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*Market Insights**
Choosing a real‑estate agent hinges on earned trust, not purchased prestige.
In the fiercely competitive Bay Area, one Realtor’s journey—filled with setbacks and victories—highlights the human side of buying and selling homes.
A recent text read: “Julie, we’ve got the last spots for the Top 12 Most Trusted Real‑Estate Agents in your state for 2024. After that, this chance disappears. What do you want to do?”
Such messages, amplified by AI bots, are part of a “pay‑to‑play” trend. Paying a firm, media outlet, or client to buy trust feels counter‑intuitive; trust should be earned through consistent action, integrity, and follow‑through—not bought with money or flashy ads.
You can rally friends to endorse you, buy billboards, or advertise in glossy magazines, but trust remains a non‑commodity. It is forged by what you do, how you act, and the promises you keep. In a partnership between Realtor® and client, trust is the bedrock. Both parties must trust each other from the outset.
With countless agents claiming expertise, distinguishing one from another is difficult. Not all Realtors are equal; skill grows with time and experience—sometimes age. Having spent decades in the field, I’ve witnessed the profession’s evolution. While online resources make real‑estate seem accessible, the reality of preparing, marketing, and negotiating a major investment is far more complex.
Social media dominates today’s property showcases, yet homes are still sold one step at a time. Losing trust ends the transaction. Some agents promise unrealistic outcomes to secure listings, a practice we avoid. The market ultimately sets a home’s value; any guarantee is suspect. Realtors earn commissions, so we aim for the best result, but we cannot promise a specific sale price. The real question is: “How much will my house sell for?” The answer lies in market conditions, not a Realtor’s promise.
We can anticipate a reasonable price range, but beyond that, outcomes are uncertain. That uncertainty fuels real‑estate excitement. In a market where no two homes or sales are identical, trust becomes essential. Sellers must feel confident in the process and know we have their best interests at heart.
Realtors influence the presentation, narrative, and upkeep of a property. We generate excitement, manage interest, and negotiate skillfully. We guide homeowners with empathy and care, but all of this depends on trust. A testimonial captures this: “Thirteen years ago we called Julie after nearly giving up on finding a home in Piedmont. Months later we moved into a gem, thanks to her. Years later, Julie and Sarah made selling our home effortless. Honest, thoughtful, thorough, and a pleasure to work with—trust their team for any transaction.”
Trust is both the objective and the reward, earned through consistent, reliable service.
**How can we help?**
Julie Gardner & Sarah Abel | Compass Realty
Beyond agents, we act as home consultants—educating, exploring, examining, and referring. Count on us to treat your home as our own, ensuring it receives the utmost care.
Learn more.
