5 Things I Wish People Knew About Realtors

Five Insights About Realtors You Might Not Know

Being a realtor isn’t just about opening doors and collecting commission checks. Behind every home sale is a mix of hard work, strategy, emotions, and more coffee than most people think is humanly possible. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling your fifth, here are five things I wish more people understood about realtors.

Here’s what many people don’t realize we actually do:

• Analyze the market daily to price homes correctly.
• Negotiate offers to get the best deal for our clients.
• Coordinate inspections, appraisals, and repairs.
• Market homes with professional photography, video, and online exposure.
• Guide clients through complex paperwork and deadlines.

1. We’re Negotiators First, Salespeople Second

The best part of my job isn’t convincing someone to buy — it’s protecting their best interests. Whether I’m helping you win in a multiple-offer situation or making sure you don’t overpay for that dream house, negotiation is where a skilled realtor earns their keep. You’re hiring someone to fight for you, not just smile at an open house.

2. We Work Long Before (and After) You See Us

Most of our work happens behind the scenes: researching neighborhoods, analyzing market data, calling other agents, coordinating inspections, marketing your home, and keeping transactions on track. That “quick” showing you scheduled? It likely took hours of prep to make sure you had all the right information.

3. Real Estate Is About People, Not Just Property

Every home has a story, but so does every buyer and seller. This job is as much about listening, understanding life changes, and helping people through stressful transitions as it is about square footage and granite countertops. A good realtor gets to know you so they can help you make the right move.

4. We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Close

Realtors operate on a commission basis, meaning they only get paid when a transaction is successfully completed. This structure requires them to invest significant time and effort upfront, often without any guarantee of compensation. They spend countless hours on tasks such as property showings, negotiations, and paperwork, all while managing the emotional and financial stakes involved in real estate transactions. If a deal falls through, they must start from scratch, demonstrating their commitment to their clients' success.

5. The Best Realtors Never Stop Learning

The market changes daily — interest rates, inventory, buyer behavior, and even local zoning laws can shift in an instant. A good realtor is always studying the market, adapting strategies, and learning new tools to give clients the best possible advantage. When you hire someone who treats real estate as a craft, you benefit from their expertise.

‍Real estate is more than a job — it’s a mix of strategy, service, and genuine care for people. The next time you work with a realtor, remember that there’s a lot more happening than what you see at the surface.