What’s Your Perception? – Lindsay Fricks Group

What's Your Perception?

By LINDSAY FRICKS

One of the things that held me back from pursuing my real estate career earlier is the public perception of real estate agents. Thirty years ago, when I was shadowing my Grandma during summer in Illinois, being a Realtor was a well-respected career choice. People she interacted with valued her time, opinions and expertise. They treated her as a subject matter expert and a trusted resource with their investments. Today, real estate as a profession has transformed into one for those who lack experience or skills to do anything else…or at least that’s the general perception.

Sadly, I get a little pit in my stomach when meeting new people who will ultimately ask me “what do you do?” The reaction when I state “I’m a Realtor” is often a mixed bag of negative experiences people have had with other real estate agents in the past. Decades worth of low standards of customer care and lack of professionalism, education and experience in Real Estate comes tumbling down on me during these often-uncomfortable introductions.

The facts are just about anybody can become a real estate agent. There are no formal education or experience requirements in the state of Arizona. The cost of classes and licensing is a very low investment (under $1,000) in comparison to just about every other profession. Once you take 90 hours of classroom education, pass a state and national exam, you’re an agent. For this reason, there are over 80,000 licensed agents in the State of Arizona.

How many real estate agents do you know? Chances are you can name at least five off the top of your head right now. Over half of all agents don’t do any transactions in a given year. The remaining half is made up of mostly hobbyist agents who occasionally do a transaction for friends or families. A very small portion of agents dedicate 100% of their professional efforts into building a real estate business.

Low barriers to entry give people the perception that this is an easy career choice. Open doors for clients, write contract, sell house, collect paycheck. Or, stick a sign in the yard, post photos online and viola, collect paycheck. Anyone who thinks this is how my job works is sorely mistaken. To date, I have yet to have an “easy” transaction that followed that path. Real estate isn’t a transactional business as some assume, it’s a people business. Managing the emotions of humans through a stressful, somewhat confusing and time-consuming process is tough work. A monkey can do fill in the blank contracts…only a highly trained and skilled professional can guide you through a complex home buying process.

Overcoming the negative reputation and stereotypes of real estate agents has become somewhat of a secondary mission for me. I know it will take time, but I’m in the mindset that if you treat others with respect you will earn it back in return. I respect myself, my industry and a handful of my peers who I see tirelessly working to serve their clients and exceed expectations. I also respect and take great honor in the clients who trust me to help them achieve their real estate goals.

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One Comment

Patti Pavey May 2, 2019 at 6:20pm

You always give 100% to whatever endeavor you pursue and real estate will be no different. What qualities matter most in a real estate agent include integrity and you have that as well as the rest to be successful.

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