By Tim Ornell | Ornell Group Real Estate
I was in Cabo last week with my family and found myself thinking about something interesting.
How do people actually choose a real estate agent?
It’s something many homeowners don’t think about until they need one. But when you step back and watch how buyers and sellers move through the process, a few patterns start to appear.
And they’re not always what people expect.
Relocation Buyers Often Start Online
Many buyers moving to Minnesota come from places like California, Colorado, or the East Coast.
They usually begin their search online.
They watch YouTube videos about neighborhoods. They read articles about local communities. They look at listings to understand pricing.
Eventually they start noticing certain agents repeatedly showing up in those searches.
Sometimes it’s because of the homes those agents list. Other times it’s because of the way they present properties or the information they share about the market.
That visibility often becomes the first introduction.
Local Buyers Often Start With Relationships
For people already living in Minnesota, the process can look different.
Many buyers begin with someone they already know.
A friend used them. A neighbor recommended them. Maybe they’ve seen their signs around the neighborhood.
Relationships play a major role in how agents are chosen here.
Minnesota is a place where people often stay in the same communities for many years.
The Market Changes at the Higher End
Something interesting tends to happen as price points increase.
At a certain level, the decision becomes less about familiarity and more about expertise.
A seller might know several agents personally, but when it comes time to sell a higher-value home they often begin thinking differently.
It becomes similar to choosing a specialist in medicine.
If you need a general checkup, many doctors can help.
If you need knee surgery, you usually want the surgeon who focuses on knees.
Luxury and waterfront homes often fall into that category.
Sellers want someone who understands the specific dynamics of that market.
Marketing Becomes Part of the Decision
At the higher end of the market, marketing also becomes part of the conversation.
How will the home be presented?
Where will buyers see it?
How will the property stand out in a competitive environment?
These questions become more important when a home represents a significant asset.
Sellers often want confidence that the strategy will match the value of the property.
Reputation Still Matters
Even with marketing and visibility, reputation remains important.
Real estate is still a relationship business.
But at the higher end of the market, reputation is often built on results and experience within a specific niche.
Buyers and sellers want to know that the person representing them understands the details that influence value.
A Different Way to Think About Choosing an Agent
When people step back and think about the process, they often realize the decision isn’t just about hiring someone they know.
It’s about hiring someone they trust to guide one of the most important financial decisions they’ll make.
The right agent helps simplify the process, position the property correctly, and navigate the details that come with buying or selling a home.
And when that happens, the entire experience tends to feel a lot smoother.
About Tim Ornell
You can also hear directly from past buyers and sellers who have worked with me here:
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If you're exploring lake homes in the Twin Cities, these articles may also be helpful:
• White Bear Lake Waterfront Homes: What Buyers Should Know
• Should We Sell Our Lake Home or Keep It For The Kids?
• Why Waterfront Real Estate Requires a Different Strategy in Minnesota
Preparation creates leverage.
Relationships outlast transactions.
If you're exploring waterfront homes or simply curious about the market, I'm always happy to connect.
Tim Ornell
Ornell Group | Real Broker
Luxury & Waterfront Real Estate
Northern Twin Cities Lakes
ornellgroup.com
