The other day I took one of my heavy hitter buyers out to look at some homes. They’re looking for a home in the $600-$750,000 price range in Cary and Apex, North Carolina.
Now I don’t know about your market, but here in the Cary/ Apex area, that buys quite a bit of home. These folks are very serious, very qualified, and looking to be in before the year’s end. Naturally I’m excited to finish off the year with a sale of this magnitude.
We look at a few homes on Saturday, and then a few more on Sunday. But none of them had the “Wow” factor that they were seeking. They’re very particular buyers and they realize that there is no such thing as a perfect home. But, for that kind of money, they should, at a minimum, be wowed to some extent.
Now, just to make it very clear, I love these people. We have a great time going out together. We laugh, we get serious, and we have a fun time. We just haven’t found that just right home yet.
So the search goes on…
But the point of this post reflects on something they said to me during the day.
After admitting that they were nuts and were probably going to make me crazy in the process, they said,
“I could never do what you do for a living”.
And they’re right! Most people can’t do what we do for a living. It’s not an easy job, and it seems that more and more along the way, my buyers come to realize this. They see how hard we work. They see how difficult it is to find the homes that meet their criteria, schedule the appointments, map out the day, only to have to re-adjust everything when a seller calls to cancel the showing.
They see that you can’t buy a home on the internet. The pictures look great, but when we arrive, there are power lines running through the backyard or there is some other deal killing encumbrance that couldn’t be discovered from the MLS listing sheet.
They also see that our day does not begin at 9AM and end at 5PM with an hour in the middle for lunch. They see that we pay for all our own business expenses and are only compensated if we actually make it to the closing table.
Now don’t get me wrong here. I am NOT complaining, I’m curious. I love most of my clients. We end up maintaining friendships. We end up socializing, going to each other’s homes and, well, just being friends!
But, to finally get to the real point of my post today, why is it that we, as Realtors, don’t get the level of respect that some other professions get, especially since more and more of them keep saying to me…
“I could never do what you do for a living.”
I have my theories. I even know some solid reasons why this is an issue. But I'd love to hear from you, my dear readers, why are Realtors sometimes treated like the Rodney Dangerfield's of the business world?
By the way, if you've not seen the ActiveRain video of the day, this one sheds some light on one of my theories...
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real EstateSpecialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.
To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com
Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions
63 Comments on Are Realtors the Rodney Dangerfield of the Business World? What's Your Theory?
OCT
26
2009
I agree. I hear "I couldn't be a Real Estate agent" about once a week. This typically comes from people that don't realize our expenses. They simply look at the fact that we don't have weekly paychecks and think "oh man how would I budget my money." They also, most of them, don't realize that we pay taxes quarterly or at the end of the year depending on how the accountant you use advises you. If they knew those things I think I personally would hear the "I couldn't do what your doing" more often.
I took clients out on Friday, and heard the famous " I could never do what you do" quickly into the tour. It makes me so mad to read posts, saying, "Why do I need to pay a Real Estate Broker?". Many people don't appreciate the real value of a Broker, who has really fine tuned his/her craft and can offer you the best matches for your needs as well as securing you the best price for your sale or purchase and on top of it all providing you with real insight about the market.
We wouldn't think of performing surgery without a Doctor, or entering into contracts without an attorney, so why is it okay to sell or purchase the biggest investment you may ever have without a Real Estate Agent? I tell you, we get no respect!.
Hi Craig, I have a theory -- it's the bad agents, like the one in the last video that take away the respect from all the good agents out there!! LOL! You're right, it's not an easy job, but I think a good agent easily earns respect at the end of the day.
Craig, This reminds of me when I drove 2 prominent surgeons from Michigan and their 2 friends around for an entire weekend looking for upscale properties and then right before we parted on Sunday evening, they informed me they had 2 other states they were going to investigate but IF they decided to buy here, they would call me. I was a tour guide for people who get paid very well for their services! Do you think they give their services away for FREE?! Heck no and I never did receive a return call!
It's too easy to get a real estate license. This business is flooded with people who think it's easy and get a license. Thus creating these bad agents. One bad agent washing out the reputation of 10 good agents. By nature, people remember the bad, rather than the good.
Craig, two funny videos. Now to try to answer your question. I think we often don't act like professionals. We jump in the car and run to meet people at a moment's notice; we cancel on friends and family when a "prospect" calls; we meet clients dressed like we're off for a day at the beach, to name a few.
