An Australian property expert now living in the United States has ignited a fierce online discussion after confessing to a major cultural surprise: Americans do not share the widespread dislike for real estate agents common in Australia.
The Unexpected Culture Shock
Ivan Brescic, a long-time real estate coach and adviser, posted a video from his new base in Austin, Texas, expressing his astonishment. He revealed he had been "blindsided" by the starkly different perception of his profession across the Pacific. "Can someone please help me," he said. "I've been back in America for about a month, and everyone I speak to can't believe the amount of hate that there is towards real estate agents in Australia. It's wild. I don't understand."
His bewilderment only deepened when he compared the services offered. Brescic pointed out that US agents frequently charge commissions between four and six per cent per transaction, often provide less hands-on service, and can be harder to contact. "They're less committed than Australian agents," he claimed. In contrast, he argued Australia has a more transparent system where agents are highly available, yet public animosity remains high.
Followers Flood with Brutally Honest Explanations
The coach's comments prompted a flood of responses from followers, many offering pointed critiques of the Australian industry. One central complaint focused on self-promotion. A commenter labelled the sector's "obsession with self-promotion" as a massive turn-off, accusing agents of an egotistical need to publicly share revenue data and sales performance in a way professionals like lawyers or accountants do not.
Others argued the so-called "hate" is simply fair criticism of an industry seen as lacking transparency and sufficient oversight. "No other industry talks about themselves as much or pats themselves on the back as loud as real estate," one person wrote, adding that many buyers now hire their own agents to navigate untrusted sellers' agents.
Representation, Ethics and a Transparent System
A particularly detailed response came from an Australian who has worked as a real estate agent in the US for a decade. They argued the core difference lies in representation, ethics and transparency. In the American system, each party typically has their own agent who is ethically bound to act solely in their client's best interest, fostering a sense of fairness.
They compared trusting a single listing agent in Australia to "going to court and trusting the opposing counsel with all of your information and expecting a favourable outcome." They also noted stricter ethical oversight and mandatory education for US agents, alongside systems that provide clearer information from the outset, such as fixed list prices and on-market dates.
Some commenters suggested broader cultural factors are at play. One theorised that Australia's collectivist, social-democratic leanings might breed more resentment towards visible success and wealth, a phenomenon less pronounced in the more individualistic, capitalist US where ambition is often celebrated. Others pointed directly to "tall poppy syndrome" in Australia, where high earners and confident achievers are frequently resented.
Despite his shock at the cultural divide, Ivan Brescic admitted he would still prefer the Australian auction system if selling a home. His experience has nonetheless highlighted a profound and puzzling difference in how two similar nations view a key profession.
