After nearly two decades in real estate, I’ve learned that one of the hardest parts of my job isn’t always the market, the negotiations, or even the ever-changing regulations. It’s been working and dealing with other agents.
Most agents do their best, and I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many dedicated professionals over the years. But every so often, I encounter situations that remind me how important it is for buyers and sellers to truly vet who they choose to represent them. Because having the right agent, one who is experienced, honest, and client-focused, will make all the difference.
Just this past week, two situations stood out.
The first involved an out-of-area agent representing a buyer here locally. The agent didn’t know the neighborhoods, the surrounding communities, or the nuances of our market. Unfortunately, the buyer purchased without that critical local expertise, without the data, insight, and guidance that could have protected them. Now, only a few months later, they’re in a difficult position and preparing to move again.
The second situation was a call from a young, inexperienced agent who was trying to show one of my listings. During our conversation, it became clear that she didn’t even know which multiple listing services she was a member of and honestly, there was more to it that left me genuinely concerned for the buyer she was representing. That call was eye-opening. It reminded me that this business is about so much more than opening doors to "show" properties or being enthusiastic about sales. It’s about knowledge, responsibility, and professionalism , qualities that directly impact the clients who trust us with one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
I don’t share these examples to criticize. We all start somewhere. But these experiences reinforced something that I’ve always believed: real estate is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make, and it deserves the care and expertise of someone who treats it that way.
An agent’s job is to look out for their client’s best interest, even if that means advising your client to walk away and you as the agent losing a commission. Integrity sometimes requires hard choices, but it always protects the client. And at the end of the day, that’s what matters most in this business.
So if you’re thinking about buying or selling, take the time to ask questions. Find an agent who knows the market, who listens, who educates, and who tells you the truth, even when it’s not the easy answer.
Because real estate isn’t just about closing deals, it’s about guiding people through one of life’s biggest transitions with honesty, care, and experience.
For me, that’s always been the foundation of my work. And it’s what I believe every client deserves.
