A Great Agent Is Essential as Market Discounts Rise

The importance of your relationship with your real estate agent should never be underestimated—your agent can make or break a successful buying or selling experience.

You want confidence that your agent is on your team and committed to securing the best possible deal on your behalf. In today’s market, that’s more important than ever.

Why a Skilled Agent Matters Right Now

An experienced, high-quality agent can protect you from the challenges we’re seeing today:

• Sellers pulling homes off the market

• An increase in discounts offered

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 26% of all deals in June closed with a seller discount.

At the same time, inventory is climbing. Zillow reports a five-year high in homes for sale—up 17.2% year-over-year—reaching 1.36 million, the highest since November 2019.

With more competition and more price cuts, sellers are understandably frustrated—and that frustration often lands on agents. This makes choosing the right one even more crucial.

How to Select the Right Real Estate Agent

It’s never 100% certain you’ll avoid issues, but you can drastically reduce your chances by being diligent in your selection process. Here’s what to look for:

1. Rapport and Trust

Your relationship with your agent should be built on open, honest communication. Without it, the partnership can unravel quickly at the first sign of a challenge.

2. Two-Way Communication

Expect a weekly call at minimum. A good agent will:

• Share feedback from showings (positive and negative).

• Discuss buyer perceptions of your property’s value.

• Update you on neighborhood market activity.

If there are no showings, your agent should still be ready to answer:

• “What’s going on in the local market?”

• “Does my price still reflect fair market value?”

3. No Hiding Behind Emails or Texts

While texts and emails have their place, they’re not enough. Some agents use them to avoid tough conversations. That’s not the type of representation you want.

4. Unfiltered Feedback

A strong agent won’t sugarcoat. If buyers repeatedly say your price is too high, you need to hear it. An agent who avoids that conversation—often because they suggested the price—isn’t serving you well.

5. Regular Marketing Updates

You shouldn’t have to chase your agent for updates. A proactive agent will share:

• Online traffic insights from sites like Zillow.

• How your listing compares with others nearby.

• What marketing steps they’re taking to reach more buyers.

If you find yourself asking, “What are you doing to market my home?”—that’s a red flag.

Final Thought

Your choice of agent can be the deciding factor between frustration and success in today’s shifting market. With discounts on the rise and inventory at record highs, it’s never been more important to have a partner you can trust.

If you’d like assistance with your property needs, I’d be happy to help. Contact me today to start a conversation.