5 REALTOR®️ Myths

You've just past your state real estate exam, or perhaps you are thinking about getting your real estate license. Let us help set your expectations, or at least point you in the right direction for your real estate career by busting a couple of myths about being a REALTOR.

1.  You are your own boss

This sounds great in theory, but we would argue you probably have at least two bosses overseeing the work you are doing. First, you customer or client. If they don't approve of your work, you will get fired, and they will find someone else. Sure you can choose not to work with the client as well, but it's generally harder to find a new client early in the business that's looking to buy or sell a home in the near future than it is for them to find another REALTOR®. Second, your office is going to have a Managing Broker. They are going to make sure you are compliant, ethical, and running your business in a manner that aligns with the Brokerage's core values, and if you're not fulfilling your independent contractor's agreement, then you are going to get asked to leave. Some brokerages may have production metrics that need to be met as well.

2.  I'll get to set my own schedule

This might be true if you don't need to make any money. The reality is that it's more like being on call about 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Time is of the essence, and if you are not able to accommodate the process will not be positive, and the customer will find someone else that can accommodate their schedule.

3. I'm a good salesperson, so I'll be a good REALTOR®

It's true, there is certainly a sales and marketing aspect to being a real estate agent, but in reality (and many forget this) we are in the Customer Service industry. We are service providers, and it's our job to provide our clients with the most accurate information possible so that they can make the decision that is best for them (not us), and help guide and protect them through the sales process. 

4. Being a Real Estate Agent is glamorous

Spoiler alert...It's nothing like what you see on TV reality shows like Selling Sunset, or Million Dollar Listing. Sure there are some fun, and glamorous aspects to the job, like seeing some of the most incredible luxury homes and lifestyles, but the majority of your day is going to be spent prospecting, and trying to find your next client that is seriously looking to buy or sell a property. Between that, you might be negotiating deals (not at the restaurant table), scheduling vendors, managing client expectations, creating content, or educating other agents as politely as possible.

5. It's Easy!

I'm not going to say it's rocket science, but to be a top-producing agent is not a cakewalk. People will use you to help with the sale or purchase of a home generally if they know, like, and trust you. We can't help much with the know and like part, but how do you build trust? Knowledge...You have to know your housing numbers/stats, build relationships with good vendors, know the mechanisms of the contracts and addendums, know how to manage expectations, and have a general understanding of the mortgage and insurance markets, and that's just the start. This business is always in flux, and the continuous education and refinement will not and should not end until you retire...if you ever retire (inside REALTOR® joke).

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