I have been a licensed real estate agent since April 2011. After hundreds of successful transactions and over a decade in the industry, I can confidently say that experience is the most valuable asset in real estate. Hard work, determination, and enthusiasm are essential, but when it comes to selling or buying one of the largest financial assets of your life, is this really the time to trust your cousin’s friend who just got their license? Nothing beats experience.

Real estate transactions can be complicated.

What happens when a home inspector uncovers a major foundation issue? Or when an appraiser flags concerns about the home’s value? What if there’s an unreleased deed of trust from a lumber supplier who built the house 30 years ago? These situations aren’t hypothetical—I’ve encountered them all. When I was just starting out, I had to run around the office looking for guidance from my broker, a corporate trainer, or a more experienced agent. I understand everyone has to start somewhere, but that doesn’t mean you need to risk your home sale or purchase on someone still learning.

Now, I’m the one people call for advice. City assessors reach out to me for insight into market trends. Appraisers contact me when they need help finding comparable sales. Title companies and attorneys consult me on complex real estate matters. I’ve even been recognized as an expert witness for real estate disputes in local courts.

the National Association of Realtors reports

• 50% of agents leave the business within their first year

• 87% of agents don’t last five years

• 71% of real estate agents didn’t sell a single home in 2024.

Yet, many buyers and sellers unknowingly work with agents who have only closed a handful of deals.

Does experience really make a difference? Absolutely.

Over the years, I’ve seen agents make critical mistakes that cost their clients thousands of dollars, including:

• Advising a seller to pay unnecessary closing costs when the market didn’t require it.

• Missing contract deadlines, causing a buyer or seller to lose their deal.

• They sell land to a buyer only for them to find out later that it isn’t buildable.

• Overlooking structural limitations that made a planned home renovation impossible.

• Failing to advise buyers on financial dos and don’ts - like purchasing a car or boat before closing on their home, which can kill a mortgage approval.

• Overpaying for a home, assuming the appraisal would come in low to renegotiate - only to find out that wasn’t the case.

The real estate market is constantly changing. We call it a “Market Shift.” Right now, we’re in one - low inventory, and rising interest rates have completely altered the dynamics of buying and selling. What worked a few months ago may not work today. An experienced agent doesn’t just react to market changes—they anticipate them and adjust strategies accordingly. That’s how buyers win contracts, and sellers maximize their profits.

My team is in the trenches every day. We study every listing, track every sale, and negotiate deals week in and week out. We understand the nuances of this market because we live in it. When competing for your dream home or trying to sell for top dollar, having an experienced team on your side isn’t just an advantage—it’s priceless.