3 Types of Real Estate Agents: Choose the Right One to Sell Your Home in Gig Harbor
Let’s be real: not all real estate agents are created equal. The barrier to entry to get a license is shockingly low, and it shows. In some markets, like the San Francisco Bay Area, nearly 1 in 9 households has a licensed agent. That means we all “know a few agents,” but not all of them have the skills, commitment, or expertise to truly protect your home sale.
Here’s the truth: 20% of the agents do 80% of the business. These are the professionals who live and breathe real estate, not dabble in it. And if you’re selling in Gig Harbor, choosing the right type of agent can make the difference between a smooth, profitable sale—or leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
Let’s break down the 3 main types of agents you’ll encounter, and how to know which one is truly working in your best interest.
Why the Agent You Choose Matters
Most Agents Don’t Work Full-Time
While anyone can get a license, most agents aren’t in real estate full-time. Many only sell a handful of homes per year, which means they’re not immersed in the market, contracts, or pricing trends that directly affect your sale.
What It Means to Have a Local Pro in Your Corner
Real estate is local. A Gig Harbor agent who tracks the data every week, networks with local pros, and negotiates daily can give you a major advantage compared to an out-of-area or part-time agent.
The Full-Time Agent
Full-Time Means Full Commitment
Full-time agents are career professionals. They don’t have side hustles—they invest their time and money into marketing your home, studying the market, and building relationships that benefit you.
They know pricing strategy inside and out, leverage social media and marketing tools to reach more buyers, and negotiate fiercely to protect your interests.
What You Can Expect from a Pro
Professional media packages (photos, video, 3D tours)
Staging strategies proven to boost sale prices
Strong networks with local lenders, inspectors, and contractors
Deep understanding of contracts to protect you from liability
Watch Out: Not all full-time agents are equal. Some near retirement may be less engaged with current marketing strategies or technology.
The Part-Time Agent
Juggling Real Estate with Other Jobs
Part-time agents often sell one or two homes per year, compared to the six-home average. Many juggle other careers, making them less available and less connected to the market.
What Sellers Often Miss Out On
Limited knowledge of Gig Harbor’s pricing trends
Out-of-touch negotiation skills
Minimal investment in marketing (sometimes not even professional photos!)
Less focus on staging, open houses, or social media exposure
Hidden Cost: While they may discount their commission, poor marketing and weak negotiations can easily cost you more money than you “save.” For example, staging alone can net sellers 1.5% more—on an $800,000 home, that’s $12,000.
The Tech Company Agent
Algorithms Aren’t Experts
Tech-based brokerages often rely on volume, not individual client success. One person handles your showing, another writes the contract, someone else manages inspections. It’s an assembly-line experience that lacks the personalized strategy you need.
Where These Models Fall Short
Longer days on market
Out-of-area agents unfamiliar with local pricing
Less responsive communication
Marketing packages that may not include essentials like video or staging
While their contracts may be solid, the lack of tailored strategy often leaves sellers at a disadvantage.
Why We Choose to Be Full-Time, Local, Boutique Agents
Real-Time Feedback and Strategy
At Neighborhood Experts, every agent is full-time. It’s a requirement. We’re constantly tracking pending, sold, and active homes in Gig Harbor so we can price like pros and adjust strategies quickly.
Deep Market Knowledge
We don’t claim to know every city—we stick to what we do best. Our team specializes in Gig Harbor and surrounding neighborhoods, giving you the advantage of hyperlocal expertise. If it’s outside our wheelhouse, we’ll connect you with another trusted full-time pro.
We also invest in modern marketing with a fully equipped studio, strong agent networks, and ongoing training to stay sharp on contracts and negotiation. Your success is our success.
Want to Work with a Real Pro? Here’s How to Get Started
Ready to work with a real pro? Contact Paige Schulte to partner with a full-time, boutique team that knows the Gig Harbor market inside and out.
Let’s make your home sale seamless, profitable, and stress-free.
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