By Scott Gaertner, Associate Broker
Agents come in all shapes and sizes. Some agents are area specialists, and some are jack-of-all-trades, covering the entire metropolitan area. So, what’s the advantage of using a local area agent, and does it translate into more money in your pocket?
In-Depth Knowledge of the Area
Much of the Valley used to be farmland, with the vegetation and terrain scraped off and cleared away. In contrast, Scottsdale North has thicker, richer vegetation that has been protected and preserved. The area is less congested, the night skies are darker, and many communities have amenities that promote an active and social lifestyle where you actually know your neighbors. Out-of-state buyers prioritizing flashy HGTV-style home features might overlook these benefits unless they’re pointed out to them. They might miss these important aspects.
We found that over 35% of the agents who showed homes in Scottsdale North were not licensed in Scottsdale. How well can an agent who primarily works in Buckeye sell an out-of-state buyer on your home and lifestyle?
Exclusive Inside Information
All real estate is local. As mentioned before, Scottsdale North is very different from the rest of the Valley. It has the highest percentage of baby boomers in the U.S. and knowing what this demographic values is crucial. An out-of-area agent can look up home prices, but they won’t have firsthand experience with the homes that have sold to accurately compare them to past or current listings. Most communities have quirks that affect a home’s value, like how close they are to amenities such as clubhouses, golf courses, pickleball courts, and pools. These factors can be good or bad, and only experience over time can tell you which. Valuing mountain and golf views takes a lot of practice!
Extensive Database of Prospective Buyers
Depending on how long they’ve been active, a good local agent will build up a database of hundreds to thousands of potential buyers for your home. Their marketing efforts, which are focused on your area, include print, postal, and online ads that attract buyers at all interest levels. Local open houses bring in many buyers, some of whom find the home isn’t quite right for them and your home might fit better. Additionally, past clients and business partners often refer new buyers who are specifically looking in your area and might be interested in exactly what you have to offer.
Motivation and Financial Benefits
Local agents are more motivated to work in the favor of local residents compared to those who cover a larger area or the entire Valley. In a small community like Scottsdale North, word of mouth spreads quickly, especially for agents handling many transactions. These agents rely heavily on their reputation, which they protect because they are invested in the community. Their future success depends directly on their clients’ results.
Our team works hard to get our sellers the highest price for their homes because it’s beneficial for both them and us. For example, we can often show statistically that our listings sell for about 6% more than the area average. This higher sale price can cover the usual commission fees, making it feel like sellers are selling their homes for free. Cost-conscious sellers appreciate this, and they leave reviews like: “We trusted Scott’s knowledge of the market and his faith in the value of our home and were rewarded when he took multiple offers the first open house week and closed our sale significantly above our listing price, and at an unheard of price per square foot!” In today’s online world, more great testimonials mean more great clients. So, our sellers get more money, and we get more clients!
Building Trust and Long-Term Relationships
Choosing a local agent brings many benefits, including deep market knowledge and a personalized approach that truly benefits both buyers and sellers. The experience and commitment of a local agent can transform your real estate journey. If you do not live in Scottsdale North and would like to use a great local agent but don’t know one, I would be happy to help you find one – even out of state. Just give me a call or drop me an email. If you do live in Scottsdale North, we would love to help you maximize your home’s value. Give me a call at 480-634-5000.
