Who You Work With Matters (In Real Estate and Everything)

Recently, my CPA retired and I needed to find a new one. My tax returns are complicated because I own my own business and we own rental properties. I started asking other successful realtors who they used. There was one local CPA who was recommended by more than one agent. I interviewed him and I could tell he was an expert. He charged double what my last CPA charged, and he was able to save me 10x more than his fee in tax savings. Did I make the right choice? 

When you hire an attorney, do you hire the cheapest or the attorney with the highest skill set? 

Do you think a home will sell for a fixed price or do you believe there is a range of value based on the marketing and negotiation skills of the listing agent? 

If you are purchasing a property, do you think a random agent who pays for leads on Zillow will have the skills to provide the best representation? What about a friend who you want to help out? 

When it comes to professional services, who you work with matters. In the fields of real estate, law, and financial services, it could mean a difference of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. In the field of medicine, it could mean the difference between life, disability and death. 

That’s why it makes me crazy when I see a client on the other side of a transaction who is working with an amateur. My partner, Justin, has participated in many calls between me and these other agents, and he told me he “feels bad for those agents,” because the competition is unfair. I feel bad for their clients.

We are taking over a couple of listings right now that other agents were unable to sell. I believe we will see more of this. In today’s shifting real estate market, where it is challenging to bring buyers and sellers together, quality representation is imperative. Every listing is not going to sell. But that doesn’t mean a good deal will be a slam dunk for buyers, as our inventory is 33% below “normal.”

The good news is there are many fantastic agents out there. I’m grateful to be working with several right now. I’ve also been involved with several agents who submitted terrible offers that my clients did not feel were worthy of a counter-offer. In a more challenging market, these agents may leave the business because they don’t have the skills required to be successful.

Even if you are thinking of a real estate transaction in another market, let me know. I have made it my business to know the best agents around the country and can make recommendations and introductions. 

Don’t work with just anyone. Who you work with matters.