“Selling real estate without knowing construction is like selling a car without ever having driven one.”
Before I start, I want to make it clear—I’m not here to offend the many good, hardworking real estate agents out there. I’ve met a few sharp ones over the years who truly know their craft and care about their clients. But I’ve also met plenty who, frankly, don’t. And that’s exactly why, if I ever chose an alternative career, I’d probably become a real estate agent myself—one who actually sells homes, not just unlocks doors.
You see, I’ve spent a lifetime in real estate from the ground up—literally. As a hands-on landlord and investor, I’ve renovated, repaired, managed, and maintained properties for decades. I know what’s behind the walls, under the floors, and above the ceilings. I know the difference between a solid house and one that’s been prettied up for a quick flip.
Most agents I’ve met are what I call “transaction agents” or “door openers.” They handle the paperwork, they schedule the showings, but rarely do they sell the property. They’ll point out granite counters or new appliances, but not the 25-year-old furnace humming away in the basement—or the water stains in the crawlspace. And that’s the difference between showing a home and knowing a home.
A great agent should be able to tell whether a house was maintained by a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior with a YouTube degree. They should spot the shortcuts, the builder-grade fixtures, and the telltale signs of a “flip” job done on the cheap. A buyer deserves that kind of honesty and expertise.
I’ll never forget one showing I went on years ago. The agent, all smiles and sales pitch, walked me through the house pointing out the “lovely natural light” and “updated kitchen.” As we were leaving, I happened to notice a small window at the base of the foundation. I asked her, “What’s that?” She shrugged and said she didn’t know. Turned out the home had a full basement—she had no idea it even existed. I’ll be honest—I lost my temper a bit. How can you show a home and not even know its features? That’s not just unprofessional, that’s embarrassing.
And beyond the walls and fixtures, a good agent should also understand the process of a sale from start to finish. They should know when key steps need to be completed—home inspections, loan commitments, insurance verifications, title searches, and closing details. The best agents don’t just pass the paperwork to someone else; they stay on top of deadlines and guide their clients through every stage with confidence and accuracy.
When I think of a true salesperson, I think of someone who knows their product inside and out and manages every detail that comes with it. Someone who educates, builds trust, and helps the buyer make a smart, confident decision. That’s how I approached retail management in my career, and it’s how I handle my own real estate investments today.
So yes, I think I’d enjoy being a real estate agent—but the kind who rolls up his sleeves, walks the property, and actually knows what he’s talking about. Someone who adds value beyond the handshake and the paperwork. Someone who doesn’t just open the door—but opens the buyer’s eyes.
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