Imagine a world where Realtors have never existed.
The buying and selling of homes would look very different, as the processes would be complicated, expensive and downright overwhelming.
The Utah Central Association of Realtors recently released a creative and thought-provoking video that reimagines the classic 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life” with a real estate twist. Their version, titled “It’s a REALTOR Life,” follows a seller named George who believes he can save time and money by going through the selling process without a Realtor.
In the video, George is confident as he heads to closing without representation. However, he soon finds himself in a chaotic alternate reality where Realtors have never existed. Instead of a smooth process, George is greeted by lawyers, city officials and representatives from federal and state government offices, all insisting on compliance with complex regulations.
Confused and overwhelmed, George asks who will pay for all of this and is shocked to learn he’s responsible for the costs, which were hidden in the fine print of documents he never read.
The video highlights the overwhelming number of people, processes and paperwork involved in a real estate transaction when left without the expertise of a Realtor. Testing, inspections and mandatory fees pile up to an astronomical $60,000 – far more than George expected to “save.”
Frustrated and desperate, George calls out for Clarence, his friend, to take him back to reality. When he’s reunited with his Realtor, Mary, George is relieved and ready to close, now fully understanding the value Realtors bring.
This video parable shines a spotlight on a simple truth: Realtors make buying and selling homes possible.
Realtors act as advocates, advisers and facilitators who ensure that the entire process – from listing to closing – is streamlined, compliant and cost-effective. They navigate the complexities of transactions so buyers and sellers don’t have to face the mountain of paperwork, regulations and unexpected costs on their own.
Realtors don’t just simplify real estate, they also protect buyers and sellers, advocate for housing affordability and contribute to keeping regulations and fees in check.
This video serves as a reminder that Realtors are not just helpful – they’re essential to a healthy, accessible housing industry.
Take a few minutes to watch the seven-minute video via the Utah Central Association of Realtors’ YouTube channel at youtube.com/@utahcentralassociationofre2879.
As you enjoy time at home for the holidays or consider buying or selling, remember the countless ways Realtors work behind the scenes to make your experience smooth, affordable and stress-free.
We are all better off because Realtors do exist. #ThatsWhoWeR
Founded in 1912, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is the voice for real estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with more than 2,700 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors serves Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. The association is one of approximately 1,100 local associations and boards of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors owns and operates a multiple listing service that is one of approximately 600 MLSs in the country and that services more than 3,000 users. Local association membership is comprised of Realtors who are servicing the Greater Chattanooga area and specializing in a variety of disciplines, including appraisal, commercial, industrial, land, multi-family, property management and residential. Working alongside Realtors are our affiliate members, who represent related industries in sympathy with the objectives of the association. Our affiliate members include mortgage lenders, home inspectors, title and closing services, pest inspection and control and insurance.