Why You Need One of the Best Real Estate Agents in Your Area

You’re about to form a very meaningful relationship. No, we’re not talking about dating or getting married. We’re talking about the kind of partnership you need with your real estate agent when you decide to buy or sell a house. And while you’re not committing to spending a lifetime with them, the bond must be one based on trust and communication.

You also don’t want to pick an average agent when there are exceptional ones out there. Here’s what it means to be one of the best real estate agents in St. Louis, and why you shouldn’t settle for anything less.

It’s important to find a real estate professional who you click with and like, but that doesn’t guarantee you’re getting the best real estate agent. Simply put, top agents take less time to move more properties and get better prices.  Luckily, the industry keeps track of numerous statistics, so it’s easy to find exactly how well someone does the job. 

We looked to a nationwide agent referral resource for a comparison of statistics for “top agents” vs. “average agents.” Among the most helpful benchmarks they measure are volume, price, and time. Volume refers to the number of transactions, or homes bought and sold. Price is calculated as the sales price as a percentage above or below the list price. Time is measured in the number of days a house spends on the market. As you will see from these metrics, there is a big difference between a great agent and one who is just okay.

According to the referral company’s calculations, top seller’s agents sold more than 5 times as many houses as average agents:

Houses Sold per Year

Top Agents = 481

Average Agents = 92

There was a significant difference for buyer’s agents too. 

Houses Purchased per Year

Top Agents = 343

Average Agents = 86

The best real estate agents in St. Louis move a lot of inventory. Top agents reach these high numbers by being go-getters and working tirelessly for their clients on both ends of the sale. This kind of success means they’re experts at matching people with houses that meet their needs and budget. And once they line up prospective buyers, they’ve got the skills to close the deal.

Top real estate agents consistently get their clients the most favorable price, whether they’re buying or selling. For seller's agents, that means getting the asking price or better. This measurement is a percentage of the asking price. 

Sales Price / List Price %

Top Agents = 101% (an average of 1% over asking price)

Average Agents = 95% (an average of 5% below asking price)

Top buyer’s’s agents are regularly able to get their clients into houses for less than the asking price. The stats translate to more than $39,000 in savings for buyers using top agents.

Purchase Price / List Price %

Top Agents = 86% of asking price

Average Agents = 89% of asking price

Reaching an agreement on a favorable sales price is a combination of knowing the value of the house, and in the case of a seller’s agent, setting the right asking price. The other element is exceptional negotiating skills. The proof is in the numbers.

Along with settling on a good price, completing a home sale quickly is high on the list of goals for both buyers and sellers. Sellers are typically more motivated to sell fast, so the statistics apply to sellers rather than buyers. 

Average Days on the Market

Top Agents = 54 days

Average Agents = 89 days

These metrics show a clear difference between top real estate agents and average real estate agents. The difference can cost a seller 35 valuable days—that’s 5 weeks!—while they wait for an average real estate agent to find a buyer. In the meantime, the purchase of their next home may be on hold. Not only will the stress mount up, but so will the bills. They may end up responsible for two mortgages, utilities, and insurance during that time.

A great real estate agent balances top-notch professionalism and exceptional people skills. They need to know their industry and all its intricacies, while also calming and encouraging their clients through a stressful life event. When Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties screens new agents, we look for the cream of the crop.

Here is our list of the 11 traits that all of the best real estate agents possess:

1. Integrity
2. Great communication
3. Knowledge of the local market
4. Negotiating skills
5. Strong professional network
6. Attention to detail
7. Problem-solving capabilities
8. Tech-savviness
9. Outgoing personality
10. Motivation and enthusiasm
11. Perseverance

Aside from the above list, what are the specific skills to look for in a real estate professional? 

What you need in a real estate agent depends on whether you’re a buyer or a seller. And whether or not the individual can be considered a “top” agent depends on how well and how consistently they perform their duties.  

How to spot a top Seller’s agent:

• Their expertise in the St. Louis market allows them to price homes just right
• They don’t just line up shoppers, they find serious, qualified buyers
• They don’t waste your time and sell your house fast
• They get you your asking price—or more
• They market your home in creative ways that get it noticed

How to spot a top Buyer’s agent:

• They listen to what you’re looking for and don’t waste your time on the rest
• They help  you define what you’re looking for when you’re not even sure yourself
• They’re like professional matchmakers at finding properties in your price range that check all your boxes
• They have knowledge of the St. Louis area because they live here too 
• They’re expert negotiators who know a good deal when they see one

The agents at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties demonstrate all the traits of the best real estate agents in St. Louis. They routinely land at the top of the “Best Of” lists of local and national publications and trade associations.

Locally owned and operated, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties is well acquainted with every part of the St. Louis region. The agents don’t just work here, they live here. Give our top agents a call—it will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship!