Since the NAR commission suit settlement, buyer agents have faced new rules, new documents and a new normal. This month, Inman drills down on Today’s Buyers Agent with the fresh marketing strategies, skills and tools buyer agents are using to prosper in changing times.
This post was updated Jun. 26, 2025.
When someone hears the term “real estate team,” they usually think of an agent who has assistants and/or other agents helping them jointly close transactions. What most solo agents fail to realize is that they also have a “team” composed of other industry professionals who assist in every closing.
Whether you’re a solo agent, a team leader or a team member, take this quiz to discover how strong your support team really is.
20 true or false questions
Answer each item as “true” or “false.”
Transaction support
1. I have a very dependable lender or mortgage broker who provides multiple lending options and can quickly qualify my buyers as they begin their search.
Having access to a mortgage broker who can quickly qualify your buyers and answer their questions is a must. Equally important is having multiple lending options when appraisals come in low, the lender hikes the rates unexpectedly, or there is some other hiccup in the transaction.
2. I have a top-notch photographer/videographer who delivers listing photos, video tours and Reels that make my listings stand out.
Visually marketing your property today is much more than having great listing photos. It includes drone photography, videos, 3D virtual tours, plus posts about the local lifestyle. Lack of great visuals results in fewer clicks, fewer showings, and, ultimately, fewer sales.
3. I have a service or partner who helps stage homes for maximum impact, either physically or virtually.
In today’s online marketing world, staging sells. Whether it’s physical or virtual, great staging helps buyers envision themselves in their potential new home.
4. I have a trusted escrow/closing agent who communicates regularly with all parties throughout the transaction and is an expert at getting our transactions closed.
Closing delays, lack of clarity or poor communication can sink your transaction. Today, it’s absolutely essential that you have an escrow/closing officer who is a stickler for detail, who keeps after your clients when they’re late with documentation, masterfully solves problems and can remain calm no matter how crazy things become.
5. I have a reliable team of inspectors who provide accurate, professional reports without alarming buyers unnecessarily.
Today’s buyers are more risk-averse and informed. Inspectors should be thorough and educational — not deal-killers. Be wary of inspectors who call out preventative measures as if they are current issues that need addressing now, not some time in the future.
6. I have a vetted list of local service providers, including plumbers, roofers, electricians and home repair professionals who consistently provide quality work that they stand behind.
When a service provider you referred to your clients does a poor job, it reflects poorly on you. Trusted tradespeople can make or break your transaction as well as positively or negatively impacting the type of reviews you receive.
7. I provide my sellers and buyers with a list of online resources to estimate the cost of any repairs, upgrades or remodeling costs pre- or post-close.
In addition to any local service providers you already use, these online resources provide your sellers and buyers with multiple options for coping with inspection repairs, doing renovations before the house is placed on the market or for buyers after closing.
- Repairpricer converts home inspection reports into detailed repair estimates within 24 hours. This service can help you during offer negotiations by estimating costs due to the inspection report(s) or other costs of updating or remodeling.
- Bosscathome (formerly PunchListUSA.com) provides instant repair quotes from inspection reports and offers contractor services to complete the work pre- or post-sale.
- Fixr estimates how much your remodeling project will cost and is ideal for getting general estimates for repairs and renovations.
- HomeAdvisor provides a general cost guide showing average prices for home repairs as well as estimated remodeling costs by project and ZIP code.
8. I use a home warranty plan that delivers fast, effective service when things break.
I have always advised my sellers to purchase a home warranty for the time their property is on the market. I also recommend that they leave the home warranty in place after closing as an incentive to the buyer when negotiating the price.
In terms of buyers, it’s smart for them to place a home warranty on their new home to avoid unexpected repairs post-closing. I can’t tell you how many times having a home warranty prevented a transaction from falling apart or, worse yet, a major lawsuit.
9. I have an insurance agent who can help my clients get their home insurance policy quickly and affordably, even in fire areas and flood zones.
Insurance is more complex and expensive than ever. I personally work with an insurance broker who can shop more than one insurance company. When my present home and auto insurance almost doubled two months ago, I asked my insurance broker to search for the best-priced policies with the same or more coverage. That phone call saved me over $4,000 — now imagine how your clients would feel if you saved them $4,000.
