Busting Realtor Misconceptions

When it comes to buying or selling a home, one thing is certain: people have plenty of opinions about realtors. Some of those opinions are flattering, others less so—but many of them miss the bigger picture. In a recent episode of Selling Greenville, local realtor Stan McCune devoted an entire show to Busting Realtor Misconceptions, breaking down the labels, assumptions, and half-truths that often shape how people view agents.

Instead of a dry market analysis, this episode took a candid and sometimes humorous look at the words people use to describe realtors—and what those words often reveal about client expectations. With honesty and real-world examples, Stan showed how easily misconceptions can distort reality and why digging deeper matters when choosing an agent.

Busting Realtor Misconceptions: Looking Beyond the Labels

Realtors are frequently described with shorthand phrases that carry hidden meaning. What sounds like praise on the surface may actually point to inexperience, miscommunication, or simply misplaced priorities. By busting realtor misconceptions, Stan helps buyers and sellers understand what’s really behind those labels—and what they should be looking for instead.

“He’s Aggressive”

Plenty of clients think they want an aggressive realtor. It sounds like the perfect trait for negotiating, right? But as Stan explains, in real estate, “aggressive” often means using outdated tactics that rub other agents the wrong way.

Decades ago, being a bulldog at the negotiating table might have been celebrated. Today, relational equity—building trust and respect with other professionals—tends to yield far better results. A pushy approach can make transactions needlessly adversarial and, in many cases, hurt the very clients it’s supposed to protect.

“She’s Hungry”

Ambition is great. But in real estate, describing an agent as “hungry” can be a polite way of saying they don’t have much business. While that might mean they can dedicate more time to one client, it can also raise questions about experience, track record, and consistency.

Stan reminds listeners that hunger should be paired with competence. Driving without skill only gets an agent—and their client—so far.

“I’m Trying to Give Him Some Business”

This is one of Stan’s biggest red flags. Well-meaning friends or family members sometimes say they’re just trying to give a new realtor a break. But if someone’s career is built on “charity closings,” it won’t be sustainable.

A strong business requires more than favors—it requires a network, skill, and a reputation for results. Helping a new agent get started isn’t wrong, but clients should still ensure that the agent can deliver.

"She Was Told by a Friend"

Referrals are helpful, but they shouldn't be the only thing you think about when picking a realtor.  Stan tells buyers and sellers to ask questions, check the agent's credentials, and make sure that their talents match what the buyer or seller requires.  A friend's suggestion is a good place to start, but it's not the complete tale.

 "He Has a Big Team"

A big team sounds good, but it could also mean that the head agent isn't the one who is really working on your agreement.  Stan says that being clear is really important. Find out who you will be talking to the most, and make sure you are okay with the person who will be handling your transaction.

 "She Has a Nice Car"

Looks can be deceiving.  Just because a car is fancy doesn't mean the driver is good at their job or cares about their clientele.  Stan says he appreciates professionalism, but he also values pragmatism. Sometimes he comes home with mud on his shoes or spiderwebs on his shirt after doing the hands-on work that clients demand.  Service is what real estate is all about, not image.

“He’s Read an Impressive Number of Books”

Book smarts are helpful, but as Stan puts it, “he’s read more books than clients he’s helped” is often the reality. While continuing education matters—Stan himself holds multiple certifications and designations—true expertise comes from being in the field, navigating transactions, and serving real clients.

“She Was Willing to List My Home for More Than Anyone Else”

At first, this sounds like a win. Who doesn’t want a higher listing price? But often, it means the agent is telling the seller what they want to hear just to win the listing.

Stan shared an example from his own career when his pricing recommendation came in higher than competitors’—but it was backed by detailed research and a full comparative market analysis. In that case, the clients pressed him for an explanation, and his data-driven approach won them over.

The problem, he explained, is that many agents inflate numbers without evidence, leading to overpriced listings, constant reductions, and ultimately lower sale prices. Clients should pick agents who can explain why their prices are what they are, not just give them a high number.

