Most people spend more time researching a toaster than they do the REALTOR® they’re trusting with one of the largest financial decisions of their life.
That may sound harsh, but after many years in real estate, I’ve seen it happen over and over again.
A friend recommends an agent. Someone clicks a button online and gets connected to the first person who answers the phone. A relative has a real estate license. Before long, a buyer or seller is committed to working with someone they never really researched.
Sometimes it works out just fine.
Sometimes it doesn’t.
The reality is that real estate transactions are rarely as simple as HGTV makes them look. In fact, most transactions encounter at least two or three significant hurdles along the way. Inspections uncover issues. Appraisals come in low. Financing changes. Title problems surface. Septic systems fail inspections. Contractors don’t show up. Buyers get nervous. Sellers get frustrated.
The difference between a smooth transaction and a stressful one often comes down to the experience and problem-solving ability of the agents involved.
Recently, I represented a buyer in a transaction where the listing agent was from outside our area. While well-intentioned, there were several situations where local market knowledge would have made a significant difference. Communication breakdowns occurred, important details were missed, timelines were delayed, and ultimately the closing was pushed back. That delay created additional expenses and unnecessary stress for everyone involved.
Could it have been avoided?
Maybe not entirely.
But having two experienced local agents who understand the nuances of our market, local vendors, inspection issues, county requirements, and common transaction pitfalls would have made navigating those challenges much easier.
Local Knowledge Matters
Prescott isn’t Phoenix.
Prescott Valley isn’t Chino Valley.
A property on city utilities is very different from a property on a well and septic system. Forest properties come with different considerations than subdivision homes. Some neighborhoods have unique HOA requirements. Others have fire insurance challenges. Some luxury properties rely on wells. Some rural properties have easements, access issues, or water concerns that aren’t immediately obvious.
A local agent sees these things every day.
An out-of-area agent may be seeing them for the first time.
Experience Matters Too
Every agent starts somewhere, and every experienced agent was once brand new.
There’s nothing wrong with being a newer agent.
The concern is when a new agent is operating without adequate training, mentorship, or support.
Real estate isn’t learned from passing a licensing exam. Much of it is learned by navigating real transactions, solving real problems, and helping real clients through difficult situations.
When challenges arise—and they will—you want someone who has seen similar situations before and knows how to find solutions.
Questions Every Consumer Should Ask
Before hiring an agent, consider asking:
- How long have you been practicing real estate?
- How many transactions do you complete each year?
- Do you work primarily in this area?
- What types of properties do you specialize in?
- Who supports you if a problem arises during the transaction?
- How will we communicate throughout the process?
The answers may surprise you.
My Final Thought
Choosing a REALTOR® isn’t just choosing someone to unlock doors or put a sign in the yard.
You’re choosing an advisor, negotiator, problem-solver, communicator, and advocate.
The cheapest mistake in real estate is spending a few extra minutes researching who you hire.
The expensive mistakes happen when you don’t.
And if you’re wondering whether your transaction will have a few unexpected twists and turns along the way, I have some good news and some bad news.
The bad news? It probably will.
The good news? That’s why experienced agents exist.
