To further prove this, Bored Panda has curated a list of some of the most bizarre behaviors people have encountered from these ‘professionals.’ Keep scrolling to find them, and don’t forget to share your own realtor horror stories below.
While you’re at it, make sure to check out a conversation with a realtor and the founder of Sunshine Real Estate, Tanya Lechner, who kindly agreed to explain a bit more about how real estate agents have developed such a negative image.
#2 I'd Like To See A Seller Try To Cut Her Commission In Half During The Closing
To learn more about why real estate agents have such a bleak reputation amongst home renters and buyers, we reached out to an experienced realtor and the founder of Sunshine Real Estate, Tanya Lechner.
With over 97 transactions in her pocket, she guides sellers in the burdensome process of house buying and selling and makes sure they get the most money for their investment.
#4 Sorry You Died, Do You Still Want To Sell?
Lechner tells us that the main reason why so many clients have a negative experience with realtors is the low barrier to entry, which allows almost any person to get a license.
“That means there are a ton of realtors with little experience, which leaves buyers and sellers with a bad experience when they work with the wrong real estate agent. There will always be money-hungry people, and that doesn’t help at all,” she explains.
#7 A Realtor In Philadelphia Has Listed My Phone Number On His Resume Or Website, And I Have Been Receiving Texts And Calls Intended For Him For Over A Decade
According to Investopedia, becoming a real estate agent can take less than six months (with dedication and depending on where a person lives). The first step toward a license is to research the requirements needed to be eligible for this profession.
Next, the person must go through a pre-licensing course from an accredited real estate licensing school. In Florida, for example, it could take as little as 63 hours. After they complete it, they have to take a computerized, multi-choice licensing exam. If they fail, they have the opportunity to retake it.
Once the exam is passed, it’s time to apply for the license. When it’s approved, the person can join a real estate brokerage where they’ll be supervised by a team leader. They may also consider becoming realtors by joining the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and subscribing to its strict Code of Ethics, which in turn provides them with extra benefits. Indeed, it sounds simple enough.
#15 The Local Real Estate "Investor" Is Mad That I Told Him I Didn’t Have Time To Speak When He Showed Up Unannounced
Since the barrier of entry is so low, many people come across inexperienced and incompetent real estate agents. The most common complaint they have, according to Lechner, is not putting enough effort into their job. “When I meet with sellers who haven’t been able to sell their home, they tell me the realtor didn’t do anything to get it sold. Some buyers feel like they did all the work looking for the right home, and the realtor just opened doors and got paid for that,” she says.
#16 I Received A Text Message From A Real Estate Agency A Few Months Ago
#17 Is It Normal For NYC Listings To Include A Realtor Photoshoot?
#18 Is It Legal For Real Estate Agents To Put Up Photos Of A Property That Do Not Show The Actual Property?
However, not all things people believe about realtors are true. “There is a perception that realtors get paid too much, but the truth is, we are working for free most of the time. If a seller's home doesn’t sell or a buyer changes their mind about buying a home, realtors don’t get paid. The only time we are paid is at the closing table after all the work has already been done,” Lechner explains.
#20 Real Estate Agent Accidentally Sent This Letter To A Tenant Instead Of Landlord
