How mad does it make you if someone says Real Estate agents are lazy?

I am sure there are lazy agents out there.  But to broadly categorize an entire profession is not realistic.

Respectfully, I disagree with your perception and others who view agents as being lazy or don't work full time selling properties. Just exactly what do you mean?

An agent has 3 properties for sale, another has 13, so is the mere fact that the agent with 13 is a better agent because he's selling more or is he selling at all? Wouldn't you agree that with less you have more time to sell the listing or does that even matter, since most sales are completed with another buyer's agent? 

So, if it's finger pointing time, let's point to the Broker who is responsible for the training of his associate, who represents his company that continues to feed the negativity about some elements in this industry. Regardless of the industry, leadership begins from the top or do you not agree?

To answer the headline, no, it doesn't make me mad if some say real estate agents are lazy. It makes me mad when I witness that some agents just aren't very good at what they do, and one of the reasons for that may be they're lazy, or pre-occupied, or don't care, or whatever. If you're handling a huge money transaction, and you're potentially getting paid really good money to do it, you should be highly proficient at doing that job. I will say the great majority are pretty good at it.

I have to agree with Anna Banana, although I was going to be more generous and say 80-20.

Yesterday a friend wrote that she was moving back to this community and asked if I could recommend a good agent. I couldn't. I don't know even one that I could feel certain would take good care of her. Most are not only lazy, but incompetent. I did tell her a couple to avoid.

BUT... no agent should take that personally, because it is the same in every profession. There are those who work hard and honestly care about doing a good job for customers and clients - and those who do barely enough to get by. You'll see them all over - sitting in offices playing video games on their computers or discussing last night's TV programming.

And by the way, remember the photo taken in the U.S. Senate chambers a few years ago? Those Senators who were supposed to be paying attention to the person speaking in the front of the room were instead hunched over laptops playing solitare, shopping, and watching ball games. I'd say that group was part of the 80.

I once had a secretary whose husband was a cop. She got irate any time anyone made a critical remark about any secretary or cop. How silly.

One last thing... it is really difficult for a person to choose the right agent. They all SAY they'll do the things on your list, but some forget those promises the minute your signature hits the contract.

So no - that wouldn't make me mad, even if I was still an agent. And it won't make me mad if I hear someone cussing about an incompetent copywriter or telling a dumb blonde joke.

Well this got a lot of discussion going.  Good or bad agents are one thing, but if the home is listed too high it's going to be a long time selling.

Scott- I have met some agents who do not put forth the effort that I would want from someone trying to sell my house or find one for me.  But, if the profession is to continue to grow, improve and shine, then these character traits need to be addressed.  

It doesn't make me mad because I don't give a crap what anybody says about anything real estate related, especially if it doesn't affect me. I have no problem telling hesitant clients they should hire me, and they do because I believe I am the best agent for them, so that's what matters to me. When you show confidence, people trust you. Of course, you need to have something to feel confident about, and that's where experience pays off, as I'm sure you, sir, are aware.

Wow. There are some great points going on in the comments as well as your post.  Like you say, there are Good Agents and there are Bad Agents, just like any other profession.

I have always said biggest is not always the best...most deals does not mean they are right for the next deal......great blog and explanantion. 

By the way congrats about 450 points in advance for reaching 1,000,000 points on AR!!

Around here I hear that many agents have gotten "fat and lazy"  seems those two terms go together..  When those inches start creeping on, may be time to self examine.. LOL

There are some agents who consider this to be a hobby and do not work hard.

I think it would be really interesting to learn (in a perfect world) what the seller did to contribute to the home not selling.  Did they not take the pricing advice?  Did they make it difficult for showings?  Were there other wonky demands regarding the home?  

While I do not dispute that there are some lazy agents out there, there are also other factors that can contribute to a home not selling and often that all falls on the list agent.

Scott, I have to agree with Marte (#41). The 80/20 rule applies to all businesses not just the real estate industry. Just a fact of life.

I think it may have bothered me when I first started.  Heck, I've been called worse things than lazy.  Actually, I've never been called lazy.  All I know is that both Amanda and I work our butts off and serve our clients well.  I really don't care if somebody says that agents are lazy.  I probably wouldn't want to work with them anyway.  

It makes me really, really mad! That being said, unfortunatel I see a lot of lazy agents out there and it doesn't take but a few "bad apples" to taint the whole bunch of us.

                                                                                                                          This was a good read. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Have a great week!

Great advice and well said. People just don't realize all that goes into the buying and selling of a home.

It is unfortunate that the public sees our profession in a negative light, but it is like this for every profession.  Yes, it is frustrating to hear the public lump all of us together as though we are all the same.  Expired sellers tend to do the same.  I focus on what I do rather than on what others don't do.  Staying positive and focusing on my business is the best way to help change that perspective.  Thank you for the post.

Unfortunately, I know quite a few of them.  I don't get mad at generalizations because I know I am not lazy. 

This is one of the main reasons I am on Active Rain. I think they have some of the best agents in the country, and most are more than happy to help others and share in their experiences.