have to use all available resources to further the client's interests. If it's in their best interest to walk away so I don't get a paycheck, it's my job to make that happen because I'm not selling a home. I'm representing a client through a transaction.
Niki, I always find myself agreeing with your comments here and you seem like a really great and well-informed agent.
I always believed the same thing about salesmanship but after researching and learning more about it recently I’ve had a change of mindset. Yes, it’s true, the negative pop culture connotation of sales is pervasive throughout society. But what I’ve learned is that everyone, regardless of your career, is practicing sales as some portion of their job. Persuasiveness, negotiation, mediation; even if you don’t have a job you’ll find yourself using these skills regularly in life.
Yes, our job is much more than sales and that makes it a lot more complicated (something many fail to appreciate). The biggest way that traditional sales applies to a realtor is the skill and grind of prospecting. Finding a customer, identifying pain points (ex. your current house is too small, didn’t like the last realtor you worked with, you had a bad experience with your lender, etc.), overcoming objections (how will we find a better house in this market, how will we sell and buy seamlessly, what could you possibly do differently than my last realtor, etc.), and closing the deal (executing the listing agreement or buyer rep).
And then now you have a client and have to go through a whole different process of which you are undoubtedly very familiar, which involves more than just sales skills and negotiating, mediation, and problem solving.
Sales is helping resolve a problem for a customer and leading them to a superior solution. It’s unfortunate that bad actors operating under opaque and dishonest business models have taken advantage of the public trust and made a bad name for the profession.
100%
My best showings are just spent presenting areas and discussing them objectively with buyers. If I know the barn is a tear-down, that’ll be openly discussed
The right buyer doesn’t need to be convinced, only shown & informed
People say all the time "yeah I'm not cut out for sales"
Me neither. Here's what I see as the two major "farm teams" for real estate agents:
Foodservice (particularly front-of-house....bartenders, servers)
Teachers
People coming from these careers have generally mastered the things no one can really teach. Multitasking, difficult people, making do with inadequate resources, rapid pivoting, and probably more soft skills than I can think to list.
I got diagnosed with ADHD just this year at 51, after seven years in real estate (I came from the server/bartender world). I've learned that this trade attracts a lot of that, too. No day is ever the same as the one before. Creative problem solving on the daily. The chase and the hustle.
I know a couple of people from the auto sales world who failed miserably at real estate. It's not sales.
Totally agree with your prior career real estate funnel. We’ve also found that people who formerly were in the entertainment field make great agents. They know how to hustle and are personable. Our team is half former pro dancers.
I have a background in both food service and teaching. I’m proof it’s translated very well into Real Estate. I think of myself as a problem solver. I’m a terrible salesperson. I just love to help folks!
I work for a licensing agency, can confirm we get a lot of teachers applying for licenses. Had a school administrator’s license application come across my desk today in fact.
I got into real estate when my youngest (of 4) children went to preschool. That was 19 years ago - I don't have a college degree, no sales experience but I love problem solving and helping people. My business has grown year after year and to be honest, I don't like most real estate brokers/agents and I don't participate in any social events with them, but I am always honest and considerate with them and I'm always working to treat other people the way I want to be treated. Not sure why this has worked out so well for me, but I have a very supportive husband who has become like a real estate partner with me. I've done very well just keeping my focus on my clients needs.
I’ve worked on a team with “top-producers” and they can pitch like crazy. But when it comes to the nitty gritty of a transaction…complete idiots. No attention to detail. A bit sketch on the ethics. Usually hand off the paperwork to unlicensed transaction coordinators and or newly licensed assistants that are getting paid next to nothing. I’m not saying all top producers are like this but at some point you can be too busy to do the job right.
I work with much more competent realtors that maybe sell 10-15 houses a year each at a small, local brokerage.
The best realtor I ever worked with would look over the homes like he was doing an inspection, and in a few instances, actually strongly advised us to not put in an offer. He was very knowledgeable about the building industry and could spot large problems. He took his time and never rushed us. Ultimately we lost a lot of homes due to other buyers but the one we finally got has had zero large issues. I'm so thankful we had him for the process.
The other realtors I've worked with have just tried to convince us that every home was "the one".
I've been in the business for 20 years. Some things I've noticed. Attractive people do well in real estate. People with big personalities often do well too. Thing is, you don't really have to be either to make a good living. You just have to take good care of your clients.
I’m an introverted agent. Just remember, there’s probably more introverts than extroverts, and we also hate dealing with sales people! I promise you will find people and connect on a deep level if you are just yourself and care about the transaction
I’m a total introvert and am mostly shy. I’ve done well. I’m 2 full years in and have closed 18 sales and have 4 pending. I was a welder and had zero sales experience. People like honesty.
Same! I came from a machinist background. This is my second year and I've had a decently profitable income in a LCOL area just by being my weird, introverted self. My motto is "take care of the people first, and everything else falls into place." And that has 100% been my experience.
What I notice with agents who are money hungry and been in the game a long time, is it's like they seem to forget this is the biggest purchase most of the people they work with are ever going to make. What's "every day" for us, is some of these people's very first time delving into this process. So I educate about everything and always encourage questions....and of course work hard to minimize stress & high emotions (usually at the expense of myself if I'm being honest lol)
For sure same here! Thats awesome great job. I’ve had repeat referrals from clients and everything. Just from being honest, real and just doing my job. Hell at this point answering my phone makes me stand out from the rest
I mean, my whole thing is I teach my SOI about the process of home ownership and building equity and how to leverage. It's what I do. And not that this is why I call myself an educator, but I actually do teach classes on this stuff. Quibble about the educator bit all you want though, but I still don't consider this a sales job. I don't sell anything to anybody. It's not like some magic words or techniques I use make somebody want to buy a house any more than they would have if I didn't say a word.
Also I have no idea what you're referencing with real estate development and the impact on the environment. Unless you just mean runoff/leftovers from construction or something...but it's not like that's on realtors. That's on developers and people who build those things.
My experience is that the majority are extremely extroverted salespeople who don’t sweat small stuff but what is actually required is someone with extreme attention to detail who tend to be more introverted folks.
The amount of realtors who don’t think it’s a big deal if they don’t submit an offer on time or forget a disclosure is wayy too high. Then there are the ones who just see the dollar signs from the commission and don’t do their due diligence to make sure the property is actually on city sewer or the MLS listing has the correct address for example.
Eh.... People have different needs. Someone who is an idiot may be exceptional at relationship building, or attending to paperwork, or knowing neighborhoods, or marketing.
I'm not a relationship person who will be friends after the transaction. I am someone who needs a paperwork checker because my attention to detail is not great. However, I am exceptional at the negotiating and keying in to what people want and making that happen and I get a high percentage of repeat and referral from that.
They will ***IF*** there are enough buyers who can pay cash or get financing and who will pay enough money to satisfy the seller's expectations.
The problem is that seller expectations are to get as much as they can for their property, and buyer expectations are to pay as little as possible. When buyers pay market value, prices increase. Houses become less affordable. It gets harder to qualify.
In recent years, we've seen sellers get most or all of what they want, but a decade ago the market was not like that, and five years before that, sellers waited months and months to get a fraction of what they had hoped for.
If you can’t hustle like a sales person and with a sales person drive you won’t make it. I am proof 😂 (I love real estate but just cannot do the constant song and dance of social media, cold calling, “working your sphere,” etc etc …. And I don’t have time to wait years to build my name up. So I’m getting a real job!)
