How Smart Buyers Will Work With Real Estate Agents in 2025

The headlines might be screaming “cut out the agent!” — but here’s the reality:
The savviest buyers in 2025 are choosing to work with real estate agents… they’re just doing it better.

I’m Tiffany Webber, a real estate attorney in North Carolina and managing partner at Thomas & Webber. After closing thousands of transactions, I’ve seen what separates smooth, successful home purchases from total chaos.

Here’s how smart homebuyers are working with agents more strategically than ever — and what you can learn from them.

1. Passive Buyers Are Out — Strategic Buyers Are In

Gone are the days of saying “just find me a house with 3 beds and 2 baths.”
Today’s smart buyers treat real estate like an investment. They’re focused on:

• Resale potential

• School zones and infrastructure expansion

• Neighborhood trends and long-term value

They’re not just looking for a house — they’re building a strategy. And a good agent helps them connect the dots.

2. They Leverage Data Before Making an Offer

The most effective buyers don’t wait until they’re under contract to look at risk factors.
Instead, they ask:

• Are there future road improvements nearby?

• Is this in a flood zone or a high-insurance area?

• What do the neighborhood restrictions say about rentals or vehicles?

Working with an agent early in the process helps buyers filter out bad fits before falling in love with the wrong home.

3. They Master the Art of Non-Price Offer Terms

Price isn’t the only way to win a house.
Smart buyers understand how to use:

• Due diligence fees

• Earnest money deposits

• Possession before or after closing

In North Carolina, these terms can make or break your offer. And a good agent knows how to structure them to keep you competitive.

4. They See Their Agent as a Project Manager — Not Just a Salesperson

Your agent isn’t just opening doors. They’re:

• Coordinating with your closing attorney

• Following up with your lender

• Tracking down documents and signatures

• Keeping your deal moving on schedule

This is why even experienced professionals (yes, including me) hire agents — because managing a real estate transaction is a full-time job.

5. They Understand That Smooth Closings Start on Day One

A smooth closing doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s the result of:

• Early checklists

• Organized timelines

• Proactive problem-solving

And your real estate agent is often the one quarterbacking that whole process. If you wait until the week of closing to “figure it all out,” you’re asking for stress.

But What About the NAR Settlement?

We get it — you’ve seen the headlines about agent commissions and the NAR lawsuit. But here’s the truth in North Carolina:

• It was already a negotiated term

• Sellers have always had the choice to pay the buyer’s agent

• The rules haven’t drastically changed here

So don’t let national headlines scare you out of hiring someone who can actually save you time, money, and sanity.

Even Real Estate Attorneys Use Agents

Yes — even me.
I’ve written the contracts, I know the timelines, and I’ve closed thousands of deals. But when I buy or sell a house? I still use an agent.

Why?
Because I don’t have time to be the project manager for my own deal — and I want someone who’s got my back when things get messy.

Closing on a Home? Work With a Team That Knows What It Takes.

At Thomas & Webber, we help buyers across Lake Norman, Mooresville, Huntersville, and Denver close with clarity. Whether you’re working with an agent or still figuring things out, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

👉 Send your contract to [email protected] and let’s get your deal done the right way.