Homebuying That Doesn't Suck

Buyers directly control their experience with their agent choices

What’s On My Mind This Week: People Complaining Mightily About Real Estate Agents

In my latest Tracy Talks Real video, I tackle the hot topic of why people complain so mightily about real estate agents.

I read so very many consumer comments on social media during the recent commission class action lawsuits and I was shocked by the pure vitriol of most of the messages. People popped in occasionally to say that they had a great experience with their agent, but most comments were shockingly negative.

I always knew there was some negative sentiment against real estate agents, but I also knew how low the barriers to entry are and how many bad agents do exist, collecting the same high commissions that I collect. I don't think every agent needs to have a legal degree like I have, but lots don't have any degree or relevant formal education, and aren't closely monitored by brokers.

Yet I also know from experience and the scattered social media comments that good agents exist, and they are worth every penny of their generous commission.

My final conclusion throughout the pendency of the commission lawsuits evolved into realizing that home buyers just don’t do enough to vet the agent they hire. Home buyers in my experience simply fail to interview agents. Too often they get an introduction, show up and start being treated like a client.

This vetting problem combined with the commission changes last year from the class action litigation caused me to develop an educational course I call Buyer Agent Game Plan, designed specifically to lay out a blueprint for finding, vetting, hiring and supervising buyer agents efficiently and without a lot of hassle, with the extra goal of finding the exact right agent for your specific circumstances.

Look, I understand that many people are not going to like the idea of having to take the time to educate themselves and go through the hassle of interviewing multiple agent candidates, but as everybody seems to know and even begrudgingly acknowledge on social media, good agents have the ability to lower homebuying anxiety and save you money on your purchase by finding you a deal or negotiating deals in ways to benefit you and your bottom line, so honestly, why wouldn't you spend a few bucks and a few hours to educate yourself before committing to an expensive agent and more expensive home purchase?

And with buyers now spending time thinking about the cost of a buyers agent thanks to the commission lawsuits, the time is ripe to introduce more intentionality into the agent hiring process.

Why would a buyer agent create a program helping you hire buyer agents? Who better to write a program like this than somebody who has worked with a lot of buyers? And of course I feel like I can successfully compete as a candidate for local clients, but I am also 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 buyers 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 and this is a core part of my framework. So work the program and interview me if you want, but I will never pressure you to hire or even interview me. I challenge you to find another program like this anywhere. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 BUYERS, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗲.

My game plan blueprint describes exactly where to find good agents to interview and how to conduct multiple interviews efficiently. The program teaches you how to evaluate interview responses “apples to apples” and how to hire without burning bridges (in case you need that agent later). The program also explains the new buyer representation agreements and what to watch out for, and then teaches you how to evaluate your agent’s performance under the contract, and replace the agent if needed, even deep into escrow.

All of this translates to buyers hiring the right agent best suited to their specific needs, resulting in buying homes with confidence and less hassle. Most educational content on this topic has been created by agents who want you to hire them to represent you. I urge home buyers to take advantage of my long career, love of buyers and consumer-forward focus to learn about finding, vetting, hiring and supervising great agents.

Don’t end up being one of those bitter people venting your frustrations on social media later because you recklessly signed on with the wrong agent and didn't course correct. Knowledge is power and this knowledge program was designed with buyers in mind by me, a longtime broker and consumer-focused attorney. Avoid the devastating home buyer mistake of hiring the wrong agent.

Watch this week's Tracy Talks Video on better homebuying experiences with better buyer agent vetting here.

Introducing Buyer Agent Game Plan

The new homebuying rules call for new strategies to pick the right agent to help you bring about your happy homebuying outcome. The video below describes the 8-module, self-paced course I created to help you find, vet, hire and supervise your buyer agent. Buy your next home with confidence!

Have You Checked Out My New Learning Center?

I’ve been very concerned about recent developments in residential real estate, and have been a vocal critic of the class action lawsuits last year because I think they did a huge disservice to consumers.

I’ve also been struck by the sheer vitriol of consumer sentiment against real estate agents in social media comments regarding the lawsuits. I’ve concluded that there is a huge lack of understanding how to leverage agents for positive outcomes. I’ve also concluded that too many consumers hire the first agent they talk to without doing any kind of homework. What could possibly go wrong with that plan??

But I’m not one to just sit around and complain. I jumped into action and developed my Learning Center for consumers. Content developed in the center to date includes my new signature course - Buyer Agent Game Plan, a step-by-step strategic plan for home buyers to navigate the new rules in residential real estate, starting with hiring the right agent for their circumstances.