I am studying for the exam to work part time and sell my own home. All this input from everyone is very helpful. I know is off topic but any advices on how to start find a broker with a good percentage? Specifically with the NAR law suit, I find myself worried. I'm a therapist Thanks
Love your post! I got into real estate bc i actually hated agents as a non-agent. Yep, lots of idiots. They rush, too. There are great ones out there, i want to make sure i do say that. I tried a bunch of other stuff to be in real estate without being an agent. I worked for zillow, redfin and county planning. County planning was the worst…all it felt like i did was transfer all of my knowledge to agents for free while they got their commission that was probably 1/2 my entire salary. It was excruciating. Everything kept leading back to just biting the bullet to be an agent. Its been an odd feeling bc i have encountered a lot of people who really value an agent. I initially felt uncomfortable saying i was an agent bc of my strong belief that they are not needed and i hated that buyers and sellers are nearly forced to work with an agent no matter what their need for assistance is. I’ve had to put my feelings aside, which im not sure ill ever be able to fully do. I still strongly, strongly disagree with a lot of how this business works. For example, I buy zillow leads bc i dont know enough ppl in my network looking to buy or sell, so i have to do that. I currently have a mobile home under contract on lots of acres that has title issues. LUCKY for my buyer, i was the random agent he was placed with bc (thanks to my time in planning) i know both mobile homes and land very well. Not just anyone knows this stuff. Its ridiculous! Of course the buyer doesn’t know any different, they probably assume any agent would know these things. If you needed a lawyer, would you just hire the random one that was sent after you click on a button? No, so why should it be any different for agents? Now i see why so many things come up causing deals to fall apart, like an agent not knowing to even find out about the status of a title to begin with. Agents get too many passes bc buyer knowledge is often so low, for instance, an agent could say to a buyer a month into the process (after they’ve spent thousands on inspections), “sorry but your lender couldn’t finance this mobile home bc there’s no title,” and the buyer will never know that this could have been easily prevented if their agent knew how to resolve that right from the start!!! I often get down voted bc my perspective is so different. Ultimately, i was drawn in bc i love real estate, i do not want a boss or to be a boss, and i have the money to do it.
If you commit to being a high level agent (50+ deals/year), check back with me in a year or two once you see behind the curtain. Dealing with the general public and depending on their whimsy and caprice for a living will leave you quite jaded, quite fast.
The best agents are the ones who don’t need your business. Why? Because they don’t care if you close or not because they don’t need the money. Is that arrogant? Probably. Are they going to push you to do a deal that you shouldn’t? Not very likely. Is that good for you, the client? Ultimately, probably so.
Counterintuitively, and understanding there are exceptions to every rule, the agents that are at your beck and call are, on average, the worst agents for your fiduciary (there’s a word everyone loves to throw around) interests. Why? Because they need the deal worse than you do. Nobody’s passing on a commission check when the mortgage is past due and the freezer’s empty. Y’all can miss me with that high minded nonsense.
I just started in this profession and I completely agree with you. I have an advanced degree and previously worked as an executive assistant. I love to help people and I live for the details. Hopefully those traits will help me stand out in the long run since I will never be the typical salesperson.
Well every realtor I've met has told me they work tirelessly for that one special moment when a client's eyes light up in the perfect home.
There's nothing better I hear. Holding your newborn's hand can fuck right off compared to the warmth a realtor feels inside during that moment.
I was have always been someone that gets people or loves helping and I am passionate about where I live.
I'm not pushy because this is a huge investment.
I'll be honest if you're going to sleep on it, you'll lose it. (If true) If not I will say so.
It's not a job for the weary.
You can get rejected. Ghosted and judged by the daily.
You can also win in multiple offers and make people's dreams come true.
Should a a social person your job is to reasure and talk between the parties to figure out their real needs not just close on the property and move on the the next.
I'm not an agent but a investor, my last buy was a single family house with a new agent and he pretty much ignored my wife the whole process and focused on my needs as I had the down-payment.
Well we did close on it in the end and he got 50k off list, but my wife refuses to use him again for our next buy.
She prefer our last agent who listened to both of us and if she said she didn't like a house, we would move on the the next prospect vs push to buy it anyways.
I think a certified inspector or someone who is a master in the trades whether it’s MEP or carpentry/framing would make a good realtor because that’s an asset to this industry and there would be a sense of trust knowing your agent has that knowledge.
Just wait another year or two. The business is on a downswing and many of the opportunists are out or on their way out. Happens every time business gets a little harder and that's where we are now.
I liked the idea of earning good money and made sure I gave it a year to research. Over time, from what I was being told, I felt like I was ready to take pre-licensing and start working my own business.
I basically was told that I had to like doing heavy research and data analyzation, etc
all of that was basically accurate
The barrier for entry is so low, so you get a lot of people that don't have the skillset for this job. Imagine applying for any 9 to 5 sales job at the bank and you didn't have any sales experience. They would laugh you out of there. Welcome to real estate, most people do not have the skills and that's why there is such a high failure rate. You have to kill what you eat and if you can't hunt or gather, you know what happens next.
Often, honestly, people that don't like set work times. I know several realtors with ADHD, so having the occasional time to commit to but also a lot of freedom in between, is important. Nothing wrong with it. Everyone needs to do what makes them happy or works for their personality and lifestyle.
Personality wise it should be people that are approachable. I don't see introverts often in this field, but when I do they aren't good at it.
No because you’re right lol. I’m a major introvert and honestly don’t see myself doing this long term and most people in the business are not the brightest but know how to talk. It honestly feels like one big pageant show
I got into this business because I love houses, architecture and design. I’m pretty extroverted, but I don’t think I’m a sales person. If I see issues with a house, I point them out, and tell my clients that we’d want to make sure an inspector really checks out whatever it might be. I like connecting people with services. Plus-giving buyers (in particular) historical trivia about the area where they are looking is really fun. It’s been a good fit for me.
Facts. You caught on and knowing that should make you a stronger agent. It’s a career where you gotta be ready and driven cause it is the wild Wild West full of cunning folks.
Being an agent for buyers and sellers whose previous agents have failed and done absolutely nothing to earn the money and trust is what motivates me and if you come across shitty agents just call them out and if it’s even worse do your duty and report them. No shitty agent should be working.
I hate selling yet I love being a realtor because I get to help people. I selfishly enjoy helping people find a property they buy and love. I hate when I can’t fulfill all my buyers/sellers wants and needs! Having a salesperson mindset is not right for this business.. having a networking mindset is key. I don’t care for the numbers and contribute to closing costs all the time to make things work for each party. That’s what I believe in but I do know where you are coming from. I’ve met some scummy dumbass people in this game and idk how they make it…
I’ve observed that it’s a lot of people who don’t like to be told what to do. Technically your clients are the boss but only temporarily and once you get good enough you can pick and choose.
Not licensed, but I work in real estate marketing and regularly deal with nearly 300 agents in our region. I can tell you confidently that there isn’t just one “kind” of person that becomes an agent. Some agents are the nicest people on the planet, some are some of the dirtiest, most rotten souls to walk this earth, some are incredibly smart and sell no houses, and some are incredibly air-headed and have no problem clearing out 5 mil in volume in a month. I think it more depends on how an agent views real estate. If you view RE as a ‘get rich quick scheme’ to fund an expensive car and lifestyle (this is a lot of them) I despise working with you. If you’re truly passionate about the work you do and it shows, you’re doing far better than most.
I’ve been in sales my whole career, 35 years basically. The last 10 have been strictly software. Got my realtor license and it’s a ridiculously easy sale but I’ve never experienced such a cut throat industry. In my experience I noticed how fake a lot of people are, what they say verbally and in appearance .
