Contractors: Don't Like Working With Realtors? Read This

Two industries that depend on each other, yet somehow manage to drive each other crazy.

I've been in real estate long enough to hear plenty of complaints from both agents and contractors. And interestingly enough, many of those complaints are exactly the same.

"They're never on time."

"They don't communicate."

"They don't respect my schedule."

"They expect me to drop everything."

Sound familiar?

Here's the thing: real estate agents and contractors need each other. We both serve the same clients, we both have demanding schedules, and we both depend on our reputations to generate business.

So why aren't we doing a better job of working together?

A Recent Experience That Got Me Thinking

I recently had a home under contract where the inspection revealed potential problems with the HardiePlank siding. Rather than guessing at the extent of the issues, I arranged for a contractor with experience in fiber cement siding to take a closer look. Alex, from an exterior remodeling company, showed up.

What happened next was a great example of how this relationship should work.

I gave Alex a copy of the inspection report and property disclosures, and he showed up early and prepared. He took the time to explain what he was seeing, flew a drone to inspect areas that weren't easily accessible, and captured detailed photographs to document his findings.

He didn't just point out problems. He explained why they were happening, what the potential consequences were, and how they could be corrected.

Then he provided a repair estimate.

And he did all of this without charging for the inspection.

Now, let me be clear: I don't believe contractors should be expected to work for free. Their time, knowledge, equipment, and expertise have real value. In fact, I'd rather pay someone for a thorough, professional assessment than receive a free estimate that's little more than an educated guess.

But what impressed me wasn't the price. It was his professionalism, communication, and willingness to go above and beyond.

That's the kind of contractor I want to recommend to my clients.

And it got me thinking about what we, as real estate agents, should be doing in return.

My Pledge to Contractors

If I'm asking a contractor to take time out of their day to help one of my clients, I have a responsibility to make that time as productive as possible.

So here's my pledge:

1. I'll be on time. Your schedule is just as important as mine. If we agree to meet at 10:00, I'll be there at 10:00. And if something unexpected happens, you'll hear from me before you're left waiting.

2. I'll provide information in advance. If there's an inspection report, I'll send the relevant sections before our appointment. If I have photographs, videos, or other documentation that can help you understand the problem, I'll share those too.

3. I'll explain exactly what we're trying to accomplish. Are we looking for a repair estimate? Evaluating the severity of a problem? Determining whether something needs replacement? The more you know before arriving, the better prepared you'll be.

4. I'll respect your expertise. I'm a real estate agent, not a roofer, electrician, plumber, or structural engineer. I may understand the implications of a problem for a transaction, but I'm bringing you in because you know things I don't.

5. I'll respect your time, even if you don't get the job. Sometimes a seller chooses another contractor. Sometimes a buyer walks away. Sometimes a repair never happens. That's the nature of real estate. But I'll communicate what happened rather than leaving you wondering.

6. I'll remember the professionals who do great work. When you show up, communicate clearly, provide honest assessments, and stand behind your work, I'm going to remember you. And when another client needs help, you'll be one of the first people I call.

What I'd Love to See From Contractors

This relationship needs to work both ways.

I don't expect contractors to rearrange their schedules every time I call. I understand that jobs run long, emergencies happen, and estimating work takes time.

But I do value a few things.

• Show up when you say you will. And if you're running late, a quick text makes all the difference.

• Be honest about your availability. If you can't get to a job for three weeks, tell me. I'd rather know upfront than spend a week chasing an appointment that isn't going to happen.

• Communicate clearly. Help me understand the issue in language I can accurately relay to my client. Photographs, written findings, and itemized estimates are incredibly valuable, especially when we're negotiating inspection repairs.

• Don't feel pressured to provide free services. If a detailed assessment requires a fee, explain that upfront. Professional expertise deserves compensation.

• And most importantly, do good work. Not just because there's a paycheck attached to it, but because your reputation matters.

Professionalism Should Lead to More Business

Here's something I think gets overlooked.

Real estate agents are constantly being asked for contractor recommendations. Roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, painters, siding specialists, and just about every trade imaginable.

One great experience can lead to years of referrals.

The contractor who inspected the siding didn't just provide an estimate. He demonstrated the kind of professionalism that makes me comfortable putting his name in front of my clients.

And that's a big deal.

When I recommend someone, I'm putting my own reputation on the line. I want my clients to have the same positive experience I had.

I don't believe contractors should have to give away their services to earn referrals. But I absolutely believe that professionalism, reliability, honesty, and quality work should be rewarded with more opportunities.

The same standard should apply to agents.

Let's Raise the Bar Together

At the end of the day, we're both trying to accomplish the same thing: take care of the client.

Real estate transactions are stressful enough without missed appointments, unanswered calls, incomplete information, or unrealistic expectations.

A little mutual respect can make an enormous difference.

I'll do my part by showing up on time, coming prepared, communicating clearly, and respecting the value of a contractor's time and expertise.

And I hope the contractors I work with will do the same.

Because when agents and contractors work well together, everyone benefits.

Especially the client.

And I'll never forget what Alex said as he wrapped up: "If I do my job right, you shouldn't have to call me for 30 years."

I laughed and told him, "That's where contractors and real estate agents are a little different. I like to hear from my clients every 5–7 years."

I'd Love to Hear From Both Sides

Contractors: What's the biggest frustration you have when working with real estate agents? What could we do to make your job easier?

Agents: What separates the contractors you recommend over and over again from the ones you never call twice?

Let's have a constructive conversation. I think both industries could learn something from each other. Call or text me at 202.703.5308 or schedule a call.