Most people spend more time researching a new phone than they do choosing the person who will help them buy or sell the biggest asset of their lives.
That’s not a knock on anyone. It’s just the reality. When the moment arrives, a lot of buyers and sellers grab the first name they recognize or go with someone a friend mentioned in passing. And sometimes that works out fine. But sometimes it costs them thousands of dollars, months of stress, or a deal that quietly falls apart.
We’ve seen both sides of this at The Dave Reed Real Estate Team. After more than 28 years of combined experience working across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, including areas like Stillwater, Hudson, Woodbury, St. Croix County, and the Twin Cities, we’ve watched what goes right when buyers and sellers pick their agent carefully, and what goes sideways when they don’t. Choosing a real estate agency with the right fit for your specific situation matters far more than most people realize.
This article walks you through what most people skip when making that choice, backed by the most current data available.
The Numbers That Might Surprise You
According to the NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers (covering transactions from July 2024 to June 2025):
- 88% of home buyers purchased through a real estate agent or broker
- 91% of sellers used a real estate agent, an all-time high
- Only 5% of sellers went the FSBO (for sale by owner) route, an all-time low
- 92% of buyers were satisfied with the overall buying process
- 76% of first-time buyers credited their agent with helping them understand the process
These numbers show something important: working with an agent isn’t just the popular choice, it’s the one people consistently say they’re glad they made.
But here’s the catch. Not all agents deliver the same results. And most buyers and sellers don’t know how to tell the difference until it’s too late.
What Most People Actually Do (And Why It Falls Short)
According to Zillow’s 2024 data and NAR’s 2025 figures, here’s how people typically find their agent:
| Method | Approximate Share |
| Online/digital search | ~36% of sellers |
| Referral from friends or family | 28–38% |
| Previous agent (repeat clients) | ~24% of sellers; 73% of repeat buyers reused same agent |
| Open houses | ~5% |
Referrals are the most common starting point, and they’re not a bad one. But there’s a problem: a friend’s great experience doesn’t guarantee yours will match. Their situation, their neighborhood, their price range, and their timeline might be completely different from yours.
Most people interview just one agent. Industry research consistently recommends speaking with at least three before deciding.
The Specific Things Most Buyers and Sellers Miss
1. They Focus on Personality Instead of Performance
Likeability matters. You’ll be working closely with this person. But a friendly agent with mediocre results isn’t doing you any favors.
The metrics that actually tell the story:
- Sale-to-list price ratio: What percentage of asking price are their listings actually closing at?
- Average days on market: How long do their listings sit compared to local averages?
- Recent sales in your area and price range: Have they actually sold homes like yours, recently?
HomeLight’s 2025 data found that top-performing agents (the top 5%) sell homes for up to 10% more than typical agents on average. On a $400,000 home, that gap is significant.
When you meet with an agent, ask for these numbers directly. A good agent will have them ready.
2. They Don’t Check Local Micro-Market Knowledge
There’s a real difference between an agent who knows a metro area broadly and one who knows a specific neighborhood deeply.
In the markets we serve, including Afton, Bayport, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake, Marine on St. Croix, Lakeland Shores, Oak Park Heights, Stillwater Township, and areas across St. Croix County and Washington County, micro-market conditions can vary street by street. One neighborhood might be moving fast. Another a few miles away might be sitting.
Generic agents miss those nuances. Buyers can overpay or miss properties. Sellers can misprice and leave money on the table.
Ask any agent you’re considering: How many homes have you sold in this specific zip code or neighborhood in the last 12 months?
3. They Skip the License Verification Step
This one takes about two minutes and almost nobody does it.
Before you commit to an agent, check their license status:
- Minnesota: MN Department of Commerce
- Wisconsin: WI DSPS (Department of Safety and Professional Services)
Both are publicly searchable. You can confirm their license is active and whether there’s any disciplinary history. It’s a basic step that protects you.
4. They Don’t Know About the New Buyer Agreement Rules
If you’re buying a home in 2026, this is something you need to understand before you walk into a single showing.
As of August 17, 2024, NAR settlement changes require that buyers sign a written buyer representation agreement before any in-person or live virtual home tour. This is now standard practice, and it’s fully in force in 2026 with updated NAR Code of Ethics guidelines.
That agreement must include:
- Specific, clear disclosure of the agent’s compensation (amount, rate, or how it’s calculated)
- Objective compensation terms (flat fee, percentage, or hourly, not vague open-ended language)
- A cap on what the agent can receive from any source
- A clear statement that broker fees are fully negotiable and not set by law
This is actually good for buyers. It means you know exactly what you’re agreeing to before you start touring homes. But many buyers are still caught off guard by it because agents who don’t explain it upfront can create confusion.
Ask any buyer’s agent early: Can you walk me through the representation agreement and how your compensation works?
Sellers should also know: MLS listings can no longer include buyer-agent compensation offers. Compensation is negotiated directly, and everything is on the table.
5. They Assume Solo Agents and Teams Are Interchangeable
Some buyers and sellers specifically seek out a solo agent because it feels more personal. That’s understandable. But it’s worth knowing the trade-offs.
A solo agent managing a full client load may have limited bandwidth when things get busy. Response times can slip. Coordination gaps can appear at key moments like inspections, deadlines, or negotiation windows.
A backed team, like ours at The Dave Reed Real Estate Team in Hudson, WI, means you get David Reed’s background in homebuilding and market expertise alongside Molly Dandelet’s organizational leadership and communication focus. You’re not getting handed off to someone junior. You’re getting two experienced professionals working together on your transaction.
