Let's Ask Katie - January 2025

Let’s Ask Katie

Expert Advice for all your Real Estate questions from Katie Machoskie

Hi Katie,

We are starting to look for a home and a realtor just asked us to sign an agreement where we will only work with him to find a house over the next three months. Wouldn’t it be better for us to have a few good Realtors out looking for us and whoever finds the house we want can represent us? 

Jon, Newport Beach

Happy New Year Jon. 

In a competitive real estate market like ours where inventory is scarce, finding the right home can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This is where the expertise of a seasoned realtor becomes invaluable, especially when it comes to accessing off-market listings. Off-market properties, also known as Private Exclusives, or pocket listings, are homes that are for sale but not publicly advertised. These listings offer buyers a unique opportunity to explore options that are not available to the general public.

A skilled realtor has the network and connections necessary to uncover these hidden gems. They maintain relationships with other agents, homeowners, and industry professionals who might have knowledge of upcoming listings. This insider information allows them to present clients with exclusive opportunities that others may not even know exist.

More importantly. an experienced realtor understands the nuances of the local market and can provide strategic advice on how to approach off-market deals. They can negotiate effectively on your behalf, ensuring you get the best possible terms. Their expertise in navigating the complexities of real estate transactions can save you time, money, and stress.

Working with buyers takes a great deal of time, energy and resources, most of which are nearly invisible to the consumer. Most agents will limit the number of buyers in a time period, so they provide the best possible customer service. Requesting a buyer to sign an exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement is a good business practice and a sign that the agent is a professional. Partnering with the right realtor can open doors to properties you might never have discovered on your own, giving you a competitive edge in a tight housing market. So interview a few buyer’s agents and find an experienced, connected agent.