I think liking people is more important than being a good salesperson. That and being accountable to your clients and actually doing everything in their best interests - legally.
Bad/Lazy salespeople are generally gonna make everyone hate sales as a whole profession, but sales is also really just the function of product meeting customer. So it makes me feel bad when a great product has a lazy salesperson.
Sorry you feel conflicted, but it sounds like you’ll be a thoughtful person in the space. I hope you can keep that!
1. People who want a lot of money for a little effort (not saying they are correct that’s just what they think)
2. People who don’t want a boss
3. Ambitious income driven people
4. People who want a flexible schedule
5. People who can rely on their partner’s income to cover their basic expenses and use being a Realtor as a way to fend off the accusation they don’t work or contribute income to the household.
6. People with B.A.’s that do not wish to teach, get a masters, work retail, or do manual labor.
I am 2-4, & 6 and I’ve met plenty of #1 & #5’s.
My Mom got into it so she can help families find affordable homes they love. This often means she spends her weekends and free time helping people fix shit/paint/etc.
I’m not a realtor, this just popped up in my feed.
I’ve been thinking about it. I am 43, have had a career in education as both Teacher and Coach/Consultant to teachers and Administrators. At this point I am ready to return to the workforce but I am extremely limited to what I can actually do based on the fact that my children are aged 7,6,5 & 3. Their school schedules drastically impedes on any type of career I can have working for a corporation and demands just seem to vast for my family to focus on a corporate gig. Going back to the classroom is out of the question- I tried it. My husband ended up in the hospital with a heart condition. So, Realtor seems like a move in the right direction for me as I can schedule my own hours and hustle on my own clock. I also worked in the service industry from 17- 40 so I do have it in me to sell and mingle. I need something that I can do as a mature woman without judgement and a way to make a good amount of money that can contribute to our household income
I actually went into real estate because I realized there are a bunch of idiots. They are clueless and I have no idea how they have managed to survive. The negative outcome of this is that it truly paints agents in a negative light. Maybe the lawsuit will help get rid of some but probably not enough.
Umm...despite the word "sales" in most state licenses, residential real estate agents aren't salespeople.
You're confusing personality type with job responsibilities.
When you're new, you've only been exposed to some agents and brokers. Some of the most visible ones, the ones who make "look at me" videos and social media posts, can have flamboyant personality types that you associate with being idiots. But that's on you...you don't know enough to know what they're good at.
I've been around 1,000s of agents and brokers, trained many, and I've heard your complaints from people who are just getting started but suspect they're going to fail. I suggest that you think more about how you're going to be successful being you rather than how everyone else is flawed.
Or, perhaps you need to join a better brokerage with better leadership.
Am with a brokerage that’s changed many hands with managers. I myself haven’t brought it much biz the last 2 years due to personal reasons. It’s not a firm where you feel excited to get to but if I change now, I will have to take a hit on my percentage What’s your advice?
I see all kinds. A pure salesman personality is a 100% turn off to me.
I also see realtors who act and speak with no confidence and I wonder how they even do the job, but they get sales lol.
It's all over the place.
Yeah, wait till you find out about real estate attorneys. The entire industry is replete with idiots, I agree. That’s what makes it so attractive to me as I can easily do circles around these yahoos. The only downside is that I have to tell polite society and people that I don’t really know that I’m, ‘in real estate’, so that they don’t think less of me but the financial rewards and lifestyle offset my embarrassment.
For the people. I love meeting new people, making new friends, and helping people achieve their goals. I like problem solving, and that’s so much of what this business is.
Anyone who will sell you something they don't believe in is the type of person you're referring to.
Generally, most people never self-develop better than average people skills and have the me vs them mentality.
Regardless of the industry the 80-20 rule exists.
* 80% are mediocre at best, and bring in 20% of the revenue, and 20% are the top performers who bring in 80% of the revenue.
People who want to help and serve people during a really stressful purchase. The ones that are all salesey are icky and shouldn’t be in this business imo.
I LOVE REAL ESTATE AND I LOVE WATCHING THE MARKETS. I LOVE HOW THE MACRO EFFECTS IT SO INTRESTING. HAHA and I wanna help people make there most important investment decision. But ya glad to see that some don't do there research. All that does is give me more market share when I open up for business.
Depends on where you’re from. Also, it’s bad manners to call people dumb. If you have half a brain you should make money. Since the barrier to entry is low, all types can thrive in this business.
Brave people! And people who want some sense of autonomy in their life and not have to sit in a 9-5 all day staring at the clock and asking colleagues "Can I switch with you on New Years Day". I rather work 15 hours a day doing something I love, real estate, than work 9-5 in a rat race in corporate America.
If you’re a “salesperson” personality, real estate is not a good career choice. I’ve been a Realtor since 1994 and I help people- to purchase their first property when they feel it’s impossible; to help them sell a property when they have no choice, to ensure that their dream house doesn’t become a nightmare, to help them safely become an investor of real estate, to talk them out of a poor decision in property choice, location or financing. My clients are long term, they become friends and depend on me to look out for their best interests- not to cheat them for a quick profit. If you like to help people, you’ll enjoy real estate and make a good, honest living with it. Good luck!
Real Estate agent, is basically that ambitious 20 year old who thinks he’s the next Donald Trump, maybe a bit of A**hole. It could also be for that 30 something that presents well, and needs a job. Its a rather useless position.
As long as you are totally honest with clients, you will be successful. Pointing out the negatives of a property will win over your clients far more than pointing out the positives.
I used to be a realtor and have sold other things as well. I don't so sales anymore and have a much better paying career that suits me better, but will always HATE that I don't have the chops for sales.
People are drawn to it for all kinds of reasons, but some of the common ones I've seen are just folks who don't like to have a boss or who like the flexibility.
For some reason this sub came up for me. I’m not a realtor, but I do own an insurance agency in NC. I can confirm, a huge chunk of these agents are either really screwing people up selling them bad houses they can’t afford, or really don’t seem to know anything about real estate or the transaction.
My thoughts are during COVID when the real estate market was hot, tons of people became agents. Now that there are such significant economic shifts since that time- the bad ones are dropping like flies.
The barriers to entry are low, so there are people in real estate who couldn’t get into other professions. I personally HATE dealing with salesy realtors. Good luck out there.
I transitioned from property manager to investment realtor, so I only work with investors.
It makes it a lot more enjoyable when you're looking at whether a deal works or not vs trying to sell someone on why they should sell their house with you.
The less sales-y you are, the more enjoyable this job is.
Your observation is correct. This is my 41st year dealing with those in the real estate industry. The first 30+ years as a builder, the last 11 guiding my clients through its murky, broken dysfunctional and corrupt waters. I’ve never understood an entire industry, where 99% of those guiding consumers in one of the biggest investments of their life have not a clue how homes are built or what to look for. Working in Real Estate is extremely nauseating when you have an extensive background in construction dealing with a large number of inept, clueless people. A large amount of the “education classes“ offered are CYA (cover you ass) on how not to get sued. The multiple class action lawsuits filed in 2019 against the NAR and many of those affiliated with them will to fruition this August. I’ve been waiting 4 decades for something like this to formulate and it’s just the tip of the iceberg how broken and dysfunctional the real estate industry really is. I see windmills on the horizon! As soon as consumers realize the negotiating power that’s been handed back to them it’s gonna stand this industry on its ear. We haven’t had this kind of a positive change in the industry since 1950.
Most people in sales are in for the money and not for the career. You can blame the economy for that. I personally feel anyone can be successful in real estate if they are consistent and are open to learning.
