It’s not always easy being a Real Estate Agent.
As Realtors, we are faced with fairly routine negativity about the profession. Realtors are greedy or lazy or a bunch of liars… I’ve heard it all. When my colleagues and I talk about overcoming these kinds of negative stereotypes, I don’t get defensive. I don’t point out all of the reasons why those stereotypes are wrong. In fact, I say it time and time again: We have done this to ourselves.
I love this article from Josie Stern: Why do real estate agents have a bad reputation? She hits the nail right on the head and outlines some of the run-of-the-mill practices that unethical Real Estate Agents use. Her points are excellent, and I found the comments both from Realtors and consumers interesting as well.
As Real Estate Agents in Ontario, we work in a highly-regulated field and our ethical responsibilities are very significant. However, as with any profession, there are bad apples in the bunch. So, how can you as a home buyer or seller avoid ending up with one of those unethical real estate agents that gives the rest of us a bad rap? Do your due diligence.
- Ask for a formal presentation, whether you are a buyer or seller, or both. Does the agent come prepared and have a polished presentation? If not, walk away.
- Don’t just decide on an agent because you “like” him or her. Make sure in addition that their skills and experience are top notch. If they are not, walk away.
- Ask for references of recent clients they have assisted. If they can’t or won’t provide references, walk away.
- If, during a presentation, a real estate agent makes a lot of promises that seem unrealistic and can’t be supported by market data, walk away.
- Etc.
I would like to believe that unethical real estate agents are the minority, and that in general it’s unfair to stereotype about, well, anything. However, your best means of avoiding a situation where you wind up being represented by one of these bad apples is to do your research and make an informed decision.