It’s been a while since I wrote my original post about the public perception of realtors—yep, the one titled “Why Are Realtors So Arrogant and Such Assholes?” That post received a staggering 22,000 plus views and 199 comments, and continues to get searched, racking up even more views and comments as time goes on. So I’m clearly still in a profession with its fair share of losers. Or am I? Have things changed? Are we still perceived as arrogant? Or have we redeemed ourselves even a little?
Some things are different, others… not so much. Let’s get into it and see what’s shifted—and what hasn’t.
The Bling: Flashy Cars and Phones Still a Thing?
Oh, the “bling” comment from the original post—this one stuck. Folks griped about realtors cruising around in luxury cars, taking calls in every possible place, including bathrooms. One reader summed it up perfectly in a message that started everything:
“Dear Editor,
I really like your blog and think it is a great resource and nice to see a Realtor trying to do something other than just sell, sell, sell, and cheer the market on. But maybe you can help me answer this question, why are Realtors so arrogant and such assholes? I mean, driving around in the bling, bling cars all the time. Constantly talking on the phone about loans, property features and what they’re worth, clients’ needs, etc., in the most un-private of locations (bathrooms, checkout lines, airports.) Always interrupting a good conversation when the phone beeps, vibrates, or rings with “I gotta take this call…” Is it really that important? Why do they think they are so cool? Other professions have their arrogant pricks too (attorneys, doctors, entrepreneurs), but Realtors somehow seem more obnoxious. Maybe it is the easy money you guys make. Or maybe, you all truly are a bunch of assholes. Anyway, just thought you could shed some light on the matter for me.
Thanks,
Justin T.”
Ouch….Sadly, not much has changed there. The nature of the job still means being on-call 24/7. And smartphones…good Lord. That post is so old I don’t think the iPhone was even out yet. Yes, it’s obnoxious. Yes, we wish we could say no to the late-night calls and endless notifications. Yes I wish I could take a vacation without one single call, text or email, but when a buyer wants to see a house now or a seller needs feedback yesterday, those calls have to be taken. The truth is, the hustle remains real—even if it sometimes looks like arrogance.
That said, not every realtor drives a Tesla or a Benz. Many are hustling in hybrids or old beaters, especially in today’s unpredictable market. But yeah… the car stereotype? It lingers.
The Easy Money Myth: Is It Still a Thing?
Let’s address this head-on. One of the juiciest complaints from the original post was how people thought we made easy money—pocketing massive commissions for “just filling out some paperwork.”
Several readers voiced their disagreement with this perception. One noted,
“First is the perception that realtors make money hand over fist for doing nothing. Surgeons and lawyers are perceived to make comparable amounts of money, but at least the public realizes that it’s a difficult job (in the case of surgeons anyway), and it requires years and years of education. The realtors have to take what – a couple of tests to get the license?
But that perception is only partially true. The barriers to entry the profession are so low, that the number of realtors is reaching ridiculous levels. There is something like 1 realtor for 50 Californians now. But that means there are fewer sales per agent. The last numbers I saw was something like 1 sale per agent per year. So it’s not easy money, by any means.”
Another commenter shared,
“I am really sorry to read about the buyer who was yelled at by his Realtor to bring the house up to code before it is even his. Weird, unacceptable, and ridiculous. That being said, regarding the letter to the editor, that is unfortunate. Easy money? I don’t think so. I know sometimes I don’t even want to think about how much I got paid hourly after the time I put into the pre-transaction and escrow period combined. However, I’m doing what I love to do, and I’m not going to change it. Some transactions are smooth. Some aren’t. However, I do agree that there has been a downfall in customer service across all channels.”
Finally, one reader humorously remarked,
“I pray to God that I never get in a situation that prevents me from choosing my own clients. At the moment, 60-70% of them even gave me a bonus on top of the commission and wouldn’t take no for an answer (can you believe that a Realtor said no to ‘easy money’?!?).”
Here’s the deal: This job is not what it was 10 years ago. The competition is fiercer, with more agents fighting for fewer deals. Add in market fluctuations, stricter regulations, and unpredictable interest rates, and voilà—it’s a grind. It’s far from easy money.
Still, the commission model gets a lot of heat. (Insert NAR settlement and media hype claiming “the end of real estate commissions”) Yes, it can feel steep, especially when the property price is sky-high. But remember, we only get paid if the deal closes—and not every deal does. Agents today are working twice as hard to close half as many deals, and if you don’t think we earn our money, try buying and selling your own homes and see what kind of headaches you encounter and how much money you leave on the table. Yet, the “easy money” myth? Still alive and kicking.
Trust Issues: Are Realtors Still Hard to Believe?
Another sore point back then—and still today—is trust. Realtors often get compared to used car salesmen, as people question if we’re truly looking out for our clients or just chasing commissions.
