In today’s real estate market, there are thousands of licensed agents. But something many buyers and sellers don’t realize is that not all agents treat real estate the same way. Some agents work in the business full-time as a career. Others handle a few transactions a year as a side job or hobby.

Now, this topic can sound a little controversial, but it really shouldn’t be. It’s simply about understanding the differences and how those differences can impact your experience and your results.

Think of it this way: if you were hiring a doctor or an attorney, would you choose someone who practices a few times a year, or someone who works in their field every single day?

Real estate is no different.

Real Estate Is a Profession That Requires Constant Practice

Real estate, much like law or medicine, is a profession that constantly evolves. Contract language changes. Financing programs change. Inspection standards shift. Market conditions fluctuate.

That’s why professionals say they “practice” law or “practice” medicine—because mastery comes from ongoing experience.

The same is true in real estate.

Agents who are handling transactions regularly are constantly navigating negotiations, inspections, financing challenges, appraisal issues, and contract timelines. That experience builds confidence and problem-solving ability that only comes from being in the trenches consistently.

If someone is only closing one or two deals a year, they simply aren’t getting enough repetition to stay sharp.

The Financial Reality of Real Estate Production

There’s also a financial side to the business that most consumers never see.

A common guideline in business is that about 10% of income should go toward marketing and advertising. For real estate agents listing homes, that marketing budget is critical. Professional photography, video tours, digital advertising, listing promotion, and online visibility all cost money.

Let’s walk through a simple example.

If an agent sells $1,000,000 in real estate in a year, that might only represent two or three homes in many markets. That could generate roughly $25,000 in gross commission income.

But that’s not take-home income.

From that amount, agents typically pay:

• Brokerage commission splits
• Errors & Omissions insurance
• Licensing and association fees
• Marketing expenses
• Technology platforms and tools
• Taxes and savings

By the time all of those expenses are paid, there may not be enough left to properly market your home.

And if an agent can’t invest in marketing, your property may not receive the exposure it deserves.

Why I Always Show My Production

As a former broker and a full-time Realtor, I understand how important transparency is.

When I sit down with sellers, I often pull up my actual MLS production numbers and show them how many homes I’ve sold this year and in prior years. What I want people to see is consistency.

Sellers inevitably ask if we can look up the numbers for other agents they’re considering. And the answer is always yes.

Sometimes the results confirm that the other agent is a strong producer. Other times, the numbers tell a very different story than what was originally presented.

The MLS doesn’t exaggerate. It simply shows the facts.

The Signs of a High-Producing Agent

When you research an agent, a few things typically stand out when they are actively working in the business:

• Consistent annual sales production
• Strong online presence and marketing
• Positive client reviews and testimonials
• Detailed and well-presented listings
• Professional photography, video, and promotion

Agents who are consistently working in the field tend to have systems, marketing tools, and visibility that part-time agents often struggle to maintain.

A Career vs. A Hobby

Let me be clear about something.

Part-time agents aren’t bad people. Many are wonderful individuals. But real estate is a complex profession, and if someone only handles a transaction once in a while, it can be difficult for them to stay fully current on everything involved.

When you’re selling one of the largest financial assets you own, you deserve someone who treats the job as a career, not a hobby.

The Bottom Line

When choosing a real estate agent, one of the most important questions you can ask is simple:

“How many homes do you sell each year?”

Not because it’s about ego or bragging rights, but because experience, consistency, and financial stability all contribute to better marketing, stronger negotiations, and smoother transactions.

Real estate is a profession that rewards dedication, practice, and commitment.

And when you hire someone who treats it that way, the results tend to speak for themselves.

Work With Realtor David Dorman

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Central Florida and would like to see exactly how my marketing and sales process works, I’d be happy to sit down with you and walk you through it.

Realtor David Dorman
Broker Associate – Century 21 Carioti

📞 407-948-8295
🌐 https://DavidDorman.com

“When you hire David Dorman, you GET David Dorman.”