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My Perfect Agent (Another One for the Agents)
Our co-founders’ perfect agent is . . . .
If you’ve been following along, you know how critical I’ve been of the industry — and how skeptical I was about hiring an agent at all. But now that I’ve found my perfect agent, I can tell you this: it all came down to value.
Not the lowest fee. Not the biggest promises. Real, demonstrable value.
I could have gone with a 0.5% “list-and-leave” agent out of Denver who’d toss my property on the MLS and disappear. But this cabin — this property — needed more.
I’m still aiming to save around $17,000 in commissions on this deal, but that’s not why I chose her. I chose her because she earned it. And that’s a message I hope every agent takes to heart: if you can clearly show your value, you’ll win over even the toughest, most analytical client.
Here’s how she did it.
Touring the Competition
This one blew me away. She didn’t just glance at MLS photos like most agents do. She physically toured every competing property on the market and took video of each one. That’s smart, strategic intel — the kind that informs pricing decisions, strengthens negotiations, and gives me confidence we’re positioned right.
Agents, take note: this is how you demonstrate that you care enough to do the work.
Unique, Modern Marketing
She doesn’t rely solely on the MLS. She gets it — algorithms matter. Exposure matters. She uses data-driven marketing to reach the right eyes, not just more eyes. I haven’t seen the full campaign in motion yet, but her plan was solid. She understands how people shop for homes today.
If you’re still selling homes like it’s 2012, this is your wake-up call.
Submit Offer of Com With the Offer
This one was non-negotiable to me. I will not work with an agent who refuses to let me demand the buyer agent submit their offer of comp with the offer.
Why? Because I refuse to bid against myself. I’m targeting 1.5% buyer comp — that alone could save me $10,000. In a buyer’s market, that’s ambitious, but it’s worth trying.
This agent gets that.
Full Service at 1.8%
I’ll admit, this one gave me pause. Clever’s model promises 1.5%, but she tacked on their referral fee, bumping it to 1.8%. Initially, that stung. But when I stepped back and compared what she brought to the table, the difference made sense.
I’d rather pay 1.8% of something than 1.5% of nothing.
Market standard is 2.5%, so I am still saving around $7,000.
Full-Time, Local, and Connected
She’s not dabbling in real estate part-time. She’s a full-time pro who’s lived in Summit County for years. That matters.
She has a real network — buyers, lenders, contractors, other agents — the kind of local Rolodex that can get a deal moving fast. And with two assistants handling details like key management and showings, she’s running a tight, professional ship.
Responsiveness = Respect
When I text, she replies. Fast. Sometimes within minutes. When I email, I don’t have to chase her. That level of responsiveness might sound simple, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to prove your worth.
In real estate, silence is stressful. Communication equals confidence.
One Small Miss
No one’s perfect — and here’s where I’d offer constructive feedback.
The professional photos should have been staged better. We’ve got this great outdoor seating area by the river — and in the listing photos? Plastic bins, ladders, and couch covers were everywhere. Ten minutes of cleanup would have made a huge difference.
The agent wasn’t there for the shoot, and I don’t think her assistants were either. I’ve asked for the clutter to be photoshopped out — but if I were in her shoes, I’d have the photographer back out there to retake them. That’s what great agents do — they own the details.
The Lesson for Agents (and Consumers)
To every agent reading this: your value isn’t in your fee, it’s in your follow-through. Be transparent, be proactive, and be relentlessly client focused. That’s how you win trust and build referrals for life.
And to every consumer: don’t just chase the cheapest listing option.
Find a professional who’s proven, responsive, creative, and truly working for you.
Because the right agent doesn’t just list your property — they partner with you to get it sold.