In fact, a reader pointed out in a comment on the original blog post,
“Second issue is the trust. There was a public opinion poll not that long ago that showed that realtors are among the least trusted professions, on the same level as used car salesmen. The main reason for that is that it’s pretty clear that the only thing realtors care about is making the commission. That starts from the top level with all the endless cheerleading by David Lereah and others, down to the local agents who will always tell you that now is the best time to buy AND sell, and that San Francisco (Fresno, Tulsa, etc.) are unique and will always be doing great.”
Has that changed? Kinda. Technology has helped bring more transparency. Clients can now easily track listings, comps, and price trends themselves, making the process feel less shady. Sites like Zillow, Redfin, and even Social Media give buyers and sellers more information than ever.
But trust issues? They’re still a thing. Clients can sniff out a cheerleader in seconds—those agents who are overly positive no matter the market. These days, people crave honesty. If a house isn’t a good investment or if the market’s slowing, saying so earns far more respect than the old-school “Now’s always the best time to buy” approach.
Cheerleading: Enough Already?
Speaking of cheerleaders… yeah, the over-enthusiasm hasn’t really gone away. Realtors still tend to wave pom-poms when the market shifts, hoping to keep deals flowing. The difference now? Clients are way savvier.
Today’s buyers and sellers want real talk, not sales talk. They know it’s not always a great time to buy or sell, and they’ll call you out if you pretend otherwise. In fact, many realtors who were all about the “rah-rah” game have had to adjust their strategies to build credibility. It’s all about balancing optimism with honesty—something we’re still learning.
So, What’s Actually Changed?
It’s not all doom and gloom. Here’s what’s different:
- Technology has forced transparency. Clients have access to more information, which keeps us accountable.
- There’s a push for better professionalism. Many agents are focusing on being consultants, not just salespeople.
- The community is more diverse. More agents from different backgrounds mean varied perspectives, which is a good thing.
And hey, not all agents are in it just for the money. Many genuinely love helping people find their dream homes or navigating tricky sales. We’re still working on earning that trust, but we’re getting there.
But What Hasn’t Changed?
- The perception of arrogance. Yeah, it’s still a thing. Some agents can’t help but come off as cocky—it’s part of the job’s high-energy nature. Ignore these people. Pro tip…if an agent has a ton of Instagram followers but hardly any deals closed, maybe they aren’t really in the right fit for you, or this industry for that matter. But confidence isn’t the same as arrogance, right? (Right?!)
- The commission model. People still think we’re overpaid, even though the job’s gotten tougher, and we definitely are not overpaid.
- Trust issues. There’s still skepticism about whether we care more about our clients or our commissions.
How Do We Move Forward?
So, how do we change this narrative? If you’re a client reading this, tell us what you need. What can agents do better? What do you expect from your agent during a transaction? Transparency? Better communication? Fewer phone calls in bathrooms? (That’s fair.)
And if you’re a fellow realtor, it’s time we listen and adapt. This job is more than just closing deals—it’s about building relationships. The more we focus on being real and less on the “bling,” the better chance we have at shaking off the stereotypes for good.
Let’s Hear From You
What do you think—have realtors evolved, or are we still the same ol’ arrogant bunch? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share your experiences. Whether you’ve had a dream transaction or a nightmare one, we want to hear it all.
Because if there’s one thing we know for sure: We can’t change the narrative unless we know what you really think.
As a former licensed real estate agent, that fled the profession because of all the unprofessionalism you mentioned, there is an easy solution:
It is to purge the profession of all the part time real estate sales professionals and people who are obviously so terrible at real estate investing that they own nothing, even though they are 50.
Agents need to prove themselves before they aspire to selling or listing million dollar plus homes.
It is so easy to research an agent. If they do not own several properties or any of value, why in God’s name would anyone that is successful in life listen to that agent’s advice.
Also, when with a client, turn off the cell phone, and give your full attention to the client you are with. It is the professional thing to do.
Also, please stop lying to your listing clients about how expensive it is to advertise the home.
It’s not. Agents need to fill up ad space.
Worse, it shows that the agent is not savvy enough to realize that she/he needs listings to show they have what it takes to sell a home. If an agent has no listings, unless they are just starting out, that says a lot about their skills or lack thereof.
Lastly take a listing you MAY consider overpriced. When I have refused to list a house for the lower price an agent insists is right, I have always received my full asking price. It may take longer than two months, but I always get it.
With a recent property sale, had I listened to the agent, I would have left $400,000 dollars on the table for a 1. 8 million dollar plus lot
There is a buyer for every property. If your client is not in a rush to sell, and the area is desirable, list the property at the client’s asking price. Or, someone else will and it will sell.