Now, I honestly think I do much better than that and for the most part people treat me like a professional. But sometimes I get too anxious to get the sale or listing and make the mistake of acting less than professional.
Hey, Craig. Wow, this great post gets you thinking. I too, have had a client tell me the same thing. Knowing the fact that the client dealt with and agent who did not do a great job and they were simply just unprofessional. I also, think that they understand the pitfalls of our profession. Thanks for sharing, Jim
Craig - When times are tough, we are definitely considered to be the Rodney Dangerfields of the business world. When times are good, everyone assumes we are Donald Trumps.
When I hear the infamous, 'I could never do what you do,' I often think to myself, 'back at 'ya.'
After many years in the corporate world, I was burnt out and sick of the office politics, the 9-5 grind, the commute and the travel. Work life as I know it is not perfect (I think of it as a bit of a roller coaster), but it is what I chooose--and not because I can't do anything else!
I agree with what everyone else has said about how we need to behave professionally and that it really should be harder to become a licenensed agent.
Dear Craig,
I have to agree with just about everyone here. I could not imagine doing anything else. Real estate is my passion. I love people, I love good design (sadly there is not enough of it) and I love my freedom from the 8-5 grind. Now I do work more hours than I did before, but I can do it in my pj's sometimes (obviously not while showing property!!) It is the hardest job you will ever love. Thanks for a thought provoking post!
Betina
I could never do what we do for a living too...Wait, I guess I do but really...I'm not like the others (That's what I tell all of my clients and they seem to agree...) Great post and I loved BOTh of the videos!
Craig, I knew if you found them and posted them, they'd be funny.......I didn't know they'd be a RIOT :) I'll have to say that Gary made quite an impression on me for his innovative ideas (whispers his name) and positive attitude!
This is a great post Craig. By the way, congrats on the wonderful clients :o)! Most think our job is really easy and that we just kick back a rake up the big bucks, (oh wouldn't that be nice). I think others see us as pumped up car salesmen! My clients, thank goodness, do respect what I do.
Craig, great post. You are right...we get no respect. Love the Dangerfield comparison. It is harder than ever to make it in this business. Even with many realtors not renewing their licenses/dues the last couple years, we still have too many realtors in our area. I sure hope you find them a home, and let us know!
Toula -Isn't it a shame that we work o hard, build up a client base, and get emotionally involved with our clients only to have some bad agents spoil all those years of hard work.
Marian - It's not easy when we're commissioned. We have to jump when the phone rings. But we are providing a valuable service and that commands some level of respect.
Jim - I think most people are inherently good natured. It's a shame that one bad experience by a buyer or seller stigmatizes the rest of us.
For those of you who don't know what Jim is voting on, you can check it here:
Holly - I've worked in the corporate world as well and I could never go back. I love what I do...even in the bad times! I also agree that it should be harder to get your license. Fortunately, NC has made that happen to some extent.
Betina - If the public knew how many hours we actually worked, we might get some more respect. Like you, I love the freedom of making my own hours. And I love working in my PJ's too (when I'm not showing homes!)
Charles - OK, I couldn't find a home inspector spoof, but this is pretty funny...and wrong!
Nevin - Rodney Dangerfield was a great one!
Russell - I think we're cut from the same cloth Russell. I'm not like the others either! My clients love it though!
Carole - Don't you just love that marketing technique?!!! I'm going to try the whispering my name tactic in the mall this weekend! I'll let you know how it goes!!!
Brenda - Thank you Brenda! I agree that way too many see us as pumped up car salesmen. But I never really understood that link. We don't work or do anything even close to what they do.
Donna - Glad yu enjoyed! I had to throw in some humor to a serious topic! I gotta be me!
Lou - Seems like that is the general consensus here today.
Kathy - And thank you Kathy for taking the time to read my blog. I know it wasn't my usual post, but it was something I wanted to throw out there to my friends here in the Rain.
Kristin - Really now, is there anyone else who gets less respect than Rodney Dangerfield?!!! I hope I can find my buyers a home that works for their family dynamics too! The search goes on....
Good post - funny video! I'm personally glad that most people can't do what i can do. It's what sets us apart in this career. Most people don't realize how hard realtors work. Yes, it does pay off well when we get the "big sales" but there are many times when we work and spend a lot of time with people who don't ever buy at our expense. it's blogs like yours that are helping inform the public what really makes the good agents stand out from the bad ones.
