The Importance of Hiring a Real Estate Agent

By John West

We understand that our clients are making big life decisions and are trusting us to help them make sure those decisions are wise ones. For us, it is not about transactions, it's about relationships.

Hiring a real estate agent is important for anyone looking to buy or sell a home. While most people do hire an agent, they often get asked about the competence and experience level of the agent they should hire. So, what should one look for in a real estate agent?

First off, the importance of what real estate agents do cannot be overstated. Just like any profession, there’s much more to it than meets the eye. One should think about their own job and how much more is involved than people typically realize. There are many lists out there detailing the 100-plus tasks real estate agents handle, but we tend to think about this more conceptually.

Consider car insurance - its purpose is to fix your car after an accident. Real estate agents certainly perform a similar role; they clean up messes when things go wrong in transactions. For example, if a builder isn’t meeting obligations or a buyer backs out of a deal, the agent steps in to resolve these issues. But there’s another needed component: prevention.

Imagine if you could buy insurance that prevents accidents from happening. This is what we strive to do. A high percentage of real estate-related lawsuits occur in transactions without agent representation. By hiring an agent, the client dramatically reduces the risk of such issues. When clients experience smooth transactions, it’s often because the agent has preemptively addressed potential problems, ensuring buyers are qualified, contracts are solid, and all contingencies are covered.

Not all agents are created equal. Like attorneys or insurance professionals, experience matters. Over 80% of agents have less than two years of experience and fewer than four transactions. While we don’t want to diminish their capabilities, it’s a must for the client to ensure the agent’s expertise matches their needs. With over a combination of 75 years in the industry, our team of agents has handled a wide range of scenarios effectively.

If you are considering hiring a real estate agent for a transaction this year, or have questions about the process, we would love to be part of the interview process. We would love to learn more about your needs. We can be reached at 208-501-8200 or on our website. Feel free to also check our online reviews and submit a contact form. We would love to hear from you and make your story a success.