10. I have a reliable, reasonably priced moving company that my clients really like.
Moving day is when people feel the most stressed. Having a great moving company with great reviews can make this day go much more smoothly for your clients. It will also help you earn a great review.
Helping your clients post-closing
11. I have a list of service providers and resources to help my clients obtain solar panels, energy upgrades and discounts for making their homes more energy efficient.
Green features are increasingly important, especially for younger buyers and those in eco-conscious areas. Regularly check for companies and utilities that may be offering discounts or credits for homeowners who improve their home’s energy efficiency, especially as they’re moving into their next home.
Staying in touch post-close
12. I have a service that sends personalized birthday and home anniversary messages that helps me stay in touch with my clients after closing.
Automated, meaningful follow-ups keep you top of mind while also boosting repeat and referral business. The best choice, however, is something more personal, such as a beautiful card with your handwritten greeting or a token of your appreciation.
Your ‘office team’
13. My office receptionist and/or front desk person is consistently professional, warm and helpful with every interaction, whether it’s in person or by phone.
Your office receptionist is often your potential client’s first interaction with your company. If that person is not friendly and helpful, that interaction reflects on you. One rude receptionist can undo all the hard work you did to generate that lead.
14. My manager and at least two colleagues are willing to help me price new listings as well as help me obtain price reductions when needed.
Pricing in today’s market can be trickier than ever, especially if prices are falling. Having your broker, office manager or other agents you trust to help you accurately price properties can be the difference between having a closed sale versus an expired listing.
15. I have at least one assistant, transaction coordinator or agent who can cover for me in emergencies or when I’m unavailable.
If you can’t make a showing due to a sick child, your car battery dies, or you simply need time off for you and your family, it’s important to have backup. You don’t have to be available 24/7, but you do need someone to follow up when you are unable to do so.
16. I know how to locate at least two agents I can trust to refer buyers or sellers to outside my market area.
Referral income is passive income. If someone is moving outside your service area, use online reviews or your contacts in that location to find at least two agents where you can make the referral. Avoid leaving money on the table, and always be sure to get the agreement in writing.
Personal support
17. My family and loved ones understand the demands of my real estate career and are there to support me.
Real estate is an emotional rollercoaster with plenty of ups and downs. Having a personal support system at home or with close friends and family helps you stay grounded. This, in turn, allows you to provide a better customer experience to your clients.
18. I have a personal support team (doctor, dentist, hairdresser, mechanic, child-care, dog walker, etc.) that keeps my life running smoothly behind the scenes.
Just as you need a professional support team in your business, it’s equally important to have a personal support team that handles as many of the personal details in your life. This allows you to spend more time with those you love rather than trying to squeeze other chores into your day between appointments.
19. I have a social media expert, assistant and/or tech tools that help me maintain a consistent, professional online presence.
Buyers and sellers will vet you online. If you’re not posting, someone else is taking your leads. There are a number of tech tools that can help you with your posts as well as virtual assistants who can do this for you. One of the best places to find these people is Upwork.
20. I regularly check in with a coach, mastermind group or mentor to keep my business growing.
Top performers don’t fly solo. Guidance, accountability and fresh ideas are what keep you ahead.
Scoring
Give yourself one point for each of your “true” responses.
- 18–20: You’re operating like a well-oiled machine. Keep fine-tuning — you’re built for scaling and success.
- 14–17: You have a strong core team. Shore up your content, tech and backup plans for future growth.
- 11–13: You have a solid foundation, but it’s time to upgrade several strategic pieces to remain competitive in today’s market.
- Below 10: It’s time for a team tune-up. Start with your biggest bottlenecks — referrals, tech tools or transaction support. Remember, small changes over time lead to more leads and ultimately more closed transactions.
Based on your score, what is one action step that you can take to make your team or your solo real estate business more effective right now?
Bernice Ross, president and CEO of BrokerageUP and RealEstateCoach.com, and the founder of RealEstateWealthForWomen.com is a national speaker, author and trainer with over 1,500 published articles.