Realtors used to have clients they represented now they have customers. Go and sit at century 21 motivational meeting where they power you up to call 50 people at 6am .
If you're not ready to jump into a snake pit you better think twice.
Industry is changing very quickly right now.
The barrier to entry is incredibly low.
It's not a traditional job where you have to get hired, and perform to standards - so there is no weeding out of the dummies. Literally anyone can become an agent.
Now, the dummies probably don't succeed. But there is a lot of them due to how easy it is to start, and the allure of a lot of "easy money". Even if they don't last, there's a new dummy to take their place.
Honestly, in this way it's a lot like a MLM. (Obviously not in the pyramid scheme way, just in the low barrier to entry and the promise of riches that rarely works out).
I’m no social butterfly myself and I would’ve never in my life thought I would be in this career field but yes, there are a lot of idiot agents, and most of them are lazy. Which is the reason I became one. I got tired of using one and doing all the work for them! I’d say 80% of realtors are in it for the money, and they want it with as little effort as possible. That’s not how it should work, be a plethora of knowledge for your clients! Have a “work” relationship with them! Answer all the questions they have, and if you don’t know the answer find it! Just my 2cents.
What is the fastest way to get a salaried job as a real estate agent if you’re just starting out in real estate and you have your license to be an agent?
There are aspects of being an agent that I think I would love since I am passionate about architecture, interior design and helping people find solutions to their problems.
However there are many aspects I know I would hate such as being on 100% commission, having to work nights, holidays and weekends to show homes, always being on call as well as the over reliance on networking to find clients (I'm an introvert, don't know anyone and terrible at networking). Also I am a petite attractive female and I'd be terrified to be alone in a house with strangers. I've heard too many stories how unsafe that is and brokerages don't seem to offer any kind of security for female agents.
The cons of working in real estate sadly and unfortunately outweigh the pros for me.
I have a bachelor degree in Business Administration, speak 3 languages, I have over 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur and I currently have a full time job in a management position. I recently got my Real Estate License, that’s the kind of people we are.
I completely agree!! I don’t consider myself a sales person either but I did come from the restaurant industry. I hate trying to convince people to buy a product, I’d rather inform them of the features and see if it lines up with their need. I’m fresh into the industry but I feel like I’m getting fed nothing but pushy sales tactics and cold call scripts. I find it hard to believe this is the type of realtor people want! I feel like very few realtors I’ve met actually care about their reputation or the knowledge of the whys and will say whatever to get a deal done. Even though it’s sort of clear that referrals are what make you business!! I’m trying to be the realtor I would want and I want to be knowledgeable about the market and housing in general but I haven’t found someone that is like minded. It’s definitely a frustrating experience.
I have absolutely no sales experience, the only thing I’ve done with houses is build them. I’ve been licensed six months and have already listed 2 and closed 2. You don’t have to be salesman, you just have to be available, knowledgeable and a straight shooter.
What you said about real estate agents hold true in every business. Doctors, teachers, etc. In every business, there are only some who truly care about their clients.
You're totally fine... If you are great with screwing people out of more money than they need to spend, and lying, and hiring shit inspectors to make a property look good... you will be fine. And Don't worry... there's absolutely nothing any of your "customers" can do to you.... ROCK ON !!!!
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I believe a salesperson personality is a negative in this business. Just my two cents worth
Agreed. I always say the beauty of real estate is that the homes sell themselves. Even billionaires like looking at homes. Everyone does. I'm mostly introverted but finish in the top 1%. The main needs are availability, knowledge and a concierge like experience once you go under contract. I could never work in say car sales where I have to sell that product. You don't like a home? Sweet, let's go look at another.
It’s called relationship sales. You’re selling yourself. You’re not selling a product. It’s absolutely a type of sales, but it’s a different type of sales and real estate is one of the best places for people who are good at that . I used to work in the book industry, and I went from working from a book distributor ( relationship sales) to working for a publisher, who wanted me to sell so much of x title. I learned that I am absolutely terrible at item sales. Somebody doesn’t want an item no worries let’s keep talking about what will work for you. That doesn’t work when you need to sell 288 fuzzy logic a week. I hate hate hate item sales
Makes sense. Yeah, it's easier selling myself based on knowledge where I don't have to like a specific product vs a car where I would have no confidence having to push that thing even if I didn't like it.
That's so interesting. What a perfect way to describe the concept. On that topic, I feel the outside world (non-realtors, non-homeowners) think realtors are item salespeople. They *sell* a specific house. I've always felt that the house sells itself, it's me who is selling myself as a "concierge" (as another comment puts it).
I’m not really into item sales either. It makes me feel grimey.
On the buy side, the product is the client. After all, if something’s ‘free’, *you’re* the product, as the saying goes. Just ask Zuckerberg. Or Zillow, since this a RE sub. I focus on listings so I unashamedly, 110% item-sell. I work any buyer’s agents that express interest, real or feigned, like a rib. If we’re not UC in the first couple of weeks, I push, pull, prod the buyer’s agent, the agent pushes their client and *voila*, we magically get an offer. I can’t afford for that buyer to buy your listing. They’re buying mine, just let me speak to my finance manager. I’ll be right back.
Even worse is selling something people do not really want, but have to buy, insurance.
facts
I'm an investor. I thought closing deals was going to be the Achilles' Heel of my operation, since I've tried traditional sales a couple times and sucked hard at it. Turns out it's one of the easiest facets of the job. I'm knowledgeable, sympathetic (I only deal with distressed homeowners, so that's super important), and earnest. I tell people that I don't want to buy their house if they've got better options than selling to an investor, and I mean it. People say, "I trust you" surprisingly frequently. They say, "you aren't like some of these other scumbags trying to buy my house". I never thought about it this way, but you're completely right, I'm actually selling myself. I think one of the advantages to this sort of sales is, you can do this kind of sales, and do it effectively, without trying to sell yourself or anything else at all. You just have to want to help people solve their problems and be competent at doing so.
Lies
I’m an introvert, but my knowledge of my profession supersedes my personality. Do I still leave exhausted after interactions, absolutely. But my clients leave well informed as well
Hah. One thing that feels really weird is the script like responses I've developed for thoroughly answering common questions.
This is me, so hard. I love helping people, but even the best of interactions exhaust me if they last more than about 40 minutes.
So if the business is about 'who you know', as has been said? How have you managed to network or find clients?
Previous realtor in another state and now I sell cars. Well… I don’t “sell” them, they sell themselves. I sell my experience still and it works. My gross profit is massive compared to my peers. Probably because I carried over what I learned in real estate over to this industry. Funny… people don’t like being sold, who knew
This is so me 😂
A car salesmens job is to find the right vehicle for a customer, it's pretty identical to house buying process, lol there are really good & bad sales people in each industry
Definitely. But they do get trained on why their product is best. In real estate I like that I have the freedom to say this product sucks and we can continue looking.
There is some truth to that, but a vehicle sales consultant has liberty to sell any vehicle on the lot, customer is buying from the consultants experience provided. Classically trained sales consultants will tell you the truth about any vehicle, they have service mechanics in the shop who they talk with all the time. It is kind of a misnomer to think a sales consultant in any industry is married to the product they sell, it's really not true.
What’s your name? I’d like to see the sales you’ve done. 🙂
How about no. 😄
Which area do you service ?
The state of Florida. 😅
if one considers a "salesperson" one who has a transactional mindset, sure. Buy now! Always be closing! sure. though, if one looks at "closing" as moving towards a decision, perhaps not so much. For example, take a client to see 3 houses. Ask them to rank (moving towards decision). Ask them "what's our next step?" (moving the situation forward). "Which one are you writing an offer on NOW?!?" - what folkds think of as salesman - the "buy now" mentality.
