By: Renee Porsia
Picture this: It’s 2014. Realtors are rocking mullets (okay, maybe not, but the fashion wasn’t exactly on point). Back then, I was like a lone wolf howling for buyer agency – transparency, respect, the whole shebang. I even wrote an article for, Realtor Magazine, “Don’t Leave the Door Open to Danger,” which basically exposed the wild west of open houses and the lack of protection for buyers. Let’s just say, mullets weren’t the only thing out of date. 
The Open House Fiasco:
For me, open houses were like a circus with questionable safety standards. How can an agent explain legal documents in the midst of balloons and soccer moms asking about the dishwasher? It’s absurd! Lawyers wouldn’t chase clients around a courthouse with retainer agreements, so why were realtors expected to do the same? Respect starts with self-respect, and that includes acting like a professional, not a carnival barker hawking houses.
Early Battles for Buyer Protection:
Early in my career, questioning brokers about mandatory buyer consultations and agreements was met with laughter, even dismissal. One particular broker (who shall remain nameless) even tore up a signed buyer agency agreement in front of me simply because the buyer had questions – questions that had already been addressed in the agreement and in the buyer consultation. This broker prioritized avoiding the conversation over ensuring buyer understanding. In light of the recent NAR lawsuit settlement, I can’t help but feel vindicated.
The Transparency Triumph:
The mandatory buyer agency agreement requirement is basically the confetti raining down at the end of a buyer advocacy parade. Before this, some agents were squirmier than a dog on a bath mat when it came to fees. They just weren’t equipped to have those grown-up conversations, leaving buyers confused and in the dark. And get this – some brokers even suggested SNEAKING the buyer agreement into the paperwork shuffle! The horror!
Vindicated by Vindication (Because Apparently That’s a Thing Now)
The past 24 years of championing buyer agency have been a journey, to say the least. While I’m not exactly throwing a ticker-tape parade for the lawsuit itself, I am thrilled it’s led to a more transparent playing field for homebuyers.
They Called Me “Crazy.” I Call Myself “Awesome.”
Back in the day, some buyers were bewildered by my upfront approach, which included consultations and fees. Friends would say, “Whoa, no other agent ever made me sign anything!” Brokers even muttered things like “crazy” under their breath. But hey, if “crazy” means ethical, professional, and transparent, then I’ll take that badge and wear it with pride. Now, the whole industry is being forced to embrace these same principles. Maybe mullets will come back in style next? (Okay, hopefully not).
About Renee Porsia, The Rescue Dog Realtor
When I’m not advocating for buyer’s rights, I’m busy rescuing adorable pups (who, unlike some brokers I know, appreciate honesty). Every sale I close helps support these furry friends. I’m your gal in Orange County – find me at reneeporsia.com, rescuedogrealtor.com, reneeporsia@mac.com, or 215.669.0589. Let’s make your home buying journey paw-some (and drama-free)!
