How many times have you been scrolling through your feed and seen a video of an agent walking through a sprawling, multi-million dollar estate in Windermere or Orlando? They have the professional lighting, the tiny microphone, and a lot of witty banter. You might think, “Wow, they must be the top listing agent in Central Florida!”
Well, let me let you in on a little secret: 99% of the time, that is not their listing.
It’s a trend I see all the time. Newer agents or those trying to “rebrand” as luxury specialists will tour homes—often my own listings—to create an image of success. It’s the real estate equivalent of me standing next to a Formula 1 race car and hoping you think I’m a professional driver.
The “Lab Coat” Dilemma
Think about it this way: would you pick your surgeon just because they looked good in a lab coat on Instagram? Probably not. You’d want to know how many successful surgeries they’ve actually performed.
In our world, the “surgical record” is the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). The reality is that the agents actually moving properties at a high level in Winter Garden and Ocoee aren’t spending their days filming tours of other people’s work. They are busy doing the actual work: negotiating contracts, managing inspections, and protecting their clients’ equity.
Real Production vs. Real “Acting”
I respect the hustle, but there is a massive difference between selling a lifestyle and selling a home. When you hire an agent based on a “tour” video, you might be hiring a great videographer, but are you hiring a great negotiator?
The top-tier agents in this business don’t need to “fake it until they make it.” Our business comes from past clients and referrals—people who have seen the results firsthand. If you want to see what actual local success looks like, you don’t need a ring light; you need to look at the data.
How to Verify Your Agent
Before you sign on the dotted line, I encourage you to verify who you are working with. Don’t be dazzled by the “FOMO” marketing. Look for:
- RealSatisfied & Zillow Reviews: Look for feedback from actual buyers and sellers.
- Verifiable Sales History: Ask for a list of homes they have personally sold in the last 12 months.
- Local Roots: Do they actually know the nuances of the Winter Garden or Windermere markets?
If you’re curious about the real numbers behind the Central Florida market, check out my previous blog posts for actual market updates. For a look at national standards of excellence, you can visit the National Association of Realtors.
When you’re ready for an agent who spends more time on your closing than on their camera angles, give me a call.
When you hire David Dorman you GET David Dorman.
DAVID DORMAN, REALTOR CENTURY 21 CARIOTI
Phone: 407-948-8295
Email: David@Daviddorman.com
Website: www.daviddorman.com