Really what is a Realtor?

by Shawn Lackie

Events over the past few weeks have led me to some navel gazing and asking just what IS the role of a Realtor. Actually, I also get asked that question, often. Some people still believe they can do a better job of selling their home themselves. To those who do, I say you go for it.

A few years before the pandemic hit there was a general feeling,

getting into Real Estate would be a cakewalk. Limited hours and a huge payday; really, not much to do other than grabbing the dough. That was, and still is, the extent of public perception, 'I say try it for a few weeks and see how that works for you.' There is no safety net and no union to fall back on. You're an independent contractor making a living on your own.

Many years ago my father-in-law and a couple of his buddies thought it would be great to get into the biz. At the time, the entry course was offered at Durham College and was only a few weeks of night classes. Then, you were green-lighted to go and trade. So quite a few “older” folks got into the business. Many as a second, third, or in some cases a fourth career shift. So quite obviously, the bar wasn’t set too high. In the 50 years since then, things have changed drastically. Even from when I started over twenty years ago.

These days, Humber College runs a full-time Real Estate program, to educate and produce business-ready realtors. Some succeed at this, some don’t, but at least they are trying. There are quite a few truisms to the business which you never learn about until you are knee deep in it, and in some cases it’s too late. You are literally on your own. Many brokerages advertise they have THE BEST training (tee hee) and support systems. However, that too is a crock.

The reality is, 80 percent of realtors only last two years and then they are out of the business. Unless, of course, they are part-timers. By that I mean, people with full time jobs, who just want to dabble in the biz to make a few extra dollars. You’ll see who those ones soon enough. Many brokerages depend on those to inflate their agent numbers, so they can advertise they have X number of agents. Aren’t we great? For the most part, they are just like the other guys, and the other guys aren’t really that great.

It has been quoted for many years, 5 percent of the agents control 95 percent of the business, and that is probably true. The real numbers could go even further. There is a reason for that, the ones who rock are full-time. They eat, drink, breathe and live the business, it’s in their blood. You can tell them the minute you start asking questions. It’s really comforting, to many, to have someone to turn to who knows what they are doing AND has your back at all times. They are the ones dominating the business even these days and with good reason. Look one up. You’ll be glad you did.

Feel free to check out this story and more on my blog site, at https://slackie14.wixsite.com/buy-sell-and-more