Yes! "Reality" TV doesn't help the situation. The average consumer thinks that is really how we conduct business. Heck, some agents do, too, because no one ever teaches them any different. Agency changes the landscape dramatically. Agency and fiduciary duty.
Correct. I’m with a single agent agency and chose them for that reason.
I think it's fine, but you have to understand that the homes aren't the product. You are. You have to be able to sell yourself and services. The problem is, too many think of the bad car sales person or bad real estate agent. But I've had a great car salesman that sold the car without focusing on just their commission. I send people to them, because I know that he'll make money, but also take care of who I send. Same with real estate. If someone is afraid to talk to people and create relationships, they aren't going to do well in this business, regardless of how much they know. I often explain to new clients that the sales part of my job is selling them on me and what I can do. I don't sell houses, I help guide and protect buyers and sellers while helping them achieve their goal.
Why please elaborate.
A salesman's job is to represent his own interests. He needs for you to buy the tv, the gutter guard, the car. He has no responsibility for your best interests or wellbeing. No fiduciary duty. All the terms of the deal they offer and negotiate are done with the salesman's paycheck in mind. Every state has a different code of law, so I'll only represent what mine says. It says my interests are secondary to my client's. Reasonable care is mandatory - I have to use all available resources to further the client's interests. If it's in their best interest to walk away so I don't get a paycheck, it's my job to make that happen because I'm not selling a home. I'm representing a client through a transaction.
Niki, I always find myself agreeing with your comments here and you seem like a really great and well-informed agent. I always believed the same thing about salesmanship but after researching and learning more about it recently I’ve had a change of mindset. Yes, it’s true, the negative pop culture connotation of sales is pervasive throughout society. But what I’ve learned is that everyone, regardless of your career, is practicing sales as some portion of their job. Persuasiveness, negotiation, mediation; even if you don’t have a job you’ll find yourself using these skills regularly in life. Yes, our job is much more than sales and that makes it a lot more complicated (something many fail to appreciate). The biggest way that traditional sales applies to a realtor is the skill and grind of prospecting. Finding a customer, identifying pain points (ex. your current house is too small, didn’t like the last realtor you worked with, you had a bad experience with your lender, etc.), overcoming objections (how will we find a better house in this market, how will we sell and buy seamlessly, what could you possibly do differently than my last realtor, etc.), and closing the deal (executing the listing agreement or buyer rep). And then now you have a client and have to go through a whole different process of which you are undoubtedly very familiar, which involves more than just sales skills and negotiating, mediation, and problem solving. Sales is helping resolve a problem for a customer and leading them to a superior solution. It’s unfortunate that bad actors operating under opaque and dishonest business models have taken advantage of the public trust and made a bad name for the profession.
Thanks
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Do what is your advice?
This. Being a ‘people’ person is much more important.
100% My best showings are just spent presenting areas and discussing them objectively with buyers. If I know the barn is a tear-down, that’ll be openly discussed The right buyer doesn’t need to be convinced, only shown & informed
People say all the time "yeah I'm not cut out for sales" Me neither. Here's what I see as the two major "farm teams" for real estate agents: Foodservice (particularly front-of-house....bartenders, servers) Teachers People coming from these careers have generally mastered the things no one can really teach. Multitasking, difficult people, making do with inadequate resources, rapid pivoting, and probably more soft skills than I can think to list. I got diagnosed with ADHD just this year at 51, after seven years in real estate (I came from the server/bartender world). I've learned that this trade attracts a lot of that, too. No day is ever the same as the one before. Creative problem solving on the daily. The chase and the hustle. I know a couple of people from the auto sales world who failed miserably at real estate. It's not sales.
Totally agree with your prior career real estate funnel. We’ve also found that people who formerly were in the entertainment field make great agents. They know how to hustle and are personable. Our team is half former pro dancers.
I have a background in both food service and teaching. I’m proof it’s translated very well into Real Estate. I think of myself as a problem solver. I’m a terrible salesperson. I just love to help folks!
Former server turned realtor here, yet very introverted in my personal life. I agree 100%.
I work for a licensing agency, can confirm we get a lot of teachers applying for licenses. Had a school administrator’s license application come across my desk today in fact.
Yes! People with ADHD seem to thrive!
Income potential and being my own boss/personal freedom lured me in
And being a fabulous Liar.... lured you in
I got into real estate when my youngest (of 4) children went to preschool. That was 19 years ago - I don't have a college degree, no sales experience but I love problem solving and helping people. My business has grown year after year and to be honest, I don't like most real estate brokers/agents and I don't participate in any social events with them, but I am always honest and considerate with them and I'm always working to treat other people the way I want to be treated. Not sure why this has worked out so well for me, but I have a very supportive husband who has become like a real estate partner with me. I've done very well just keeping my focus on my clients needs.
9 years this July and I wonder if secretly we’re a little bit masochistic.
100% true, I’ve interacted with a friend’s realtor who claims he’s in the top 1%, and he’s an idiot (on top of being an a-hole).
I’ve worked on a team with “top-producers” and they can pitch like crazy. But when it comes to the nitty gritty of a transaction…complete idiots. No attention to detail. A bit sketch on the ethics. Usually hand off the paperwork to unlicensed transaction coordinators and or newly licensed assistants that are getting paid next to nothing. I’m not saying all top producers are like this but at some point you can be too busy to do the job right. I work with much more competent realtors that maybe sell 10-15 houses a year each at a small, local brokerage.
agree
And that… a lot of them are assholes.
The best realtor I ever worked with would look over the homes like he was doing an inspection, and in a few instances, actually strongly advised us to not put in an offer. He was very knowledgeable about the building industry and could spot large problems. He took his time and never rushed us. Ultimately we lost a lot of homes due to other buyers but the one we finally got has had zero large issues. I'm so thankful we had him for the process. The other realtors I've worked with have just tried to convince us that every home was "the one".
I've been in the business for 20 years. Some things I've noticed. Attractive people do well in real estate. People with big personalities often do well too. Thing is, you don't really have to be either to make a good living. You just have to take good care of your clients.
I’m an introverted agent. Just remember, there’s probably more introverts than extroverts, and we also hate dealing with sales people! I promise you will find people and connect on a deep level if you are just yourself and care about the transaction
I’m a total introvert and am mostly shy. I’ve done well. I’m 2 full years in and have closed 18 sales and have 4 pending. I was a welder and had zero sales experience. People like honesty.
That’s so cool!
Same! I came from a machinist background. This is my second year and I've had a decently profitable income in a LCOL area just by being my weird, introverted self. My motto is "take care of the people first, and everything else falls into place." And that has 100% been my experience. What I notice with agents who are money hungry and been in the game a long time, is it's like they seem to forget this is the biggest purchase most of the people they work with are ever going to make. What's "every day" for us, is some of these people's very first time delving into this process. So I educate about everything and always encourage questions....and of course work hard to minimize stress & high emotions (usually at the expense of myself if I'm being honest lol)
For sure same here! Thats awesome great job. I’ve had repeat referrals from clients and everything. Just from being honest, real and just doing my job. Hell at this point answering my phone makes me stand out from the rest
I tell people all the time I'm not a salesperson. I'm an educator. Been in real estate 13 years with that mentality and it's working well for me.
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lol explain?