When a client throws that line at me I always respond with "Thank You and you're probably right. A Real Estate career or business isn't for everybody but for those of us who love it and respect it, we wouldn't do anything else!"
Great post!
Craig---so true that so often the public shows a general lack of respect for us. It is also true that many REALTORS do not show respect for their fellow REALTORS---ignoring deadlines, providing incorrect showing instructions, exagerated descriptions, reduced commissions and on and on. But I love what I do!
I've heard this to some extent in every sales job I've ever had. I am more amazed that clients expect us to cut our pay and give it to them because they think what we do is too easy.
Well, Craig, this is a topic we could spend hours writing about! I think it's all about trust. People don't respect us because they think we are taking them for a ride. There are very good real estate agents and there are bad ones as well. This is not enough financially commitment involved in getting started to weed out the non-serious folks. And yes this job is a lot of work. Not everyone can do it - or at least do it well. But then I wouldn't want to be a teacher.....that's another tough job with a lot of work that gets no respect.
I too have heard the line about not being able to do what we do. I think that the general public is not aware of what we do, as in the details, responsibility, legalities, monies spent etc. I once had a potential client who thought that RE/MAX paid me a salary to go show homes! The press has not helped and the Gary Shlitz's are focused on and remembered to nth degree!
I also believe it is too easy to get a real estate license. I also thing the promise of the broker that hires you that they have great training and it was just a sales pitch for you to work for them. This coupled with a few bad apples which every industry has but I think we have a few extra because it really does take knowledge (more than what is required) to be a good Realtor. Here in California, you only need 3 courses and they are not as effective as other course could be.
Many of my clients realize how much work it is but until they have gone out with a Realtor they really don't have a concept of what is involved. Couple that with the show that shows 3 homes and poof, 3 great homes to pick from, makes it appear it is so easy. That coupled with the concept that we make tons of money and we are overpaid for doing it. If they realized how much is involved in reality, I think they would have a different opinion.
Thanks for the great videos and great posts. I think we do need to act more professionally - and we do need to let our clients know all of the work we are doing when we are not showing homes - that in fact is such a small part of our job here in the Bay Area - we do not get paid a salary or per hour, we must find our own (hopefully great) clients - and we do face legal implications if we make mistakes. Great post - lets all keep up the good work and make this a professionals market!
Dianne - I think it's our job to let the public know how much is really involved. If NAR's ads aren't getting the job done, then it's up to us to do it.
Annette - And that Annette is the crux of this whole post! There's nothing wrong with having fun while showing homes, but be professional when it comes time to writing offers, negotiating terms, and keeping the clients informed about all that we're doing behind the scenes.
Ben - Thank you sir! And thank you for stopping on by.
What I find interesting is that many of those folks who give us no respect are probably those who never bought or sold property before, and are merely parroting what they've heard from others.
For every client we help, it's an opportunity to change the perception and image for the better. Then perhaps they will be among those who respect the service and the value we provide.
That video was so funny! Loved your article too. Yep, sometimes it feels like we get no respect and yet this is also such a rewarding job in spite of all the odd ball hours and time spent. I enjoy the relationships.
It's always nice to hear that you are appreciated, but it could also be a cry for help! They are getting worn out, and so should you! Maybe it's time to sit down with them and let them know that you won't be previewing other properties together until they clearly define what it is that they are looking for. Let them go to some open houses together. Hold them to a buyer's agency agreement with a retainer fee to pay for your gas. They'll get "clued in" quickly! And you're right - they wouldn't waste a doctor's time, or the auto mechanic's, so why should they waste yours. I can't remember the blog post, but recently someone wrote about "if you want to treat me like a prostitute, then I'm going to charge you like one." Same concept.
No...they COULDN'T do what we do for a living. To be succesful in this business today takes a certain kind of person -- one who is smart, self-motivated, creative, has a good personality; one who is adaptable, detail-oriented, constantly learning and improving themselves. There aren't a whole lot of folks out there who are up to our task. That's why we good ones will always survive -- if not thrive -- during tough times like these, and will always outlast the 'also-rans' that think this business is easy.
I believe that those of us who prevail now will bring a renewed respect for our profession.
We are our own worst enemy much of the time. It takes so little to get a license we do not always get hard workers. Many BICs will put any warm body with a license - even a tainted one- on the rolls looking for quantity not quality. It is a rare market that requires a suit and tie and in no market is shorts & sandals acceptable. We must be avalable at hours beyond 5PM but does not mean we are at anyone's beck & call. A clean vehicle helps too. Part-timers have become a large percentage of our numbers which is hurting our clients and reputation.
