The Impact of Real Estate Agents on Industry Reputation
On April 25, 2025, the LANĪDA Think Tank hosted a discussion titled “The Consequences of a Real Estate Agent’s Actions and Their Impact on the Industry’s Reputation.” Real estate experts, certified agents, and cooperation partners came together to affirm a common conclusion: Reputation is not just advertising – it is our professional daily conduct.
This discussion served as a call for every real estate professional to reflect on key questions:
Am I a trustworthy real estate agent in the eyes of my clients?
How does my professional behavior impact the public image and credibility of the entire real estate sector in Latvia?
Discussion participants included leading professionals from the real estate sector:
Kristīne Dubane – LANĪDA expert and certified agent, moderator of the discussion
Māra Arāja – Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences
Anita Feldmane – State Real Estate Agency (VAS “Valsts Nekustamie Īpašumi”)
Mate Manri Zhanghausere – certified real estate agent, LANĪDA member
Česlavs Margevičs – certified real estate agent, LANĪDA member
In 2024, LANĪDA, in cooperation with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, conducted a study highlighting key issues affecting the industry’s reputation. The results showed:
Only 44% of clients would use an agent’s services again
43% would be willing to recommend an agent to others
The majority of the public remains neutral – an audience potentially open to cooperation
These findings clearly indicate that the industry’s reputation must be strengthened and nurtured through consistent, responsible actions and a client-oriented approach.
The goal of the discussion was to identify concrete steps to improve the sector’s image, increase public trust, and create a sustainable market.
As participants emphasized, these numbers are a wake-up call for everyone working in the field – reputation is built through actions and decisions, not just words.
What Do Clients Expect When Choosing an Agent?
Key traits that contribute to a strong reputation and encourage client loyalty include:
Viewing each deal as the beginning of a long-term relationship, not a one-off transaction
Taking responsibility to save the client’s time and help avoid risks
Building trust through clear communication, honesty, and a personalized approach
Communication – maintaining regular contact and proactively providing updates
This is the attitude that society expects from real estate professionals – honest, knowledgeable, and supportive partners.
Examples That Undermine Trust The discussion highlighted several detrimental behaviors:
Lack of knowledge – mistakes in contracts, insufficient understanding of financing
Passive attitude – merely posting listings without active client service
Inaccurate communication and unclear commission fees
Participants stressed: every agent has the choice to do better – to be proactive, to learn, and to share knowledge.
What Value Can an Agent Bring to a Client?
“Reputation is not advertising – it’s the action that others remember.”
Positive examples highlighted by both agents and partners included:
Building long-term relationships – every transaction is an opportunity to become a trusted partner
Strategic approach – effective listing placement and targeted client acquisition
Reducing client time and risk – acting as the client’s helper and advisor
Building trust – openness, communication, and integrity create real value appreciated by clients
Final Takeaways Participants of the think tank agreed:
Reputation doesn’t build itself – it is shaped by our choices in every conversation and every transaction
Every agent is an ambassador for the industry – the better we each perform, the higher the overall credibility of the sector
Clients are ready to trust – but trust must be earned
“Reputation is our collective responsibility.”
LANĪDA calls on every agent to ask themselves: What can I do better to ensure my reputation is earned and strong?
Watch the full discussion on LANĪDA’s YouTube channel.