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Real Talk: A Dose of Reality in Real Estate
Let’s be real for a minute—something strange has happened in the world of real estate. Somewhere along the way, the business of helping people buy and sell homes started looking more like a reality show audition than a professional career. Glam photo shoots, over-the-top affirmations, and agents posing in mansions they don’t own have become the norm. If you’ve noticed the shift and thought, “Wait, what happened here?”—you’re not alone. In this no-fluff, slightly fiery take, I share my story, my frustrations, and a much-needed reality check for anyone trying to make sense of today’s real estate circus.
What other industry of professionals has become a ramped-up, wanna-be glam pop rockstar scene—complete with photo shoots straight out of the pages of high-end glossy fashion rags? Even our viewing attention now pans over to super agents walking through mega-mansions (not their own), smugly holding the keys and taking credit for the homes of someone else. It’s a one-off for sure.
I’m Not Bitter—Just Honest
I enjoy a successful career as a broker. I love the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of a transaction taken from contract to closing. I’m a problem solver by nature and have built deep connections with many of the people I represent.
In my 27 years in this industry, I’ve worked at several brokerages, each with its own unique company culture. I’ve worked at a niche boutique office specializing in a luxury resort community, owned my own brokerage in a large city, and been part of three major franchises where I’ve built lasting relationships. Each transition taught me something new—and for that, I’m truly grateful.
The Pandemic Changed Everything
After the brutal effects of the pandemic, when doors finally reopened—doors we thought might stay shut forever—our industry was considered “essential,” and all hell broke loose. We held the keys people needed to escape the homes that were confining them. We helped them find new personal and work spaces. We sold homes at lightning speed, juggling crazy multiple-offer situations with barely an hour to show and submit contracts. It was sheer madness. No other way to describe it.
Enter the Gold Rush—and the Chaos
But with the boom came a sneaky side effect: a flood of brand-new, barely-trained, overly zealous brokers. Armed with provisional licenses, they descended on the market. And that’s where the real issue begins.
Even after 27 years of experience, nothing could’ve prepared me for the perfect storm: low interest rates, stir-crazy homeowners, and skyrocketing prices. Pricing changed like Wall Street, and appraisals were outdated within days. Even seasoned agents were left scratching their heads. Now imagine how ill-prepared new agents were—many lacking basic training to properly represent their clients.
The Big Red Elephant in the Room
Let’s talk about it: the tech companies that now “sell” real estate—or maybe the real estate companies that want to become the next Google. Either way, they’re innovating recruitment and retention strategies that prioritize their bottom line over agent competency. And it shows.
And Herein, My Story Begins
I wrote this not to vent, but to offer a different point of view—a dose of reality this industry sorely needs. Real estate isn’t about toxic positivity, manifesting success, or Instagram-worthy glam. You can’t affirmation your way into understanding your job.
But here’s the good news—I can help. I can help you build the daily habits that shape a real estate career capable of supporting your life. We’ll set goals, build structure, and grow your knowledge. And if it turns out real estate isn’t your calling, that’s okay—we’ll explore what is. These principles apply to any career. The journey just starts here.
