Perhaps hate is too strong of a word. How ’bout cringe at the idea of interacting with many of them.
You as the customer may have the good fortune of only having to deal with a handful of realtors, but I on the other hand, have the unfortunate task of dealing with the entire lot. By far one of the most unpleasant part of being a real estate agent–dealing with unpleasant agent. You see, in Westchester County like in most parts of the country, we professionals practice real estate under the law of reciprocity. That means that I can sell other agents’ listings and vice versa; other agents can show and sell my listings and we would share the commission. It’s actually a great concept and works well when everyone adheres to the rules. (whole other post on this topic). Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that Realtor®s are better or worse than any other “professionals” out there. Just as there are horrible Realtor®, there are horrible doctors, lawyers, teachers, and even police officers. By the same token there are fantastic real estate agents, attorneys, teachers, and police officers. But since I don’t work with them all the time, I can only comment on what I have personally experienced.
I don’t know why many of them even bother to wake up every morning and pretend they actually work. I know that when I call an agent to find out more information about a home, the voice on the other side is so somber and depressing that I just feel like hanging up before I catch whatever miserable Plague they’re spreading. Imagine that Ben Stein just found out he was adopted, his kids were not actually his, and that his house was getting foreclosed. That would only be a tiny hint of some Realtors®’ attitude and demeanor.
It’s pure toxic! And if this is how they make me feel over the phone, I hate to see what they’re like in person. Makes me wonder if these types of Realtor®s only speak to other Realtor®s like this, or is this how they communicate with their clients as well. I could only imagine! I’m a buyer and I’m looking to spend $700,000 on a home, and get the Grim Reaper on the other end of the line. Yes, exactly what I’m looking for at 9 o’clock in the morning. If they hate they’re jobs so much and it makes them so depressed, why even do it? There is a bright side though. If my competition doesn’t care enough to exude confidence and excitement in front of their clients, then a simple “hey, how can I help you?” and a smile will have clients making a line for me to assist them.
To Agents: I don’t expect agents to be the Emeril Lagasse of real estate and dial it up to 10, but for the love of something, show SOME enthusiasm even if it’s to me, your fellow colleague. I realize the market sucks, but so what! Does your attitude need to reflect market conditions? Find something to get excited about. It’s not difficult if you like what you do. Don’t fake it, though. People can see right through it. If you don’t like what your doing either adjust your attitude a or find another career. It’s that simple. No one wants to hear about your problems, least of all your clients or potential clients. Keep your problems to yourself. The client did not come to you so you could depress them (everyone has problems, don’t act like yours are more important). The customers came to you to help them spend $700,000 on a new home. If that’s not motivation enough to express some excitement and specially enthusiasm, then TEXT me their contact information and I will show your clients the meaning of a positive attitude.
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Not really sure what this rant is about. I’m an attorney that does real estate transactional work and most brokers/agents are pretty decent people. Some are wet farts, and a small percentage are theives and scumbags. Pretty much like the legal profession. I guess I don’t share Jaime’s experience with the real estate sales profession.