Most homeowners won’t argue this point.
In fact, I think a lot of us secretly wonder: what exactly are realtors doing these days that couldn’t be automated?
I had that exact thought when I was first introduced to ChatGPT.
“Wow, this could replace most of what my realtor did.”
And honestly? I still believe that.
What Realtors Actually Did for Me
Here’s the full list, based on two home purchases: one in Southern California, the other in Central Texas:
- Sent a somewhat curated list of MLS listings based on my search criteria
- Scheduled appointments with sellers or listing agents
- Handled paperwork during the offer and negotiation phase
- Assisted with closing coordination
- Send a edible arrangement
- Sends a Xmas card to remind me to think of them when I’m ready to sell.
Notice something?
“Helped me find my home” isn’t on that list.
And that’s intentional.
The Truth: You Will Do Most of the Searching
I spent immensely more time hunting than my realtors ever did.
In both cases, the MLS emails felt like a slightly filtered firehose.
There was no, “Hey, this one checks all your boxes.”
No pattern recognition. No real collaboration.
It was me sending frantic links.
Me chasing down appointments.
Me trying to get my own agent’s attention in a housing market built for panic.
Common Objections (and My Response)
“Realtors aren’t mind readers!”
True. But for a 3% cut of the biggest purchase I’ll make in my lifetime, I expect more than form emails and a lockbox code.
“You’re asking too much of your agent!”
Maybe. Or maybe we’ve just accepted that bare minimum effort is fine when it’s wrapped in a warm smile and a branded polo.
Look, I know there are great agents out there.
But I also know that buying a home today means stepping into hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt.
And the person guiding you into that commitment should do more than send auto-generated listings and bounce after closing.
If I Could Tell My Younger Self…
- Don’t expect your realtor to find your home.
- They’re not paid to think for you, they’re paid to transact.
- Don’t expect them to help you avoid house traps.
- Most of the hunt will fall on you, so plan accordingly.
- You’ll care more than they ever will. Actually, just take the realtor class or whatever’s necessary to deal with the paper work and save yourself 3%.
