Agents, What's the Biggest Misconception People Have About Your Job?

Question

Hey everyone! 😊

I've been connecting with more real estate agents lately, and it's made me realize how much goes on behind the scenes that most people probably don't even think about.

I'm curious, what's one thing people constantly misunderstand about being a real estate agent?

Whether it's how much work goes into a transaction, dealing with clients, or something completely different, I'd love to hear your experiences!

I feel like there's so much more to the job than just showing houses and closing deals, and I'm interested in hearing about the side of real estate that people don't normally see.

Looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts!

Matthew Morrow · Answer

@Brandon Vukelich Spot on, especially #4. Nobody knows everything, and the best thing you can do for a client is be honest when you don't know, then go find the answer. That's where trust gets built. Appreciate the shoutout, man.

Brandon Vukelich · Answer

Top misconceptions in my mind from top to bottom:

1. That we make easy money. They get wrapped up in the closing commission but fail to recognize that most buyers take many months to close. I don't meet a client and immediately write an offer the next day on one property, close it and collect a ~$10,000 check 30 days later. If they only knew all the work behind the scenes that goes into securing the right terms and getting the deal to closing.

2. We are like Uber. They don't understand many agents have other clients AND a family life. We are not sitting around waiting for a phone call to drop everything to tour a property at 6pm on a Friday with 30 mins notice.

3. Limited value. Many don't see the value in the years of experience, market knowledge and expertise in our specific niche. Like @Matthew Morrow stated, the general public just thinks we are tour guides and paperwork pushers for a huge check that 100% goes into our pocket. We wish. I should also hold another license as a therapist. Double my income in billable hours to many, many clients.

4. Unlimited knowledge. Many expect us to know about every school, business and development on every single block and the inventory for all asset classes at all price points. Plus I get the assumption that we are to know every single law related to real estate transactions, title issues, every goofy kind of investing strategy, landlord-tenant laws, tax implications and so on.

It's not the fault of the general public really. Until recently, I believe our industry has done a poor job of conveying value and educating clients properly.

Matthew Morrow · Answer

@Luna Aguilar that's where we're a little different. Our value prop has evolved to working with people who clearly value what we do, so selling ourselves has taken on a new form. We qualify our clients, not the other way around. Newer folks still mostly see the showing and the closing and not everything in between, and what's worked best for us is keeping clients in the loop on the behind-the-scenes stuff as it happens.

Luna Aguilar · Answer

I think you made a really good point about how much work goes on behind the scenes that most people never see. It's interesting how people tend to focus on the commission without realizing how much time and effort goes into actually getting there.

I'm curious though, do you feel like these misconceptions have gotten better over the years, or do you still find yourself having to explain your value to clients pretty often?

Matthew Morrow · Answer

@Luna Aguilar The biggest one I hear is that agents just unlock doors and collect a check. Honestly, we don't need the public's view. What matters is our investors and clients being happy and coming back for more, and that's all service. It's why I built our team the way I did: real estate professionals, not just agents. We run a full-service platform for investors, handle dispo in house, and our agents list, wholesale, and invest. You have to be more than an agent to actually be good, and that's what it'll take now that the market is flooded with hungry agents who aren't busy after the post-COVID bust. What's the misconception that bugs you most?

Luna Aguilar · Answer

I actually really like that perspective! I think people tend to underestimate how much relationship-building and behind-the-scenes work goes into real estate. Especially on the investment side, there's so much more involved than just closing a deal.

I'd say one misconception that stands out to me is that people assume real estate is all about transactions, when really it's about building long-term relationships and trust. I'm curious though, what made you decide to build your team around the full-service approach?

Matthew Morrow · Answer

@Luna Aguilar exactly. this is 100% a relationship business. Without people we have no customer, and regardless- what comes around goes around. Its amazing what people will do or cut for a profit. Dont be that guy lol.

We built our team like this for one reason- scalability in a niche we were comfortable and good at. We all are investors, actively growing along side the clients. Yes we can sell houses- but not all (in fact not many) can talk real estate as a business.

Agents, What's the Biggest Misconception People Have About Your Job?

Agents, What's the Biggest Misconception People Have About Your Job?

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