Is Your Real Estate Agent Truly Qualified? Part 2

By Jason Starr

With over 30 years of combined experience, we understand the finer nuances of selling your home. We know where the seller's largest loss of revenue is when selling and the 4 reasons why a home doesn't sell. Want to learn? Contact us knowing you'll receive no pressure and total confidentiality.

Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a home purchase or sale. While many agents hold a license, not all have the experience or track record to handle one of your largest financial transactions. Understanding how the real estate industry works and what sets high-performing agents apart can help you make a more informed decision. Here’s everything you need to know:

Many agents leave early. Most people are unaware of the high rate of agents who leave the business early. According to the National Association of Realtors, 75% of agents do not make it through their first year. By the five-year mark, 87% have left the industry. That alone should tell you how challenging this career really is and why experience should matter when choosing someone to help you buy or sell a home.

This job takes far more effort and commitment than most people expect. It is not just about showing homes or writing offers. It involves constant learning, handling complex situations, and managing high-stakes transactions. Many agents underestimate the demands, and so does the public. To give you a clearer picture, consider this. In New Hampshire, only 49% of agents sell $2 million or more in home sales. Only 22% reach $5 million.

What does this mean for you? When a home sells, the fee paid to the agent is typically split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. This fee is then split again between the agent and their brokerage. If an agent is new, that split can be as low as 50/50. More experienced agents may receive an 80/20 split. Reaching $2 million in sales is often the minimum needed to stay in the business. Most agents below that point are part-time or rely on another income. At $5 million, an agent can usually support a household on their income alone.

These numbers come from over two decades of working in the industry. They stand out for a reason. Over half of the agents working with clients each year do not produce enough volume to make a living from real estate. Yet they are handling what is likely your second most valuable asset. This is something every buyer and seller should know. Reaching $5 million in sales takes consistent work, discipline, and usually some experience.

There are just over 5,000 agents who do deals each year in New Hampshire. With the statistics shared, you can do the math for yourself. This is information I believe every consumer should consider when deciding who to work with. If you need guidance navigating the market or have questions about choosing the right agent, don’t hesitate to call me at 603-293-7227 or send me an email at StarrRealtyNH@gmail.com. I’m here to help you every step of the way.