What Real Estate Agents Actually Do - And Why It Matters
Before entering real estate 12 years ago, I thought selling houses was fairly straightforward: take some photos with your phone, upload them to the MLS, stick a sign in the ground, and wait for offers. I genuinely believed that's basically all there was to it.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
I just met with a couple in Livingston who hadn't sold a property in 35 years. When I asked if they'd sold other homes – maybe a shore house or Florida condo – they said no, nothing in over three decades. I smiled and said, "Well, great news: nothing has changed. It's exactly the same as it was 35 years ago."
They looked relieved until I added, "I'm kidding. It's dramatically different."
The marketing alone has been completely transformed. Professional photography, videography, drone footage, virtual tours, social media campaigns, targeted digital advertising – these weren't even concepts in residential real estate 35 years ago. Today, they're essential for maximizing your home's exposure and appeal.
But what surprises sellers most is everything else we handle throughout the transaction. Just this morning, I met a plumber at 8:30 AM at a house we're selling. We always attend inspections – either Amy or myself – to stay ahead of potential issues. When inspection concerns arise, we don't just pass them along to attorneys. We bring in multiple contractors to confirm whether the work is truly necessary and to provide competitive estimates.
I've saved clients $5,000 to $10,000 multiple times by getting second and third opinions on inspection items. A chimney repair estimated at $12,000 by the buyer's contractor? We've found qualified masons who'll do the same necessary work for significantly less. That extra effort – meeting contractors at properties, coordinating estimates, verifying scope of work – can make an enormous financial difference.
Recently, we helped a client in Summit with something completely unrelated to real estate. She mentioned struggling to ship her car to her Palm Beach home for winter – the shipping company would only deliver to Orlando, creating a logistical nightmare. We connected her with a friend in the automotive business who arranged direct delivery to her house for half her previous cost. Was this in our job description? No. But finding ways to genuinely help clients is how we operate.
What really differentiates good agents from mediocre ones? The willingness to go beyond the basic requirements. Anyone can list your house. The question is: will they fight for an extra $10,000 in your pocket by doing the hard work of getting competitive bids? Will they be available at 10 PM when you have questions? Will they treat your sale with the same care they'd want for their own home?
After working with us, clients consistently tell us – even those who've sold multiple properties across different states – that this was their best real estate experience. That feedback means infinitely more to us than any commission increase from getting them extra money.
When you're ready to sell, don't just hire someone to list your house. Partner with professionals who'll truly advocate for your best interests at every step.
Written by Scott Spelker, The Spelker Team. For expert guidance on buying or selling in today's market, we're here to help. Reach out to us via our website or give us a call for a no-obligation consultation.
Before entering real estate 12 years ago, I thought selling houses was fairly straightforward: take some photos with your phone, upload them to the MLS, stick a sign in the ground, and wait for offers. I genuinely believed that's basically all there was to it.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
I just met with a couple in Livingston who hadn't sold a property in 35 years. When I asked if they'd sold other homes – maybe a shore house or Florida condo – they said no, nothing in over three decades. I smiled and said, "Well, great news: nothing has changed. It's exactly the same as it was 35 years ago."
They looked relieved until I added, "I'm kidding. It's dramatically different."
The marketing alone has been completely transformed. Professional photography, videography, drone footage, virtual tours, social media campaigns, targeted digital advertising – these weren't even concepts in residential real estate 35 years ago. Today, they're essential for maximizing your home's exposure and appeal.
But what surprises sellers most is everything else we handle throughout the transaction. Just this morning, I met a plumber at 8:30 AM at a house we're selling. We always attend inspections – either Amy or myself – to stay ahead of potential issues. When inspection concerns arise, we don't just pass them along to attorneys. We bring in multiple contractors to confirm whether the work is truly necessary and to provide competitive estimates.
I've saved clients $5,000 to $10,000 multiple times by getting second and third opinions on inspection items. A chimney repair estimated at $12,000 by the buyer's contractor? We've found qualified masons who'll do the same necessary work for significantly less. That extra effort – meeting contractors at properties, coordinating estimates, verifying scope of work – can make an enormous financial difference.
Recently, we helped a client in Summit with something completely unrelated to real estate. She mentioned struggling to ship her car to her Palm Beach home for winter – the shipping company would only deliver to Orlando, creating a logistical nightmare. We connected her with a friend in the automotive business who arranged direct delivery to her house for half her previous cost. Was this in our job description? No. But finding ways to genuinely help clients is how we operate.
What really differentiates good agents from mediocre ones? The willingness to go beyond the basic requirements. Anyone can list your house. The question is: will they fight for an extra $10,000 in your pocket by doing the hard work of getting competitive bids? Will they be available at 10 PM when you have questions? Will they treat your sale with the same care they'd want for their own home?
After working with us, clients consistently tell us – even those who've sold multiple properties across different states – that this was their best real estate experience. That feedback means infinitely more to us than any commission increase from getting them extra money.
When you're ready to sell, don't just hire someone to list your house. Partner with professionals who'll truly advocate for your best interests at every step.
Written by Scott Spelker, The Spelker Team. For expert guidance on buying or selling in today's market, we're here to help. Reach out to us via our website or give us a call for a no-obligation consultation.