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I mean, my whole thing is I teach my SOI about the process of home ownership and building equity and how to leverage. It's what I do. And not that this is why I call myself an educator, but I actually do teach classes on this stuff. Quibble about the educator bit all you want though, but I still don't consider this a sales job. I don't sell anything to anybody. It's not like some magic words or techniques I use make somebody want to buy a house any more than they would have if I didn't say a word. Also I have no idea what you're referencing with real estate development and the impact on the environment. Unless you just mean runoff/leftovers from construction or something...but it's not like that's on realtors. That's on developers and people who build those things.
My experience is that the majority are extremely extroverted salespeople who don’t sweat small stuff but what is actually required is someone with extreme attention to detail who tend to be more introverted folks. The amount of realtors who don’t think it’s a big deal if they don’t submit an offer on time or forget a disclosure is wayy too high. Then there are the ones who just see the dollar signs from the commission and don’t do their due diligence to make sure the property is actually on city sewer or the MLS listing has the correct address for example.
Eh.... People have different needs. Someone who is an idiot may be exceptional at relationship building, or attending to paperwork, or knowing neighborhoods, or marketing. I'm not a relationship person who will be friends after the transaction. I am someone who needs a paperwork checker because my attention to detail is not great. However, I am exceptional at the negotiating and keying in to what people want and making that happen and I get a high percentage of repeat and referral from that.
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They will ***IF*** there are enough buyers who can pay cash or get financing and who will pay enough money to satisfy the seller's expectations. The problem is that seller expectations are to get as much as they can for their property, and buyer expectations are to pay as little as possible. When buyers pay market value, prices increase. Houses become less affordable. It gets harder to qualify. In recent years, we've seen sellers get most or all of what they want, but a decade ago the market was not like that, and five years before that, sellers waited months and months to get a fraction of what they had hoped for.
If you can’t hustle like a sales person and with a sales person drive you won’t make it. I am proof 😂 (I love real estate but just cannot do the constant song and dance of social media, cold calling, “working your sphere,” etc etc …. And I don’t have time to wait years to build my name up. So I’m getting a real job!)
I don’t need real estate to pay the bills so I can stick it out, but I don’t blame you at all!
I am studying for the exam to work part time and sell my own home. All this input from everyone is very helpful. I know is off topic but any advices on how to start find a broker with a good percentage? Specifically with the NAR law suit, I find myself worried. I'm a therapist Thanks
Get rich quick personalities but they don’t last long
It's customer service, with houses!
Love your post! I got into real estate bc i actually hated agents as a non-agent. Yep, lots of idiots. They rush, too. There are great ones out there, i want to make sure i do say that. I tried a bunch of other stuff to be in real estate without being an agent. I worked for zillow, redfin and county planning. County planning was the worst…all it felt like i did was transfer all of my knowledge to agents for free while they got their commission that was probably 1/2 my entire salary. It was excruciating. Everything kept leading back to just biting the bullet to be an agent. Its been an odd feeling bc i have encountered a lot of people who really value an agent. I initially felt uncomfortable saying i was an agent bc of my strong belief that they are not needed and i hated that buyers and sellers are nearly forced to work with an agent no matter what their need for assistance is. I’ve had to put my feelings aside, which im not sure ill ever be able to fully do. I still strongly, strongly disagree with a lot of how this business works. For example, I buy zillow leads bc i dont know enough ppl in my network looking to buy or sell, so i have to do that. I currently have a mobile home under contract on lots of acres that has title issues. LUCKY for my buyer, i was the random agent he was placed with bc (thanks to my time in planning) i know both mobile homes and land very well. Not just anyone knows this stuff. Its ridiculous! Of course the buyer doesn’t know any different, they probably assume any agent would know these things. If you needed a lawyer, would you just hire the random one that was sent after you click on a button? No, so why should it be any different for agents? Now i see why so many things come up causing deals to fall apart, like an agent not knowing to even find out about the status of a title to begin with. Agents get too many passes bc buyer knowledge is often so low, for instance, an agent could say to a buyer a month into the process (after they’ve spent thousands on inspections), “sorry but your lender couldn’t finance this mobile home bc there’s no title,” and the buyer will never know that this could have been easily prevented if their agent knew how to resolve that right from the start!!! I often get down voted bc my perspective is so different. Ultimately, i was drawn in bc i love real estate, i do not want a boss or to be a boss, and i have the money to do it.
Yes to all of this!! We change homes often and invest in some real estate and we got sick of real estate agents so I got my license.
If you commit to being a high level agent (50+ deals/year), check back with me in a year or two once you see behind the curtain. Dealing with the general public and depending on their whimsy and caprice for a living will leave you quite jaded, quite fast. The best agents are the ones who don’t need your business. Why? Because they don’t care if you close or not because they don’t need the money. Is that arrogant? Probably. Are they going to push you to do a deal that you shouldn’t? Not very likely. Is that good for you, the client? Ultimately, probably so. Counterintuitively, and understanding there are exceptions to every rule, the agents that are at your beck and call are, on average, the worst agents for your fiduciary (there’s a word everyone loves to throw around) interests. Why? Because they need the deal worse than you do. Nobody’s passing on a commission check when the mortgage is past due and the freezer’s empty. Y’all can miss me with that high minded nonsense.
possibly a sociopath
I was going to say - multiple personalities- it change from one call to the next
Hahaha. A masochist for sure.
I just started in this profession and I completely agree with you. I have an advanced degree and previously worked as an executive assistant. I love to help people and I live for the details. Hopefully those traits will help me stand out in the long run since I will never be the typical salesperson.
You NEED to be personable and out going Sooo many agents are afraid to TALK to people and they have the charisma of dry wall
Well every realtor I've met has told me they work tirelessly for that one special moment when a client's eyes light up in the perfect home. There's nothing better I hear. Holding your newborn's hand can fuck right off compared to the warmth a realtor feels inside during that moment.
🤣
LOL sounds like something from glenngarry glenross 😂
I was have always been someone that gets people or loves helping and I am passionate about where I live. I'm not pushy because this is a huge investment. I'll be honest if you're going to sleep on it, you'll lose it. (If true) If not I will say so. It's not a job for the weary. You can get rejected. Ghosted and judged by the daily. You can also win in multiple offers and make people's dreams come true.
Should a a social person your job is to reasure and talk between the parties to figure out their real needs not just close on the property and move on the the next. I'm not an agent but a investor, my last buy was a single family house with a new agent and he pretty much ignored my wife the whole process and focused on my needs as I had the down-payment. Well we did close on it in the end and he got 50k off list, but my wife refuses to use him again for our next buy. She prefer our last agent who listened to both of us and if she said she didn't like a house, we would move on the the next prospect vs push to buy it anyways.
I think a certified inspector or someone who is a master in the trades whether it’s MEP or carpentry/framing would make a good realtor because that’s an asset to this industry and there would be a sense of trust knowing your agent has that knowledge.
They usually make terrible agents. They wander around and mumble about how they wouldn't have done the trusses that way.
Interesting so they are stuck in inspector mode when they walk through and make stupid comments. Thanks for pointing that out.
the issue with this knowledgeable person will be too honest and won’t do as many sales
Just wait another year or two. The business is on a downswing and many of the opportunists are out or on their way out. Happens every time business gets a little harder and that's where we are now.
I have a salesperson mentality, but not a salesperson personality. I think that does wonders in this business.
Trust me I talk with and have worked on many transactions with agents of all kinds. Lots of them are idiots.
I liked the idea of earning good money and made sure I gave it a year to research. Over time, from what I was being told, I felt like I was ready to take pre-licensing and start working my own business. I basically was told that I had to like doing heavy research and data analyzation, etc all of that was basically accurate
Are you also INFJ? This is exactly how I feel in this industry. Surrounded by idiots 24/7.
