Ask someone to name respected professions, and they’ll likely mention doctors, lawyers or financial advisors. But real estate agents? Too often, we’re lumped into a category of “mere salespeople,” as if our role is to “sell houses” rather than provide critical guidance on one of the biggest financial decisions of a person’s life.
It’s time to change that perception, beginning with how we see ourselves.
We’re licensed professionals, not just salespeople
Let’s make one thing clear: Anyone can sell a car or a piece of furniture, but you can’t just decide to sell homes without a license. Real estate professionals must pass rigorous exams, prove their knowledge of contracts and laws, and uphold ethical standards.
Licensing isn’t just a formality. It’s a legal and professional requirement that sets us apart from industries where sales training is a one-day seminar.
Our legal duty to clients—just like lawyers and doctors
Doctors take the Hippocratic Oath. Lawyers swear to uphold the law. And real estate agents? We commit to a fiduciary duty—a legal obligation to act in the best interests of our clients.
Unlike sales reps in other industries, who answer to their company or commission targets, we’re bound to honesty, full disclosure and prioritizing our clients’ needs. That’s a huge responsibility, and one that deserves more recognition.
Ongoing education: Because the industry never stands still
Real estate isn’t a static field. Markets fluctuate, laws change and technology evolves. That’s why continuing education is required for real estate agents—it’s part of maintaining professionalism.
Doctors attend medical conferences. Lawyers go to legal training seminars. We, too, must stay sharp, ensuring our clients receive up-to-date, well-informed guidance.
Why real estate agents carry insurance
Doctors have malpractice insurance. Lawyers carry liability coverage. And in real estate, we have Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance to protect ourselves and our clients from legal and financial risks.
This is another key distinction between us and typical salespeople. No one selling TVs or sneakers needs professional liability insurance. But real estate? It’s a high-stakes industry with contracts, disclosures and major financial implications.
The power of perception: Why this matters for your business
How clients see you begins with how you see yourself. If you view yourself as “just a salesperson,” they will, too. But when you embrace your role as a licensed advisor, fiduciary and expert, you shift the dynamic.
Clients trust professionals. They rely on them. They respect their advice. And when you present yourself as more than a salesperson—when you speak with authority, confidence and professionalism—you elevate your business.
Real estate agents are more than just deal-makers. We’re licensed professionals, fiduciaries and industry experts who provide critical guidance during one of the most significant financial moves of a person’s life.
Start owning your expertise, communicating your value and positioning yourself as the trusted professional you are.
For more information, visit https://darrylspeaks.com/.
Awesome information….
Many Realtors sell themselves short in an attempt to get more customers. In the long run, Realtors are judged by the commission fees they charge. Many buyers look to save a few dollars, when they should be looking for a quality Realtor. Does it make sense to save a $500 lawyer fee, and then risk thousands of dollars? Besides commissions are totally negotiable.
Do they?
Following is a copy of an email I sent to:
Florida House Representatives (131 Contacts)
Florida Senators (43 Contacts)
Florida Realtor Associations (10 Contacts)
Department of Justice (5 contacts)
Consumer Federation of America (2 Contacts)
Members of the NAR (11 Contacts)
Members of the Florida Realtor State Associations (202 Contacts)
Members of Realtors Broward | Palm Beaches | St. Lucie (14 Contacts)
To: Florida House Representatives, Florida Senators
Date: March 27, 2025
From: Lic. Florida Real Estate Broker
Subject: Florida Statute 475.278 1(b) Presumption of transaction brokerage. I am addressing the financial benefit for brokerages and, as a result, the impact or disadvantage for buyers and sellers.
The current law is set up so that brokerages provide a limited form of representation to a buyer, a seller, or both in a real estate transaction but do not represent either in a fiduciary capacity like a single agent. The fact that a transaction broker has a financial gain is not revealed under Florida Statute 475.278 or in the real estate forms provided by the associations.
The law requiring a transaction broker notice to be provided expired on July 1, 2008.
So, unless buyers and sellers are fully aware of 475.278 and also know what the differences are between the types of representations, they may just assume that they are represented by a single agent in a fiduciary capacity. How about buyers and sellers from abroad? Where is the benefit for a buyer and seller NOT being represented in a fiduciary capacity?
>> Suggested corrections:
>> I propose changing Florida Statute 475.278 from:
>> Authorized brokerage relationships; presumption of transaction brokerage;
>> 1 (b) Presumption of transaction brokerage. It shall be presumed that all licensees are operating as transaction brokers unless a single agent or no brokerage relationship is established in writing with a customer.
To: 1 (b) Presumption of Single Agent. It shall be presumed that all licensees are operating as single agent brokers unless a transaction broker or no brokerage relationship is established, in writing, with a customer.
The change of representation is the only way to eliminate the financial benefits for brokerages and provide buyers and sellers with the best representation possible.
As of today, there is no disclosure of representation required in the state of Florida. This should also be corrected. The disclosure should explain the different types of representation and provide the potential pros and cons of each.
There is absolutely no reason why buyers and sellers should not be represented by a single agent, other than to benefit brokerages financially. If there is a situation where the transaction broker actually would benefit the buyer and seller, they could transition with their written consent. The existing scenario benefits brokerages at the expense of buyers and sellers, who are not represented in a fiduciary capacity and therefore only receive a limited form of representation. Please keep in mind that buyers and sellers are paying brokerages a tremendous amount of compensation.
November 19, 2024: Gia Arvin, Florida Realtors 2024 President
Following is part of an article from the 2024 Florida Realtors President. The full article is posted on https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2024/11/three-realtors-join-florida-legislature
“Our Realtor Caucus continues to grow each year as more of our members recognize the importance of having a Realtor voice in the room when critical decisions are being made about our industry and our ability to make a living,” says Gia Arvin, Florida Realtors 2024 President. “Tallahassee can be very unpredictable during the legislative session, but knowing we have 15 lawmakers who walk in our shoes every day and are looking out for our interests should give us all reassurance that the Realtor profession is in good hands in Florida.”
As you can see, they are prioritizing their interests. Therefore, I am asking you to look out for Florida buyers, sellers, and your constituents. The house representatives and senators listed in the article are also active in the real estate business and well aware of the issue exposed in the message, but as mentioned in the article, they are probably looking out for “their” business, and therefore they probably stay silent.
On 10/3/24 and 11/4/24, I contacted members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Florida Realtors Association, and my local association for their support in this matter. Until today, no response. I guess they prefer what is best for brokerages and not what is best for buyers and sellers and your constituents. A copy of the emails I will provide upon request.
Additional Industry Scrutiny:
On Monday, October 28, a law professor submitted a 136-page objection to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement. She contends that the settlement perpetuates the conventional framework of inflated, seller-paid commissions, offering merely an “illusion of change” instead of substantial reform.
Realtor “Workarounds” & Attorney Fees Called Out in NAR Settlement Objection
NAR Settlement Objection (136-page filing by Tanya Monestier)
https://nowbam.com/realtor-workarounds-attorney-fees-called-out-in-nar-settlement-objection/
In my email dated 11/4/2024 I also addressed the forms (workarounds with examples).
I appreciate your time and consideration in this matter and look forward to further discussion on this matter.
Sincerely,