I also offer various fast action checklists and workbooks for buyers, including a suite of checklists to determine readiness to buy.

I’m also busy putting the final touches on my forthcoming book - The Secret Handshake (Play The Home Buyer & Home Seller Game Smarter). This has been an exciting project.

I find myself increasingly obsessed with helping consumers understand residential real estate on a deeper level and how to make more lucrative choices, including how to find, hire and vet agents. Join me on this journey? Hop over to the Learning Center and click the follow button under my bio. You’ll be notified when new offerings are added to the Center.

Do You Need Help Finding Agents?

Whether you are in my backyard here in Los Angeles or someplace farther away, I am available to help you find agents to interview. There is a nominal fee for this service, but I will find and vet three agents for you to interview in your local market, as well as provide a list of interview questions and my proprietary strategy for interviewing and comparing multiple agents with ease.

Complimentary Home Buyer Resources

Please enjoy these resources:

Follow Local Trends - Long time readers know I like me some trends! 🤓 This resource explains how market trends impact your home buying and home selling choices and strategies.

Benefits Of A CMA - Wondering how much to offer when buying a home or how much to list for when selling a home? Learn about CMAs. They aren't just for sellers!

15 Tips To Save For A Down Payment - Is the down payment holding you back from buying a home? I've got 15 practical tips to help you save.

Do’s & Don’ts For Property Tours - Are you new to home buying? I've got tips for touring homes that might surprise you.

8 Expensive Home Buyer Mistakes - If you've never purchased a home or haven't purchased in recent years, you might be surprised to learn about these expensive homebuyer mistakes.

Unsubscribe?

If I missed the mark for you this week, I hope you'll give me one more shot, but if that won't work for you, here is an unsubscribe link.

Share My Work?

If you liked my column this week, please share with others so we can grow our community and I can get more feedback on what people want to read. Use this link to refer others. And just to make it fun, there are referral rewards. Let’s grow a community!

Do You Know About My Office Hours?

I offer Office Hours as a low-key way to get your real estate questions answered without a lot of scheduling and commitment. Twice a week, I hang out on Zoom and am available to answer your real estate questions. Click on tracyonzoom.com during the designated hours and you will land in our waiting room. Tracy will bring you in when the person ahead of you is done. Everything is private. Here are your next opportunities to join Tracy for Office Hours:

• Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 10 am to noon PT

• Sunday, June 15, 2025 from 10 am to 1 pm PT

• Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 10 am to noon PT

• Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 10 am to 1 pm PT

Alternatively, private 1:1 conversations can be scheduled here.

Find Me Around The Web

Let’s make sure we’re connected in the places you like to hang out. Here’s where you can find me and what I post on those platforms:

• Have We Met? Read my bio

• My YouTube Channels - TracyTalksReal & TracyTalksRealLOCAL

• My Beach Cities LA Real Estate Company - search for homes, save listings, meet the team

• Twitter - mostly housing politics commentary

• LinkedIn - real estate news & insights

• Facebook - local real estate news & insights

• Instagram - local real estate news & insights

• Digital Office Hours - I hang out and you come ask questions 😊

• Schedule a 1:1 meeting for Zoom or IRL

Content Authenticity Statement

90% of this week’s newsletter was generated by me, Tracy Thrower Conyers. AI created my nifty headline image and my cute bot friend in my video thumbnail. 😊

Legal Stuff

You are not my client unless we have a written agreement in place. This newsletter is offered for informational and/or entertainment purposes only. Neither I nor Silicon Beach Properties nor eXp Realty, Inc. is responsible for the consequences of how you implement the content of this publication and nothing herein is intended to address your specific situation. Additionally, the information contained herein may be outdated (legally and/or factually) by the time you consume this content, so consult a professional licensed in your jurisdiction for advice.

My CalDRE license number is 01712960. Silicon Beach Properties is my real estate DBA brokered by eXp Realty of California, as am I.

Advertisements in this newsletter have paid to be promoted and, as a result, I receive direct financial compensation for promoting them. Sometimes I promote people, places and things strictly to show support without compensation. Ask me if you have questions.

My real estate company, Silicon Beach Properties, and I maintain partnerships and affiliate relationships with other companies. Look for asterisks** to signify such a relationship. Assume we are compensated, but that won’t always be the case.

Until Next Week…

Be well and use this link to refer others to The Tracy Talks. Let’s grow a community!