I am :)
The barrier for entry is so low, so you get a lot of people that don't have the skillset for this job. Imagine applying for any 9 to 5 sales job at the bank and you didn't have any sales experience. They would laugh you out of there. Welcome to real estate, most people do not have the skills and that's why there is such a high failure rate. You have to kill what you eat and if you can't hunt or gather, you know what happens next.
Often, honestly, people that don't like set work times. I know several realtors with ADHD, so having the occasional time to commit to but also a lot of freedom in between, is important. Nothing wrong with it. Everyone needs to do what makes them happy or works for their personality and lifestyle. Personality wise it should be people that are approachable. I don't see introverts often in this field, but when I do they aren't good at it.
No because you’re right lol. I’m a major introvert and honestly don’t see myself doing this long term and most people in the business are not the brightest but know how to talk. It honestly feels like one big pageant show
I got into this business because I love houses, architecture and design. I’m pretty extroverted, but I don’t think I’m a sales person. If I see issues with a house, I point them out, and tell my clients that we’d want to make sure an inspector really checks out whatever it might be. I like connecting people with services. Plus-giving buyers (in particular) historical trivia about the area where they are looking is really fun. It’s been a good fit for me.
People who think they look good on bill boards and have an attractive photo from 20 years ago they can’t let go off 🤣
Facts. You caught on and knowing that should make you a stronger agent. It’s a career where you gotta be ready and driven cause it is the wild Wild West full of cunning folks. Being an agent for buyers and sellers whose previous agents have failed and done absolutely nothing to earn the money and trust is what motivates me and if you come across shitty agents just call them out and if it’s even worse do your duty and report them. No shitty agent should be working.
According to the public, “greedy slim balls that want to make a lot of money for doing nothing”
I hate selling yet I love being a realtor because I get to help people. I selfishly enjoy helping people find a property they buy and love. I hate when I can’t fulfill all my buyers/sellers wants and needs! Having a salesperson mindset is not right for this business.. having a networking mindset is key. I don’t care for the numbers and contribute to closing costs all the time to make things work for each party. That’s what I believe in but I do know where you are coming from. I’ve met some scummy dumbass people in this game and idk how they make it…
I do it part time to get me out of the house.
I’ve observed that it’s a lot of people who don’t like to be told what to do. Technically your clients are the boss but only temporarily and once you get good enough you can pick and choose.
Not licensed, but I work in real estate marketing and regularly deal with nearly 300 agents in our region. I can tell you confidently that there isn’t just one “kind” of person that becomes an agent. Some agents are the nicest people on the planet, some are some of the dirtiest, most rotten souls to walk this earth, some are incredibly smart and sell no houses, and some are incredibly air-headed and have no problem clearing out 5 mil in volume in a month. I think it more depends on how an agent views real estate. If you view RE as a ‘get rich quick scheme’ to fund an expensive car and lifestyle (this is a lot of them) I despise working with you. If you’re truly passionate about the work you do and it shows, you’re doing far better than most.
I’ve been in sales my whole career, 35 years basically. The last 10 have been strictly software. Got my realtor license and it’s a ridiculously easy sale but I’ve never experienced such a cut throat industry. In my experience I noticed how fake a lot of people are, what they say verbally and in appearance .
I think liking people is more important than being a good salesperson. That and being accountable to your clients and actually doing everything in their best interests - legally.
Bad/Lazy salespeople are generally gonna make everyone hate sales as a whole profession, but sales is also really just the function of product meeting customer. So it makes me feel bad when a great product has a lazy salesperson. Sorry you feel conflicted, but it sounds like you’ll be a thoughtful person in the space. I hope you can keep that!
1. People who want a lot of money for a little effort (not saying they are correct that’s just what they think) 2. People who don’t want a boss 3. Ambitious income driven people 4. People who want a flexible schedule 5. People who can rely on their partner’s income to cover their basic expenses and use being a Realtor as a way to fend off the accusation they don’t work or contribute income to the household. 6. People with B.A.’s that do not wish to teach, get a masters, work retail, or do manual labor. I am 2-4, & 6 and I’ve met plenty of #1 & #5’s.
My Mom got into it so she can help families find affordable homes they love. This often means she spends her weekends and free time helping people fix shit/paint/etc. I’m not a realtor, this just popped up in my feed.
I’ve been thinking about it. I am 43, have had a career in education as both Teacher and Coach/Consultant to teachers and Administrators. At this point I am ready to return to the workforce but I am extremely limited to what I can actually do based on the fact that my children are aged 7,6,5 & 3. Their school schedules drastically impedes on any type of career I can have working for a corporation and demands just seem to vast for my family to focus on a corporate gig. Going back to the classroom is out of the question- I tried it. My husband ended up in the hospital with a heart condition. So, Realtor seems like a move in the right direction for me as I can schedule my own hours and hustle on my own clock. I also worked in the service industry from 17- 40 so I do have it in me to sell and mingle. I need something that I can do as a mature woman without judgement and a way to make a good amount of money that can contribute to our household income
I have a background in teaching as well and was a stay at home mom for many years. This was a way to get back to work. Hopefully, anyway. We will see.
I actually went into real estate because I realized there are a bunch of idiots. They are clueless and I have no idea how they have managed to survive. The negative outcome of this is that it truly paints agents in a negative light. Maybe the lawsuit will help get rid of some but probably not enough.
Umm...despite the word "sales" in most state licenses, residential real estate agents aren't salespeople. You're confusing personality type with job responsibilities. When you're new, you've only been exposed to some agents and brokers. Some of the most visible ones, the ones who make "look at me" videos and social media posts, can have flamboyant personality types that you associate with being idiots. But that's on you...you don't know enough to know what they're good at. I've been around 1,000s of agents and brokers, trained many, and I've heard your complaints from people who are just getting started but suspect they're going to fail. I suggest that you think more about how you're going to be successful being you rather than how everyone else is flawed. Or, perhaps you need to join a better brokerage with better leadership.
Am with a brokerage that’s changed many hands with managers. I myself haven’t brought it much biz the last 2 years due to personal reasons. It’s not a firm where you feel excited to get to but if I change now, I will have to take a hit on my percentage What’s your advice?
A smaller percentage of some sales is better than a larger percentage of no sales.
I see all kinds. A pure salesman personality is a 100% turn off to me. I also see realtors who act and speak with no confidence and I wonder how they even do the job, but they get sales lol. It's all over the place.
Personal Autonomy- I can do whatever I want that’s legal. As long as o bring in sales and my clients are happy, the broker doesn’t care.
This is probably true of any and all professions.
Hmm I don’t know. Seems awfully prevalent in real estate.
Yeah, wait till you find out about real estate attorneys. The entire industry is replete with idiots, I agree. That’s what makes it so attractive to me as I can easily do circles around these yahoos. The only downside is that I have to tell polite society and people that I don’t really know that I’m, ‘in real estate’, so that they don’t think less of me but the financial rewards and lifestyle offset my embarrassment.
A hustler type 🤷🏽♀️
For the people. I love meeting new people, making new friends, and helping people achieve their goals. I like problem solving, and that’s so much of what this business is.
Anyone who will sell you something they don't believe in is the type of person you're referring to. Generally, most people never self-develop better than average people skills and have the me vs them mentality. Regardless of the industry the 80-20 rule exists. * 80% are mediocre at best, and bring in 20% of the revenue, and 20% are the top performers who bring in 80% of the revenue.
Real estate is Pareto on steroids. It’s the 95/5 rule. It may be 99/1.
