Giving your favorite real estate agent a compliment of any kind can truly brighten their day, but complimenting them on something that others may not notice will ensure they remember it for years to come.
“Nice shirt!” is one thing, but “You always seem to care so much about how you present yourself” is another level entirely. Both are nice things to say, but the latter says more about the person's character and shows that you understand, on a deeper level, why they chose the shirt they did.
While these two compliments will surely bring a smile to your favorite real estate agent's face, there are some observations you can share that will give them pause and make them wonder if you've somehow gotten inside their head.
Here are eight lesser known compliments that might make your real estate agent laugh, beam with pride, or both.
1) “This is one of the most up-to-date headshots I've ever seen!”
Outdated headshots are an inside joke among real estate agents. They go to the trouble of having a professional photo taken for their business cards when they first get their license, but after that, the photo is about as good as a 2002 Honda Accord still on the road. It might not be a new car, and it might not look like new, but it'll do the job.
So if an agent has headshots that look like they were taken within the last year or two, let them know that you noticed — they'll be grateful that their efforts weren't wasted, and they'll also be pleased with the fact that you know agents are notorious for outdated glamour shots.
2) “You don't look young after 23 years in this industry!”
This quote can only be used at the right time. If you work with an agent who has been in the industry for a long time, at some point you may hear them mention exactly how many years they have been working to establish their credibility and advantage over other agents. This usually happens when they are discussing how something should (or shouldn't) be done in the industry.
The agent on the receiving end of their comment will probably be annoyed if you even bring up how long they've been in the industry, so this is your chance to make a passionate statement that they don't seem like they have that much experience. Not only will it make them happy, but it might be something they need to hear in the future to stop them feeling like it's not appropriate to make that comment when they're dealing with newer, younger agents.
3) “This is the best open house snack ever!”
To serve food or not to serve food: This is a question any agent will ask themselves when hosting an open house. But if you decide to serve snacks, the next question is, “What should I serve?”
Some agents just go for the quickest, easiest, and cheapest things they can arrange on their kitchen island, and you can't really blame them, because there's always the chance that no one will come and they'll end up eating more carbs than they need to or throwing it all in the trash. So if an agent brings a snack that stops you in your tracks, tell them how much you like it. Not only will they be happy to hear it, but they might even bring you a plate or two of the goodies to take home.
4) “Can you sign the property description?”
Many agents are generating property descriptions in their own words or using AI to generate property descriptions, so knowing that an agent has taken the time to craft your description in a compelling way using your own words can make a big difference.
Pro tip: Take it to the next level by printing out your listing sheet and asking your agent to sign it for you as an author at a signing!
5) “That's more accurate than the Zestimate!”
This method can be used with just about any agent who will do a comparative market study (CMA) for you. Whether the agent is a veteran or just passed their licensing exam and is heading to your house, most agents can analyze the market value of a property far more accurately than an online algorithm can.
Unfortunately, many people place far more importance on what a computer spits out than what a real estate agent has painstakingly analyzed, leaving the agent perplexed when the Zestimate comes in higher than what the agent believes the home is worth.
Warning: Complimenting your agent on trusting their insight over their Zestimate may stun them, so make sure you have something soft for them to calm down on before you do so.
6) “It's amazing how you don't need a GPS to get from house to house…”
Thanks to GPS, showing homes is a lot easier than it used to be. In the past, real estate agents had maps and atlases to plan the perfect route ahead of time to know where each home they showed was located. Over time, real estate agents became familiar with every street in every town they showed homes in. But technology has softened the attitude of many real estate agents, eliminating the need to know the lay of the land.
So if your agent can close their eyes and find a house on any street, compliment them – it's a small detail they're probably proud of.
7) “You're great at keeping your cat in the house!”
Many of the homes that real estate agents show their clients have pets. When agents book a showing of a home, they are often told to be careful that cats or dogs do not escape the house. Real estate agents may not express their concern, but deep down they are always worried that a pet will escape while they are showing someone's home.
If you are showing them around a house where instructions are given to keep cats out, they are probably telling you so that you can join in on the fun of making sure the cat doesn't escape. So the best time to use this compliment is when you are showing them around a house where instructions aren't given to keep an eye on the cats. On the one hand, they will be flattered that you have noticed their impressive ability to keep animals from escaping. On the other hand, it will make them think that you know something they don't, and they will start looking for a cat that doesn't exist.
8) “The real estate content you share online is so entertaining!”
Many agents use social media for marketing and promotion. However, only a few use it for witty and humorous content. If your favorite agent is sharing something that not only gives you valuable real estate information but also a laugh, be sure to let us know in the comments. And of course, like, share, and subscribe to their page to see more.