🔍 Why Choosing the Right Agent Matters

Buying or selling a home in Oakland County, Michigan is more than just a transaction—it’s a life-changing event. The real estate agent you work with can have a major impact on your experience, from **pricing and marketing to negotiations and closing the deal smoothly**.

Some believe it’s necessary to **interview multiple agents** before making a choice. While this can be helpful in certain situations, it’s not always required. In fact, you might already have all the information you need to make the right decision—without realizing it.

Let’s break down when **meeting several agents** is beneficial and when it may just be a time-consuming process.

📊 Most Buyers and Sellers Don’t Interview Multiple Agents

According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), most people don’t go through a lengthy selection process when choosing a real estate agent.

📌 What the Research Says:

• ✔ 77% of repeat buyers and 67% of first-time buyers worked with the **first agent they met**.
• ✔ 81% of sellers only contacted **one agent** before making a decision.
• ✔ 87% of sellers were happy with their choice and **would recommend their agent**.

This suggests that most people already have an agent in mind before they officially start the process—whether through **referrals, online research, or past experience**.

👀 Have You Already Evaluated Agents Without Realizing It?

Even if you haven’t had a formal interview with an agent, you’ve probably been assessing them **for months** in more subtle ways.

Consider the following:

• ✅ Have you seen an agent’s name frequently in **local ads, community events, or social media?**
• ✅ Have you followed **market updates or home-buying tips** from experts like Tom Gilliam’s real estate blog?
• ✅ Have you received **a recommendation from a family member, friend, or co-worker**?

If the answer is **yes**, you’ve already done **a significant amount of research** without even realizing it!

⚠️ Can Interviewing Too Many Agents Hurt Your Decision?

While it’s wise to explore your options, talking to too many agents can sometimes do more harm than good.

🚨 Why It Can Be Risky:

• ❌ Conflicting Pricing Strategies – One agent may suggest an unrealistic price just to secure your listing, while another may undervalue your home, leading to a **longer selling process or lost profits**.
• ❌ Time Lost – The longer you take choosing an agent, the **more market opportunities you might miss**.
• ❌ Sharing Too Much Information – Discussing your timeline, budget, and motivations with multiple agents may create **unnecessary risks** if they don’t end up representing you.

The best agent for you isn’t necessarily the one you **interview the longest**—it’s the one who **demonstrates expertise, transparency, and a track record of success.**

🤔 When Should You Consider Meeting Multiple Agents?

Not sure whether you need to speak with more than one agent? Here’s a guide to help you decide:

✅ When You Might **NOT** Need Multiple Interviews:

• ✔ You already **trust an agent** based on their reputation and experience.
• ✔ You’ve been following their **market insights, testimonials, and successful sales**.
• ✔ A close friend or relative **had a great experience** with a particular agent.

🔎 When You **Might Want to Compare Agents:**

• ✔ You are **new to the market** and want to explore different approaches.
• ✔ You need a **strong marketing strategy** for selling your home quickly.
• ✔ You’re buying in a **highly competitive market** and need an aggressive negotiator.

🏡 Why Work with Tom Gilliam?

As a **top Realtor in Farmington Hills, Novi, Northville, West Bloomfield, Wixom, Commerce, and Royal Oak**, I offer expert guidance tailored to your unique needs.

🔹 What Makes Me Stand Out?

• ✔ 20+ Years of Experience in Oakland County real estate.
• ✔ Advanced Marketing Strategies to attract the right buyers.
• ✔ Expert Negotiation Skills for maximizing your investment.
• ✔ Client-Focused Approach—Every transaction is personal to me.