Do you even need a real estate agent? Are real estate agents a dying breed?
I’m here to set the record straight; you absolutely need a real estate agent. Now, you might be thinking, “But Craig, you’re a real estate agent, so of course, you think we need one.” And yes, you are right; I’m a realtor who wants to help you find a home and guide you in your home-buying or selling journey. However, I’m also someone who has experienced both successful and challenging transactions. I’m talking about getting a phone call to help put in an offer, showing up for the inspection, sending a few emails, and getting paid. But I’m also an agent who has had several transactions go south: buyers disappearing the day before closing, missed contract dates, and lawyers getting involved to secure earnest money. It’s these transactions that go awry that make you wish you had some form of representation to guide you.
So, are Charlottesville Real Estate Agents needed?
If you don’t think we’re relevant in this market, then I invite you to reach out to Darian Cochran (My Broker) and me to hear the horror stories we’ve experienced in the past year alone. But how can you find an agent you can trust? You need to have an agent who isn’t afraid to tell you what a bad transaction looks like. You need to hear the negative stories from agents. You want to know that they had bad experiences but were able to navigate through them, helping their clients weather the storm. It’s all about being honest, true, and transparent.
Real Estate isn’t hard; it’s actually quite easy to buy and sell a house. It’s people who are the most challenging part of real estate. Buyers and sellers can be deceiving and downright difficult if they don’t get what they want. That is why a realtor in your local market is important.
How to Choose an agent?
When it comes to choosing the right real estate agent, making an informed decision is crucial. Your choice can greatly impact your home buying or selling experience, so it’s essential to ask the right questions and consider various aspects before making your final selection.
One of the fundamental questions you should ask is whether the agent is a full-time or part-time professional. Just as you wouldn’t entrust your car to a part-time mechanic for a major repair, you shouldn’t leave one of the most significant financial transactions of your life in the hands of someone who only dabbles in real estate. Full-time agents are committed to their profession, have a deeper understanding of the market, and typically have a more extensive network of contacts, which can be instrumental in helping you achieve your real estate goals.
Furthermore, it’s vital to inquire about the agent’s track record, including any bad transactions they’ve encountered. The truth is, in the dynamic world of real estate, even the most seasoned professionals can encounter challenging deals. What sets a reliable realtor apart is their ability to navigate and resolve such issues effectively. If an agent claims never to have had a problematic transaction, they may not be providing the full picture. It’s essential to work with an agent who is transparent about their experiences and can demonstrate how they overcame obstacles to ensure a successful outcome for their clients.
In today’s digital age, a real estate agent’s online presence is another crucial factor to consider. Active engagement on social media platforms is a strong indicator of an agent’s commitment to staying informed and connected within their local market. Social media provides a valuable platform for agents to showcase listings, share market insights, and connect with potential buyers and sellers. Agents who embrace these digital tools are more likely to adapt to changing market trends and have a broader reach, which can ultimately benefit you as a client.
Transparency and alignment of goals are also key elements of a successful client-agent relationship. When you engage with a real estate professional, it’s important to express your objectives clearly. An agent who is genuinely dedicated to your success will work diligently to help you achieve your goals, rather than merely focusing on their commission.
Finding a trustworthy real estate agent in Charlottesville, or any market, requires careful consideration and diligent questioning. By seeking out full-time professionals, exploring their track record, evaluating their online presence, and ensuring alignment of goals, you can increase your chances of having a smooth and successful real estate journey. The right agent will not only guide you through the complexities of buying or selling a home but also serve as a valuable partner in achieving your real estate dreams.
Will agents go extinct?
I think we are at the beginning of the buyer’s agent becoming extinct. What I mean is that with all these lawsuits involving NAR (National Association of Realtors) and local MLSs, with sellers questioning why they should pay the buyer’s agent commission, we may start to see a different transition in how buyers purchase a home. Will they go directly to the listing agent and buy a home through them, having the listing agent represent both parties? Will the buyers be responsible for their agent’s commission? I believe that 2023 marks the beginning of this change, but I don’t think it will completely eliminate agents. Instead, I see it as a shift in how agents are compensated in the future. We may see a reduction in the number of agents, perhaps losing 400,000, but the profession itself will endure.
