What Does It Really Mean to “Hire” a Real Estate Agent?
(And Why It’s Never Too Early to Do It)
You’ve probably heard you “should work with a real estate agent,” but… what does that actually mean? Is it just someone who unlocks doors and writes contracts? Is it something you only do when you’ve already found the house?
I’d like to flip that thinking on its head — because in my experience, waiting to hire your agent can cost you time, money, and sometimes the home you’ve been dreaming about.
Let’s talk about why.
Why Early Is Better
At an open house, I often hear:
“We’re just looking right now. We’ll hire someone when we’re ready to make an offer.”
But here’s the thing — by the time you are ready, the best opportunities can slip right past you.
An agent’s value doesn’t just start when you’re signing paperwork. When you hire early, you get:
A clear game plan and process before emotions take over
Upfront guidance on financing so you can move fast when you find “the one”
Market insights you can only get from crawling around 1,000 homes on Whidbey
Access to homes before they’re public (yes, those exist!)
A strategy for competitive offers — hint, it’s not just about price
Think of it like training for a race. You don’t wait until race day to start warming up.
What You Should Expect From Your Agent
Not all agents work the same way, and frankly… you deserve better than “door opener.” Here’s what I believe you should expect:
Local expertise — Someone who knows the neighborhoods, the micro-markets, and the hidden gems on Whidbey Island.
Clear communication — Updates before you have to ask.
Strong local connections — Lenders, inspectors, contractors, and service providers at the ready.
A tailored strategy — Not just “let’s look at houses,” but a full plan to help you win in this market.
Advocacy — Someone who’s in your corner from the first meeting to the keys in your hand.
The Top Five Questions to Ask Before Hiring
If you’re interviewing agents, here’s your cheat sheet:
How do you approach helping a buyer find the right home (not just any home)?
How will you help me be competitive in this market?
What’s your experience and expertise on Whidbey specifically?
How do you handle problems that come up during the process?
What advantage will I have working with you over other brokers?
The Work You Don’t See
A good agent’s day is filled with things clients rarely notice — but benefit from every single time:
Calling agents to find out about homes that hit the market
Researching comps so you don’t overpay
Spotting potential issues in a home before they become deal-breakers
Negotiating repairs or credits after inspections
Keeping deals alive through appraisal hiccups, title snags, or lender delays
When you hire early, you get all of that in your corner from day one.
Myth vs. Reality
Myth: You only need an agent once you’ve found the house you want.
Reality: The best agents start working for you before you even step inside your first showing.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re thinking about buying — whether it’s next month or next year — I’d love to be that early resource for you. A short, no-pressure conversation now can save you stress (and possibly money) later.
📅 [Schedule a coffee chat with me here]
📩 Or just send me a quick message at [your email].
P.S. If we met at an open house recently — hi again! I’d love to answer any questions you have about the market here on Whidbey Island. I live here, work here, and know this market inside and out.
