Are real estate agents really the “problem,” or are market expectations and practices the real reason behind this reputation?
Are clients always right, or do they make choices that lead to disappointment?
The reputation of real estate agents in Greece is a controversial topic.
On one hand, there is deep skepticism toward the profession. On the other, many sellers and buyers fail to recognize their own responsibilities in transactions.
Let’s take a look at the real causes behind this negative reputation—and how it can be changed.
1. Why Do Many People Think Real Estate Agents Aren’t Trustworthy?
There are historical, social, and practical reasons why agents have a poor reputation in Greece.
1.1 Lack of Legal Framework and Professional Standards
• In Greece, no specialized education or certification is required to become a real estate agent.
• Many untrained and inexperienced people simply “enter” the profession without real market knowledge.
• There is no strict regulation to ensure service quality.
Result: There are cases of unqualified or even unethical agents who operate with non-transparent practices, providing little or no real value to their clients.
1.2 “Everyone’s an Agent” – The Problem of Unofficial Intermediaries
• Many individuals who aren’t even agents (friends, acquaintances, contractors, even taxi drivers!) try to broker deals and demand commissions.
• These people have no professional obligations, no code of ethics, and often create chaos in transactions.
Result: Clients have bad experiences with so-called “agents” and generalize this behavior to all real estate professionals.
1.3 False Promises & Bad Practices
Some agents:
• Promise sellers they can sell their property at ridiculously high prices.
• Tell buyers they have the “perfect property” without understanding their real needs.
• Fail to provide transparent fee structures or ask for commissions without delivering real service.
Result: Clients feel misled and conclude that agents are “parasitic” professionals who take money without doing any actual work.
2. When Are Sellers & Buyers Right to Be Cautious?
– When an agent doesn’t offer clear terms of cooperation.
– When they promise unrealistic prices or easy sales without proof.
– When they act as “middlemen” without adding real value.
– When they lack market knowledge and try to persuade without solid arguments.
Yes, there are bad agents—but not all agents are the same.
A good professional agent: ✔ Provides objective market data and valuation.
✔ Promotes the property with professionalism and strategy.
✔ Informs the client transparently about all processes and costs.
✔ Doesn’t promise miracles—offers realistic solutions.
3. When Are Clients Themselves Responsible?
❌ When they ask for excessive prices, ignoring market data.
❌ When they constantly change agents, hoping someone will “tell them what they want to hear.”
❌ When they work with unofficial “black market” intermediaries to avoid commissions—only to lose money or end up with problems.
❌ When they don’t read contracts and then complain about fees.
The real estate market is a serious game—if you don’t follow the rules, you’re bound to lose.
4. How Can This Reputation Be Changed?
To change the image of real estate agents in Greece, three things must happen:
1. Agents must become more professional.
• They should have knowledge, ethics, and strategy.
• They should prove their value through results—not just words.
2. Clients must be more conscious.
• They should choose experienced and certified professionals—not just anyone.
• They should collaborate with transparency and follow real market values.
3. The state must regulate the profession.
• By enforcing rules and controls for real estate agencies.
• By stopping the uncontrolled activity of unauthorized intermediaries.
Conclusion: Not All Agents Are the Same—And Not All Clients Are Innocent
There are agents who do poor work—but there are also excellent professionals.
There are clients who are right to complain—but there are also sellers and buyers who refuse to face market reality.
The Greek real estate market needs more transparency, professionalism, and realism.
📞 If you want to work with a true real estate professional who operates with ethics, expertise, and strategic thinking, contact me today.