When it comes to buying or selling a home, it's tempting to hire the first person you know with a real estate license.  You may have seen their Instagram announcement that recently got licensed.  Maybe it’s a friend of the family, someone new to the industry, or even a part-time agent. But here’s the truth: this is likely one of the largest financial transactions of your life. You need experience and their connections in your corner for a smooth transaction. Hire the agent who can trust with your biggest purchase. Someone with a long list of client testimonials who can reference.

Here’s why working with a seasoned, full-time Realtor can make a measurable difference:

1. They Know the Market 

An experienced agent knows your local market inside and out. They’ve seen the ups, downs, bidding wars, and slow seasons—and they know how to price your home competitively or help you negotiate the best deal. You want someone who’s been through a few real estate cycles, and knows the hyper local market. You want the agent who knows the off markets,  and who are connected and plugged into the industry. Their connections with other agents can also make or break a deal when it comes to multiple offers.

2. Expert Negotiation Skills

Whether you're buying or selling, a skilled negotiator can save (or make) you thousands. Experienced Realtors know how to structure offers, navigate tricky situations like multiple offers, or appraisal gaps, and keep their clients’ best interests protected without letting deals fall apart. Their connections come into play when it comes to negotiations and so does their experience. You need an agent who has a their top vendors on speed dial for a quick call.

3. They See Red Flags You Don’t

A seasoned agent has walked through hundreds (or thousands) of homes. They know how to spot problems—from potential foundation issues to sketchy remodels—before they become your financial burden. They also have trusted contacts for inspections, repairs, and legal advice when needed. They also know when an item on a inspection report is minor or when it can be a deal breaker.

4. Less Stress, More Confidence

Let’s be real: real estate transactions are emotional. It's your biggest financial decision. An experienced agent brings calm to the chaos. They keep the details on track, communicate proactively, and troubleshoot issues before they escalate. This isn't their first rodeo—and that helps you sleep better at night. Good agents hire coordinators to handle all the back end paperwork so no detail gets slipped.

5. Marketing That Actually Works

When listing a home, exposure matters. Experienced Realtors invest in professional photography, videography, strategic staging, paid digital advertising, and MLS SEO optimization. They know how to get your property in front of qualified buyers—not just their social media followers. Followers do not convert to real buyers. Hire the agent that has a track record of number of transactions, not number of followers.

6. They’re Invested in Long-Term Reputation

Experienced agents care about their reputation and their repeat referrals. Their business is built on referrals, repeat clients, and results. That means they’re motivated to deliver top-notch service and help you reach your goals—not just close a deal. If you've met an agent who's been in the industry for over a decade, they are committed to their reputation and their high ethical standards.

This is not the time to “do someone a favor", or help a friend out. This is the time to hire a professional. When you work with an experienced Realtor, you’re not just hiring a person—you’re hiring their years of knowledge, their network, their strategy, and their skill set to get you to the closing table.

Ready to work with someone who knows how to get it done? Let’s talk.