How to Choose a Buying Agent
Not all agents are created equal. For the biggest purchase of your life, understanding the difference between an average agent and a great one is critical to your success.
The Industry Secret
The Skill Bell Curve
The barrier to entry in real estate is notoriously low. This results in a massive pool of "average" agents. Statistically, about 68% of agents are average, 14% are bad, 14% are good, and only 2% are truly great. Hiring an average agent for a multi-hundred-thousand dollar transaction is a risk you shouldn't take.
Compare Services
Average vs. Good vs. Great
The Average Agent
68% of the industry
- Can help draft basic offers
- Notifies you when things need doing
- Just fills in the blanks on contracts
- Reacts to events as they happen
- Does whatever the next agent does
The Good Agent
14% of the industry
- Helps develop offer strategies
- Helps you prepare for each step
- Reads and explains contracts
- Responds to feedback
- Applies innovative practices
The Great Agent
AI Certified Strategist
- Prepares AI pricing analysis as part of offer strategy
- Has foolproof systems ensuring you are always prepared
- Deeply understands contract inner workings to protect you
- Anticipates issues before they happen with predictive data
- Innovator who applies advanced tech appropriately
Protect Yourself
The Buyer's Interview Checklist
Don't just hire the first agent you meet. Ask these tough questions to ensure they have the systems and skills to protect your investment.
What is your specific strategy for winning in multiple offer situations?
Why ask this: Average agents just say 'offer more money.' Great agents use escalation clauses, strategic closing dates, tailored contingencies, and build rapport with the listing agent.
How do you find off-market or coming-soon properties?
Why ask this: If they just set you up on an MLS auto-email, they are average. Great agents actively network, use predictive AI to find likely sellers, and have access to private networks.
Can you walk me through your 'Needs Analysis' process?
Why ask this: Average agents ask 'how many beds and baths?' Great agents spend an hour peeling back the layers to understand your true motivations to prevent buyer's remorse.
What systems do you have in place to ensure a smooth closing?
Why ask this: Average agents fly by the seat of their pants. Great agents have documented checklists, dedicated transaction coordinators, and proactive milestone tracking.
How do you determine the true value of a home before we offer?
Why ask this: Average agents look at Zillow. Good agents run a comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) adjusting for micro-market trends and property-specific nuances. Great agents prepare a Broker Price Opinion (BPO) based on Actives, Pending Sales and Recent Solds and weight the differences of the properties - they use AI and then check AI to ensure its accurate.
Ready to Work With a Great Agent?
Skip the average experience. Schedule your AI Strategy Session today and see the difference a top 2% agent makes.
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