Do Real Estate Agents Still Deserve Their Bad Reputation?

THOUGHT LEADERS
REAL ESTATE REIMAGINED

An agent scrolls through social media.

Another headline about “dodgy agents.” Another underquoting investigation.

Meanwhile, they’ve just helped three families move into their new homes.

Why does the industry’s reputation never seem to catch up?

To find out, we brought together Dion Besser, founder of Besser + Co, and Luke Evans, GM of Sales (NSW & ACT) at The Agency, to go head-to-head and unpack a question the industry rarely discusses out loud:

Do real estate agents still deserve their bad reputation?

For 32 minutes, Dion and Luke sparred over ethics, transparency, and trust in an industry under constant scrutiny.

Dion took the affirmative, arguing that overpromising, vague quoting, and commission-driven behaviour still stain public perception, and that “radical transparency” and education is the only way forward.

Luke countered with evidence that the profession has changed. With tougher regulation, data transparency, and better-educated consumers, the “bad old days” are over.

At the 24-minute mark, they dropped their assigned positions and revealed what they really believe.

The truth? You’ll have to watch or listen to find out.

Enjoy the episode!

— Samantha McLean

P.S. What would you like us to debate next?

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