Whether you’re buying or selling a home, working with a professional-quality Realtor can make all the difference. According to Ariel Kormendy and Steve Cecchetto, when you focus too much on price or commission discounts, you risk ending up with unprofessional service, misleading information, and costly mistakes. Let’s unpack why the right real estate agent is worth every penny.
Going the Extra Mile for Sellers
When you’re selling your property, an agent who invests time and resources can help you get the best results. Some agents take photos once, list the home, and hope it’ll sell eventually. But timing is crucial. A home photographed in the winter may not look as appealing as it would during the warmer months, when flowers are blooming and grass is green. Refreshing the marketing materials (especially photos) can dramatically boost curb appeal—but it’s not cheap.
A willingness to spend money on updated marketing, showings, and attention to detail is a sign you’ve hired someone truly invested in selling your home. You’re looking for an agent who’s prepared to pivot, put in the effort, and ultimately make your listing stand out, even if it costs them extra along the way.
The Price Conversation: Honesty Matters
Some agents might tell you what you want to hear about pricing to secure your business, only to push for a lower price weeks or months later. This “bait and switch” approach doesn’t help anyone. It’s better to have a tough conversation about market value right from the start.
If your listing sits too long because it was priced unrealistically, it grows stale. You may have to reduce the price multiple times, and you’ll lose valuable time—and likely end up selling for less. A reliable agent will analyze the market and be upfront from day one.
Commission: When Cheap Can Cost You More
It’s not uncommon for some Realtors to reduce their commission to undercut the competition. However, being a real estate professional is expensive. Between board fees, insurance dues, brokerage fees, marketing costs, and technology expenses, agents invest thousands before a “For Sale” sign even goes up.
Bargain agents often work on volume, meaning they juggle many listings at once. This approach leaves them little time to provide personalized service, which can lead to missed opportunities or subpar marketing. You might save a small amount on commission, but lose tens of thousands on the final sale. Ultimately, cutting corners usually means cutting results.
Do You Really Want a Discount Agent Handling Your Biggest Deal?
For most people, buying or selling a home is one of the most important financial transactions of their lives. When thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) of dollars are on the line, it pays to hire someone who’s truly committed to your best interests. Listen to why a cut-rate Realtor may not have the time or the motivation to advocate for you as strongly as you deserve.
Double Ending or Double Representation: Not Worth the Risk
Some sellers think working directly with the listing agent (who also represents the buyer) could save them money. However, most reputable brokerages discourage double representation because it’s nearly impossible to serve both parties fairly.
If you’re the buyer, do you really want the seller’s agent handling your offer? There’s an inherent conflict of interest, and it can lead to misunderstandings or poorly negotiated deals. It’s always better to have separate agents looking out for each side’s best interests. Read more about how to handle certain situations, like lowball offers here.
Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring a Realtor
When you’re interviewing potential Realtors, prepare a few questions in advance. Think about what really matters to you, whether that’s honesty, marketing savvy, or negotiation skills. You’ll be spending a lot of time with this person and sharing personal financial information, so open communication and trust are essential.
Don’t just focus on who will promise you the highest price or the lowest commission. Ask about their marketing plan, how they handle showings, what services they offer, and how they communicate. A great agent will be honest, prepared, and transparent from the start.
Give KT a call!
In real estate, getting more for less isn’t always a win. A motivated, experienced, and properly compensated Realtor can save you time, stress, and money in the long run. From professional marketing to honest pricing advice, the right approach can net you a better sale price—or guide you to a better deal if you’re buying.
If you’re ready to make a move or just have questions about buying or selling a home, reach out to our professional agents who are committed to your success. This is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life—make sure you have someone in your corner who takes it as seriously as you do.