“He’s Not as Outgoing as I’d Like”

Some clients prefer highly extroverted agents, but Stan argues that introverted realtors who succeed often work twice as hard to overcome their natural tendencies. Being less outgoing doesn’t mean being less effective—it can actually signal persistence, focus, and a strong work ethic.

Of course, personality compatibility matters. If communication feels strained, that’s a concern. But introverted agents can be every bit as effective, if not more so, when it comes to diligent client service.

“She’s Hard to Negotiate With”

What some see as stubbornness might actually be a realtor’s greatest strength. If an agent won’t back down easily when discussing their own fees, that same tenacity may benefit clients when offers and counteroffers are on the table.

Stan cautions that outdated “hardball” tactics don’t work well anymore, but a realtor who knows their value and stands their ground is often the one who will fight hardest for their clients.

"He Seems Too Busy with Hobbies and Side Jobs"

You might think that side enterprises or hobbies get in the way of real estate.  Stan says that practically every real estate agent has something else going on besides their main job, such as a little business, volunteering in the community, or family obligations.

Clients should ask questions instead of making assumptions. For example, how much time do those side projects take?  Do they change how available they are?  A balanced existence doesn't always equal less dedication; it can even mean more strength.

“She Helped Me Buy a House 20 Years Ago, But I Haven’t Heard from Her”

Time passes, people drift apart. Stan’s perspective is simple: if you liked your realtor decades ago and they did a good job, don’t dismiss them just because of a gap in communication. Life changes, but competence and professionalism often remain.

Before moving on to someone new, reconnect. 

"I'd feel better with someone my own age."

Age disparities can seem like a problem, but Stan reminds people that being competent is more important than being relatable.  A younger agent may provide new enthusiasm, while an older one may have years of expertise.  What matters most is expertise, flexibility, and knowledge of the market, not how old you are or how you live.

 "I Don't Like Her Political Views"

Politics can cause problems, but Stan is clear: it usually doesn't stop a realtor from helping clients.  Personal opinions shouldn't get in the way of professionalism until political debate gets too loud or distracting.

 When Stan works with clients, he keeps his thoughts to himself and focuses on the task at hand.  The most important thing for buyers and sellers to know about an agent is not what their political views are, but whether they can help with a deal.

Why it's important to bust realtor myths

Clients who only look at the surface risk pick the incorrect agent.  Stan McCune shows how important it is to delve deeper by debunking realtor myths. This means asking the appropriate questions, making sure everyone is on the same page, and not judging by looks alone.

There are hidden dangers in every myth, whether it's the idea of the "aggressive" negotiator, the appeal of a high listing price, or the distraction of side jobs and politics.  The best agents don't use clichés to show how good they are; they use data, professionalism, and consistent outcomes.

This episode of Selling Greenville teaches us that the real estate industry isn’t just about contracts and closings—it’s also about perception. Those perceptions are shaped by stereotypes or half-truths.

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Bottom Line

This episode of Selling Greenville shows that real estate isn’t just about contracts and closings—it’s also about perception (and occasionally persuasion by pastry at open houses). Too often, those perceptions are shaped by stereotypes or half-truths (cue the rumor mill doing 60 mph in a school zone).

By tackling these head-on, Stan McCune makes it clear that choosing the right realtor takes more than catchy labels or snap judgments (no, a luxury car doesn’t come with a comp). Competence, honesty, and fit matter far more than whether someone drives a status symbol, displays a wall of books, or works a room like a game show host (Vanna can’t negotiate repairs).

In the end, busting realtor misconceptions helps buyers and sellers focus on what actually counts: hiring a pro who can navigate challenges, protect their interests, and deliver real results (because the only thing you want “under contract” is the house—not your sanity).

Ien Araneta

Journal & Podcast Editor | Selling Greenville