People see the Instagram side of real estate: pretty listings, champagne at closings, and homes staged so perfectly they look like Pottery Barn catalogs. But that’s maybe 20% of the job. The other 80%? It’s messy, funny, exhausting, and occasionally just plain weird. Since it’s Realtor Confessions Week, here’s us… being honest… about the stuff we usually keep between ourselves, the MLS, and way too much coffee.
Confession #1: Some Houses Smell… Unforgettable
I’ve walked into homes that made me instantly regret breathing in. Think: ten cats peeing in unison or a cigarette smoking another cigarette. If I’m showing the house to buyers, we talk through possible fixes and what those costs look like. If it’s a listing appointment, I have the same conversation with my sellers—just framed as an investment in getting the best price. And truthfully? It’s almost always worth it.
Confession #2: Zillow Zestimates Drive Me Crazy
I love a good Zillow scroll as much as anyone, but when a seller swears their Zestimate is the one true price? Deep breaths. Pricing a home isn’t an algorithm—it’s comps, condition, upgrades, timing, and yes, even neighborhood vibes. Zillow doesn’t factor in that your neighbor’s house backs up to a busy road.
Confession #3: I’m Basically a Part-Time Therapist
I’ve answered panicked texts at 11 p.m., talked clients through inspection meltdowns, and celebrated victories that had nothing to do with real estate (hello, job promotions and new babies). Half my job is contracts and negotiation. The other half? Talking people down from stress cliffs.
Confession #4: I’ve Seen Things I Can’t Unsee
I’ve walked in on a guy brushing his teeth, someone sleeping, and dolls.. why so many dolls???? Yes, I’ve seen it all, and yes—I kept a straight face. (Barely.) And no, I don’t recommend making eye contact with the dolls.
Confession #5: My Car Is My Office
I’ve written offers in Kroger parking lots, held Zoom calls in driveways, and lived on a steady rotation of coffee and podcasts between showings. If you’ve ever wondered why I always have snacks and an extra charger in my bag—this is why.
Being a Realtor isn’t glamorous all the time—but that’s what makes it worth it. The weird smells, the late-night texts, the caffeine-fueled contracts… it’s all part of helping people find their place here in Atlanta.
👉 Got a question you’ve always wanted to ask a Realtor? Send it my way. I might just add it to the next round of confessions.