3 Personality Traits of Homeowners Who Overpay Their Realtor (and How to Avoid It)
tl;dr
3 traits that make homeowners overpay: Become 3 traps when choosing a realtor. Learn the traits to avoid and how to save thousands.
3 traits
Trusting blindly
Too busy to ask
Status quo mindset
Don’t hand over $30K when you could keep $15K+.
“Homeowners in Niceville, Shalimar, and Fort Walton Beach often lose $15K+ by falling into
If you’ve spent any time in Niceville, Shalimar, or Fort Walton Beach, you’ve probably heard the same story: a neighbor sells their $500,000 home, hands over a $30,000 commission check, and just shrugs. But here’s the truth — your home sells because of location, condition, and price. Not balloons. Not billboards. Not marble offices.
In my 19 years helping sellers, I’ve noticed three personality traits that often lead people to overpay their realtor. If you spot yourself in these, it’s not too late to make smarter choices.
1. The Trust-Without-Verify Seller
These folks assume all real estate agents charge the same — and that 6% is just “the way it’s always been.” They don’t ask questions. They don’t compare options. They just sign.
That blind trust costs them big. A $600,000 sale at 6% is $36,000 gone. With Uber Realty’s 1% model, the same home costs just $6,000 (plus 2% if the buyer brings their own agent). That’s a $24,000 swing — money that should be padding your next down payment, not funding your realtor’s vacation.
2. The “Too Busy to Ask” Homeowner
Life’s hectic. Kids, work, moving logistics — it’s easy to sign the first listing agreement shoved across the table. But skipping due diligence is like driving down John Sims Parkway blindfolded.
When sellers don’t slow down to ask:
Where will my home actually be marketed?
What am I paying for?
How much will I really net after commissions?
…they often overpay for services that don’t even impact the final sales price. Smart sellers take 10 minutes to run the numbers with tools like our Seller Savings Calculator .
3. The Status Quo Believer
This is the neighbor who says, “Well, my parents sold this way, so I guess I should too.” They’re loyal to tradition, even when it drains their equity.
But here’s the reality: buyers today find homes online — on MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, and 900+ sites. Whether you list with a 6% agent or a 1% agent, the same buyers see your property. The only difference? How much you keep.
Final Thought
Selling your home should be exciting, not expensive. The homeowners who overpay usually:
Don’t verify.
Don’t slow down.
Don’t challenge the old model.
You don’t have to be one of them. In Niceville, Shalimar, and Fort Walton Beach, I’ve helped hundreds of families sell faster, smarter, and with thousands more in their pocket.
FAQ
Q: Why do some sellers end up paying $30K in commissions?
Because they fall into one of three traps: trusting blindly, being too busy to ask questions, or believing in the old 6% model.
Q: Can’t I just sell my Fort Walton Beach home myself?
Sure — but FSBO often nets you less because buyers expect discounts. Smarter play? Use a 1% listing model that keeps you visible everywhere without the heavy fees.
Q: Do buyers still see my home if I don’t use a “big name” broker?
Yes. Whether it’s Elliott Point waterfront property or a Brooks Street bungalow, your home goes on the MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, and 900+ platforms. Buyers don’t know (or care) if you listed with a franchise or with Uber Realty.
Q: How much can I really save?
On a $500K home, you keep around $15K more in your pocket.
👉 Related Reads:
Jim Whatley at 850.499.2940. A single text could save you $10,000.