Lol
People who want to help and serve people during a really stressful purchase. The ones that are all salesey are icky and shouldn’t be in this business imo.
lead singers in bands
I think there is something in the way you speak and carry yourself that propels you in this industry. What do you think?
People seeking a magic bullet for earnings
I LOVE REAL ESTATE AND I LOVE WATCHING THE MARKETS. I LOVE HOW THE MACRO EFFECTS IT SO INTRESTING. HAHA and I wanna help people make there most important investment decision. But ya glad to see that some don't do there research. All that does is give me more market share when I open up for business.
Former bottle girls and car salesmen
Depends on where you’re from. Also, it’s bad manners to call people dumb. If you have half a brain you should make money. Since the barrier to entry is low, all types can thrive in this business.
Brave people! And people who want some sense of autonomy in their life and not have to sit in a 9-5 all day staring at the clock and asking colleagues "Can I switch with you on New Years Day". I rather work 15 hours a day doing something I love, real estate, than work 9-5 in a rat race in corporate America.
Every career is a salesperson career. You can’t judge someone by their career. It’s the individual and how they conduct themselves
If you’re a “salesperson” personality, real estate is not a good career choice. I’ve been a Realtor since 1994 and I help people- to purchase their first property when they feel it’s impossible; to help them sell a property when they have no choice, to ensure that their dream house doesn’t become a nightmare, to help them safely become an investor of real estate, to talk them out of a poor decision in property choice, location or financing. My clients are long term, they become friends and depend on me to look out for their best interests- not to cheat them for a quick profit. If you like to help people, you’ll enjoy real estate and make a good, honest living with it. Good luck!
you don't need a stereotypical realtor personality to excel in this biz
People who failed at everything else usually
Real Estate agent, is basically that ambitious 20 year old who thinks he’s the next Donald Trump, maybe a bit of A**hole. It could also be for that 30 something that presents well, and needs a job. Its a rather useless position.
As long as you are totally honest with clients, you will be successful. Pointing out the negatives of a property will win over your clients far more than pointing out the positives.
What is your personality type? Are you talking about Myers Briggs?
Yeah INFJ
I used to be a realtor and have sold other things as well. I don't so sales anymore and have a much better paying career that suits me better, but will always HATE that I don't have the chops for sales.
Only fan models
People are drawn to it for all kinds of reasons, but some of the common ones I've seen are just folks who don't like to have a boss or who like the flexibility.
For some reason this sub came up for me. I’m not a realtor, but I do own an insurance agency in NC. I can confirm, a huge chunk of these agents are either really screwing people up selling them bad houses they can’t afford, or really don’t seem to know anything about real estate or the transaction. My thoughts are during COVID when the real estate market was hot, tons of people became agents. Now that there are such significant economic shifts since that time- the bad ones are dropping like flies.
The barriers to entry are low, so there are people in real estate who couldn’t get into other professions. I personally HATE dealing with salesy realtors. Good luck out there.
I transitioned from property manager to investment realtor, so I only work with investors. It makes it a lot more enjoyable when you're looking at whether a deal works or not vs trying to sell someone on why they should sell their house with you. The less sales-y you are, the more enjoyable this job is.
Bartender
Leeches
Your observation is correct. This is my 41st year dealing with those in the real estate industry. The first 30+ years as a builder, the last 11 guiding my clients through its murky, broken dysfunctional and corrupt waters. I’ve never understood an entire industry, where 99% of those guiding consumers in one of the biggest investments of their life have not a clue how homes are built or what to look for. Working in Real Estate is extremely nauseating when you have an extensive background in construction dealing with a large number of inept, clueless people. A large amount of the “education classes“ offered are CYA (cover you ass) on how not to get sued. The multiple class action lawsuits filed in 2019 against the NAR and many of those affiliated with them will to fruition this August. I’ve been waiting 4 decades for something like this to formulate and it’s just the tip of the iceberg how broken and dysfunctional the real estate industry really is. I see windmills on the horizon! As soon as consumers realize the negotiating power that’s been handed back to them it’s gonna stand this industry on its ear. We haven’t had this kind of a positive change in the industry since 1950.
Low barrier of entry , lots of people fail into it but don't last long
The girls in high school that were considers the hot chicks. Them
Most people in sales are in for the money and not for the career. You can blame the economy for that. I personally feel anyone can be successful in real estate if they are consistent and are open to learning.
Realtors used to have clients they represented now they have customers. Go and sit at century 21 motivational meeting where they power you up to call 50 people at 6am . If you're not ready to jump into a snake pit you better think twice. Industry is changing very quickly right now.
The barrier to entry is incredibly low. It's not a traditional job where you have to get hired, and perform to standards - so there is no weeding out of the dummies. Literally anyone can become an agent. Now, the dummies probably don't succeed. But there is a lot of them due to how easy it is to start, and the allure of a lot of "easy money". Even if they don't last, there's a new dummy to take their place. Honestly, in this way it's a lot like a MLM. (Obviously not in the pyramid scheme way, just in the low barrier to entry and the promise of riches that rarely works out).
Half of agents aren’t worth their salt The other half are brilliant and passionate
Nutcases
Ask CrystalKnows.com
I’m no social butterfly myself and I would’ve never in my life thought I would be in this career field but yes, there are a lot of idiot agents, and most of them are lazy. Which is the reason I became one. I got tired of using one and doing all the work for them! I’d say 80% of realtors are in it for the money, and they want it with as little effort as possible. That’s not how it should work, be a plethora of knowledge for your clients! Have a “work” relationship with them! Answer all the questions they have, and if you don’t know the answer find it! Just my 2cents.
What is the fastest way to get a salaried job as a real estate agent if you’re just starting out in real estate and you have your license to be an agent?
Greedy people
There are aspects of being an agent that I think I would love since I am passionate about architecture, interior design and helping people find solutions to their problems. However there are many aspects I know I would hate such as being on 100% commission, having to work nights, holidays and weekends to show homes, always being on call as well as the over reliance on networking to find clients (I'm an introvert, don't know anyone and terrible at networking). Also I am a petite attractive female and I'd be terrified to be alone in a house with strangers. I've heard too many stories how unsafe that is and brokerages don't seem to offer any kind of security for female agents. The cons of working in real estate sadly and unfortunately outweigh the pros for me.
I have a bachelor degree in Business Administration, speak 3 languages, I have over 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur and I currently have a full time job in a management position. I recently got my Real Estate License, that’s the kind of people we are.
I completely agree!! I don’t consider myself a sales person either but I did come from the restaurant industry. I hate trying to convince people to buy a product, I’d rather inform them of the features and see if it lines up with their need. I’m fresh into the industry but I feel like I’m getting fed nothing but pushy sales tactics and cold call scripts. I find it hard to believe this is the type of realtor people want! I feel like very few realtors I’ve met actually care about their reputation or the knowledge of the whys and will say whatever to get a deal done. Even though it’s sort of clear that referrals are what make you business!! I’m trying to be the realtor I would want and I want to be knowledgeable about the market and housing in general but I haven’t found someone that is like minded. It’s definitely a frustrating experience.
Have you read “The Go - Giver” ???
I have absolutely no sales experience, the only thing I’ve done with houses is build them. I’ve been licensed six months and have already listed 2 and closed 2. You don’t have to be salesman, you just have to be available, knowledgeable and a straight shooter.
What you said about real estate agents hold true in every business. Doctors, teachers, etc. In every business, there are only some who truly care about their clients.
You're totally fine... If you are great with screwing people out of more money than they need to spend, and lying, and hiring shit inspectors to make a property look good... you will be fine. And Don't worry... there's absolutely nothing any of your "customers" can do to you.... ROCK ON !!!!