Great video. Most people like the certainty of a regular paycheck. People enter this profession thinking the money just rolls in. Surprise! It can be a long time between checks.
1) Not sure of the NAR statistics off the top of my head but 80% enter this profession with no sales experience. It's a sales job people. Not the sterotype used car or door to door guys, but professional salespeople. Asking the right questions? Follow up? Lumpy earnings etc.
2) What is the attrition rate in this industy? It's unreal it's almost as high as telemarketing sweatshops. With the constant turnover the majority of our industry isin't really qualified.
3) When the current financial crisis hit in Sept. 07. My wife and I started to look to buy a home we started with new consturction, then we ventured to REO's looking for a deal, after not finding anything we loved we looked into land to custom build. Out of the 100 Real estate agents we met in our journey. Only 10 were good. Only 3 were great. At least 50 of them I wouldn't let dogsit.
I decided to enter this profession because I saw a field filled with bad agents combinded with the opportunity to make millions on the investing side.
Craig,
I think alot of people think it would be fun to show people houses all day. They don't see all that goes on behind the scenes and what it takes to even make that part happen, let alone getting an offer accepted and it get through closing.
It is great when you hear those words, "I couldn't do what you do", and know it is recognized.
Thanks for your post!
Martin - Martin, I appreciate the comments. But these people are not worn out crying for help. They're energized and ready to find the right home. I'm not worn out either. They are great folks, I love working with them and we have a great time each and every time we meet. We've even gone out socially. My point of this post was to bring up a line I hear all too often and to see what other Rainers had to say about it.
Kim - Great points Kim! And than you for another Kim-tastic comment!
John - I agree that some firms are like puppy mills. They just hire anyone. And, yes, sometimes we are our own worst enemy. I do not agree however that a suit and tie is required. I never wear one and would never even consider one when showing homes. The way I dress, usually khakis and a polo shirt, allows me to get in the crawl space or attic if a client wants to "dig" deeper into a home they're interested in.Something I would never do in a suit and tie. Since all Real Estate is local, I'm quite certain in some areas shorts and sandals is acceptable too! Just ask some of our Hawaiian Rainers.
Wayne - Surprise! The money doesn't just roll in! Oh, and those clients...where do they come from? Great comment Wayne!
Jirius - Thank you Jirius! And thank you for stopping on by and taking the time to comment. Come back soon!
Mike - With regards to you bullet point #3, it's the old 80/20 rule. It's the same in nearly every industry. Only you put it at 90/10. Those numbers speak volumes.
Randy - Thank you Randy! I knew this post was going to generate some respone. I just didn't know how much. Feel free to mark it as a feature if you like!!!
Dee Dee - You are so right Dee Dee. It's all the behind the scenes work that most people never even know about. But to hear "I could never do what you do" is certainly validation for a hard day's work and a job well done.
Mark - Our state has made it much harder to get a license as well. But I still feel there's a lot of work to be done to ensure that only the best of the best are representing clients in a purchase of such magnitude.
Your whole life is one big rim shot! I was just told that from my last buyer that purchased! I think that we have to be flexible, change direction on a dime, think quick, and be entertaining in the process. I try and make the thing as funny & painless as possible with funny antedotes.
Caren - Caren, having met you in person recently, all I can say is thank you for being....you. Folks, Caren and I have spoken on the phone a number of times and recently got the opportunity to meet. In the 2 short hours we spent together, she was completely engaging, funny, sweet as can be and a person with a high "get it" factor. If you are ever in need of a Realtor/ Friend in the Akron Ohio region, please call my friend Caren Wallace.
Lyn - I love that line! And I subscribe to your philosophy too. We need to be all those things you mentioned AND have fun while doing it. One of my theories in life is, "If it's not fun, it's not worth it!"
I can't count how many people I've met who hear I'm a Realtor and say, "Oh, I would make a great Realtor." or "I've been thinking about becoming a Realtor." Everyone thinks it's easy - if only they knew!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
;)
;)
I agree. I hear "I couldn't be a Real Estate agent" about once a week. This typically comes from people that don't realize our expenses. They simply look at the fact that we don't have weekly paychecks and think "oh man how would I budget my money." They also, most of them, don't realize that we pay taxes quarterly or at the end of the year depending on how the accountant you use advises you. If they knew those things I think I personally would hear the "I couldn't do what your doing" more often.