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What are “parrots” in the real estate world?

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Joan Herlong stands next to a sign displayed with her Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby's International Realty.

Since 1993, Joan has personally closed over 1,000 deals.

Photo by Chelsey Ashford Photography

According to Joan Herlong, there’s one type of wildlife you don’t want to run into in the Upstate: “parrots.” This term refers to real estate agents who will always reaffirm their clients in an effort to avoid conflict or firing — even when the client is wrong.

When a buyer is stuck with a parrot, it can be worse than if the client was on their own.

The lesson? It’s in everyone’s best interest for an agent to be candid and to tell the truth — no matter how painful.

Discover other types of wildlife in real estate

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