(Hint: “Top Producer” doesn’t always mean “Best for You”)
When you’re buying or selling a home in Central Vermont, choosing the right REALTOR® is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It’s easy to be dazzled by numbers — the “Top 10 Producer” awards, the slick marketing, and the social media highlights. But here’s the truth: the best agent for you isn’t necessarily the one with the most transactions.
By Trish Sawyer
The Difference Between “Top” and “Right”
Large teams often earn those “top” rankings because they work in volume. They’re structured to churn and burn — handling a high number of clients at once, supported by assistants, coordinators, and showing agents.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with that model — but it means your experience will likely involve multiple hand-offs. You might meet the lead agent at your listing appointment or first showing, but after that, you’ll be passed to someone else for the details that matter most.
If you prefer a more personal, one-on-one experience — someone who truly knows you, your property, and your goals — you’ll want a REALTOR® who manages every step directly.
What Personal Service Looks Like
Before I became a real estate agent, I bought, sold, and built seven of my own homes. I worked with some amazing, personable, and creative agents — and some that were subpar. The ones I appreciated most treated me as though I were their only client.
On one occasion, I decided to go with a big name to sell my home in a relatively slow market. Turns out, I met him once — and the rest of the time I was handed off to his staff. Not the experience I thought I was going to receive.
Once I became an agent myself, I committed to delivering a level of service far beyond the experience I had with that “Top Producer.”
No assistants. No coordinators. No layers of communication to get in the way. When my clients choose me, they get me — day or night, weekdays or weekends. I’m there when the photographer arrives, when the inspection report lands, when emotions run high, and when it’s time to celebrate your closing.
You won’t be handed off, because I believe real estate is personal. It’s about trust, communication, and being fully present for the people I serve. The irony is that, in delivering such personal, dedicated service, one quickly becomes a top producer — the right way.
Experience Doesn’t Always Equal Expertise
It’s easy to assume that decades in the business automatically translate into better service, but experience alone doesn’t make someone the right fit. Sure, an agent may have handled thousands of transactions over the years, but real estate is a people business — and people skills matter. Some agents are warm, communicative, and constantly engaged in market research and trends; others lean on the phrase “I’ve been in this business for decades” as if longevity alone guarantees excellence.
Case in point: I recently worked with a listing broker of substantial tenure who, during a tense negotiation, told my buyers she might “vomit” if they withdrew after the home inspection. Needless to say, it wasn’t the inspection that ended that deal — it was the broker’s unprofessional behavior. Thirty-six years of experience didn’t make her a better agent; it just made her more practiced at being unpleasant.
The takeaway? Choose an agent who combines knowledge with integrity and empathy, not just years in the business.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a REALTOR®
If you’re interviewing agents in Central Vermont, try asking:
- Who will be my main point of contact during the process?
- Will you personally attend the showings, inspections, and closing?
- How many clients do you work with at once?
- How do you communicate — and how quickly do you respond?
These questions reveal not just experience, but approach. A great REALTOR® should make you feel heard, supported, and prioritized — not just processed.
Why It Matters in Vermont
Buying or selling in places like Stowe, Waterbury, Waitsfield, or Warren isn’t the same as working in a big city. Vermont real estate thrives on local expertise, relationships, and responsiveness.
You deserve an agent who understands the nuances of our market — from wells and septic systems to zoning quirks, mountain views, and muddy driveways — and who treats your home or your search with care.
The Bottom Line
The right agent isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest team — it’s the one who gives you their full attention, their experience, and their heart.
If you're looking for a REALTOR® who will listen and provide you with an elevated and exceptional experience, let me know! I would be happy to help!
Trish Sawyer, REALTOR®
New England Landmark Realty LTD
📍 Central Vermont Real Estate — Waterbury • Stowe • Waitsfield • Warren
📧 trishsawyer@nelandmark.com
🌐 TrishSawyerProperties.com
