Monkey See, Monkey Do: Why Following the troop (I looked that up) When Choosing a Realtor Gets Expensive
TL;DR: Research shows two-thirds of daily decisions aren’t really decisions at all, they’re habits on autopilot. Sellers often pick agents the same way: defaulting to what neighbors did, who’s on the first yard sign they see, or the name they’ve heard repeated. That habit-based choice can cost tens of thousands in unnecessary commissions.
The Troop Trap in Real Estate
Scientists just published a study showing that 88% of daily actions are automatic and 65% of our behaviors are triggered by habit, not real choice. From brushing your teeth to checking your phone, most of your day runs on autopilot.
Here’s the problem: the same thing happens when many homeowners choose a real estate agent.
Monkey see, monkey do. Your neighbor used someone, so you call them too.
You spot the same billboard on your commute, so you think that agent must be the “safe” choice.
A friend casually drops a name, so you go with it.
But that’s not a decision, it’s just your autopilot brain taking the wheel.
The High Cost of Autopilot
In our area (Niceville, Shalimar, Fort Walton Beach), the “habit choice” often means paying a 5–6% commission because “that’s just what people do.”
Let’s do the math:
On a $600,000 home, that’s $30,000–$36,000 gone.
At Uber Realty, the listing fee is 1% full service. Even if you pay a buyer’s agent, your total is closer to 3%. That’s a savings of $12,000–$18,000 compared to the “autopilot” choice.
That’s not just theory, we see it every month. Sellers who slow down, question the habit, and make a deliberate choice keep far more equity at the closing table.
How to Break the Pattern
The study also found that habits aren’t bad by default, most align with our goals once we recognize them. In real estate, that means:
Pause before you call the first name that pops in your head.
Ask what you’re really paying for. Is it service, or is it just tradition?
Form a smarter habit. Start by comparing the numbers, what you keep, not just what you pay.
Once you see the difference, you’ll never go back to paying “because that’s what everyone does.”
Bottom Line
Habits are great for brushing your teeth. Not so great for choosing someone who handles your biggest financial asset. Don’t let “monkey see, monkey do” cost you tens of thousands.
FAQs
Q: Why do most sellers stick with the same agents their neighbors used?
A: Because it feels safe and easy. Behavioral research shows most daily actions are automatic, and hiring an agent often follows the same autopilot pattern.
Q: Is paying 5–6% commission just “how it’s always done”?
A: No. Commissions are negotiable. Sellers in Niceville, Shalimar, and Fort Walton Beach can often sell full-service for closer to 3% total instead of 6%.
Q: How much can I really save by breaking the habit?
A: On a $600,000 home, choosing Uber Realty’s 1% listing fee can save $12,000–$18,000 compared to the traditional route.
Q: If I save on commission, will I sacrifice marketing or service?
A: Not at Uber Realty. We provide full-service marketing, negotiation, and guidance—the same or better service than traditional brokerages, just without the bloated fees.
Q: What’s the first step to making a smarter choice?
A: Ask for a seller net sheet. Seeing side-by-side numbers makes the savings real and breaks the old “that’s what everyone pays” habit.
