Do you even need a real estate agent anymore? Are we becoming a thing of the past?

Let me clear that up right away. Yes, you absolutely still need a real estate agent. And yes, I realize I’m a realtor, so of course I would say that. But hear me out.

I’m not just saying this because it’s my profession. I’ve worked through enough smooth and chaotic transactions to tell you firsthand why having a trusted agent matters. Some deals are easy. You write an offer, attend the inspection, send a few emails, and collect a check. But then there are the ones where things go sideways. Buyers ghosting the day before closing. Missed deadlines. Lawyers stepping in to fight over earnest money. It’s in those moments that experience really counts.

Do you need a Charlottesville real estate agent?

If you’re not sure, feel free to reach out to me or my broker, Darian Cochran. Between the two of us, we’ve helped guide clients through countless challenges over the past year alone. The key is not just finding any agent, but working with someone who’s truly active and respected in the Charlottesville market.

When people refer to the top Charlottesville real estate agents, they’re not just talking about sales volume. They’re talking about reputation, responsiveness, negotiation skills, and the ability to keep deals on track. I’m Craig Massie, and I’ve built my name here in Central Virginia by doing exactly that—helping buyers and sellers stay grounded during stressful moments and making sure no detail is overlooked.

What should you look for in an agent?

Start with one simple question: Are they full-time?

You wouldn’t take your car to a part-time mechanic for major repairs. Real estate is no different. A full-time agent is living in the market every day. We know the current trends, we’ve built local relationships, and we’ve dealt with just about everything you can imagine. When a client asks me for advice, I’m not guessing. I’m drawing from real experience.

Ask about the tough deals too. I’ve had my fair share. But I’m proud of how I’ve helped clients through unexpected setbacks, always with their best interest first. A top agent doesn’t just post sold signs. They protect your money, your timeline, and your peace of mind.

Look at digital presence too

In today’s world, an active online presence matters more than ever. Buyers are scrolling Instagram. Sellers are watching market trends on Facebook. I use social media and digital tools to keep my clients informed, showcase listings, and stay ahead of local real estate trends. If your agent isn’t showing up where buyers are looking, they may be missing opportunities.

Alignment matters

Whether you’re buying or selling, your goals should be your agent’s top priority. I don’t push people into homes. I listen, ask questions, and offer honest advice, even when it means advising someone to wait. That’s one reason why many of my clients end up referring friends and family to me. They know I’m not just trying to close a deal. I’m focused on helping people make the right move at the right time.

Are real estate agents going extinct?

There’s a lot of talk about changes in the real estate industry. With lawsuits involving the National Association of Realtors and shifting commission rules, some people wonder if buyer’s agents will even exist in a few years.

I don’t think agents are going away. But I do think we’re seeing the start of a major shift in how agents are compensated and how buyers interact with listings. Some buyers may go directly to listing agents, or take on more of the cost of representation themselves.

That shift will likely mean fewer agents overall, but the ones who remain will be the professionals who know how to adapt, serve clients well, and stay ahead of the curve. I plan to be one of them.

Final Thought

Choosing the right real estate agent in Charlottesville can make or break your experience. Look for someone who is full-time, experienced, transparent, and active in both the local market and the digital space.

Here’s what to consider when making your choice:

• Are they full-time and highly active in the Charlottesville real estate market?

• Do they have a proven track record of navigating both simple and complex deals?

• Are they known locally for transparency, strong communication, and client-focused service?

• Do they stay visible and engaged across social media and digital platforms?

• Do they have a reputation Craig Massie, consistently named among the top Charlottesville real estate agents?

If you’re looking for guidance from someone who’s been through it all, I’d love to help. As a trusted local agent, I’ve built my business by putting clients first, staying informed, and doing the work that gets results.

Let’s talk about your goals and see if I’m the right fit to help you move forward.