This isn’t the right fit for everyone, but it’s worth asking about when you interview agents.
6. They Don’t Ask About Technology and Tools
According to NAR research, higher-earning agents (those with over $100K in gross commission income) use advanced technology tools at significantly higher rates than lower-earning peers.
What does that mean practically for you? Better data access for pricing decisions, more efficient marketing for sellers, and faster, more accurate responses during a transaction.
When you’re interviewing agents, it’s fair to ask: What tools and resources do you use to market listings or search for properties?
What the Experts Are Saying
Jessica Lautz, NAR Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research, put it clearly in the NAR 2025 Profile:
“Real estate agents remain indispensable in today’s complex housing market. Beyond guiding buyers and sellers through what is often the largest financial decision of their lives, agents provide critical expertise, negotiation skills and emotional support during an increasingly challenging process.”
That word “indispensable” stands out. And the satisfaction data backs it: 89% or more of buyers in the NAR 2025 Profile reported being very satisfied with their agent’s knowledge of the purchase process, responsiveness, honesty and integrity, and market knowledge.
The right agent doesn’t just show homes or list properties. They help you make a clear-headed decision under pressure.
A Simple Framework for Interviewing Agents
Before you commit, here’s a practical checklist:
Performance Questions
- What’s your sale-to-list price ratio for the past 12 months?
- What’s your average days on market, and how does that compare to the local area?
- How many homes have you sold in this specific area or price range recently?
Process Questions
- Can you explain how the buyer representation agreement works and what your compensation structure is?
- How do you communicate with clients and how quickly do you typically respond?
- Who else on your team would I be working with, if anyone?
Verification Steps
- Check their license on the MN Department of Commerce or WI DSPS website
- Ask for two or three references from recent clients in similar transactions
- Look at their recent sold history online
How Sellers Find Agents (And What Works Best)
According to NAR 2025 data, 66% of sellers found their agent via referral or had worked with them before. Of those who sold:
- 87% would recommend their agent (75% definitely would, 12% probably would)
- Nearly two-thirds had already recommended their agent at least once
What drove those strong ratings? The top priorities sellers cared about from their agents were:
- Marketing the home effectively
- Pricing it competitively
- Selling within a specific timeframe
If you’re selling in areas like Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, or North Hudson, these are the questions worth asking upfront: How will you market my home? How do you determine pricing? What’s your average time to accept an accepted offer?
Wondering If You’re Ready to Start? Here’s the First Step
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin and aren’t sure where to begin, that’s exactly the kind of question The Dave Reed Real Estate Team is used to answering.
Whether you’re in Stillwater, Afton, White Bear Lake, Houlton, Lake Elmo, or anywhere across Washington County or St. Croix County, we’re happy to walk through your situation with no pressure and no obligation. Reach out and let’s talk through what makes sense for you.
The One Stat That Ties It All Together
Over 50% of buyers in the NAR 2025 survey valued their agent specifically for pointing out property features or flaws they hadn’t noticed.
That’s not something a listing website does. That’s not something a price estimate algorithm does. That’s someone who knows what they’re looking at, who’s been in hundreds of homes, and who’s paying attention on your behalf.
That’s the value a good agent provides. And knowing how to find that person before you start the process is what gives you the best possible outcome on either side of the transaction.
Ready to Find the Right Fit?
The Dave Reed Real Estate Team serves buyers and sellers across Stillwater, Woodbury, Bayport, Mahtomedi, Oak Park Heights, Hudson, Houlton, Marine on St. Croix, Lakeland Shores, and surrounding areas in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Learn how our real estate services in Bayport can help you achieve your buying or selling goals.
If you want to work with an experienced real estate agency that combines local knowledge with a proven track record, we’d be glad to connect. Reach out today and let’s start the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a good real estate agent near me in 2026? Start by asking for referrals from people you trust, then verify the agent’s license through your state database (MN Department of Commerce or WI DSPS). Interview at least three agents, ask for their performance metrics (sale-to-list ratio, days on market), and confirm they’re familiar with your specific area. Agent-matching platforms that filter by performance data are also a reliable option.
Do I have to sign an agreement before touring homes in 2026? Yes. As of August 17, 2024, buyers must sign a written buyer representation agreement before any in-person or live virtual home tour. This is now standard practice under NAR settlement rules. The agreement must clearly spell out the agent’s compensation and confirm that fees are negotiable.
What questions should I ask a buyer’s agent in Minnesota or Wisconsin? Ask about their recent sales in your target area, their sale-to-list price ratio, how they handle communication, and how their compensation agreement works. Also ask for references from recent clients in similar transactions.
What are red flags when choosing a realtor in St. Croix County or Washington County? Watch for agents who are reluctant to share performance data, can’t name recent sales in your specific area, avoid explaining the buyer agreement, or can’t provide client references. Also check their license status through your state’s licensing board.
Is it okay to use the same agent for buying and selling? It can be a good choice, especially if you had a strong experience with them. NAR 2025 data shows 73% of repeat buyers used the same agent again. That said, still confirm they’re active, up to date on current rules, and familiar with both markets you’re working in.
How do I know if a real estate agent is actually good at their job? Look at their verifiable metrics: sale-to-list price ratio, average days on market compared to the local area, and the number of recent sales in your price range and neighborhood. Ask for references and follow up with them. Strong agents will welcome those questions.
What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a broker? A real estate broker has completed additional education and licensing beyond what’s required for an agent. Brokers can work independently and supervise other agents. In practice, many experienced agents operate under a brokerage. What matters most is their local track record and whether they’re the right fit for your situation.
