One of the biggest surprises I hear from buyers and sellers after closing is, "I had no idea how much you actually did."
That's understandable.
Most people only see the showings, open houses, and closing photos on social media. What they don't see are the dozens of conversations, negotiations, phone calls, emails, research, and problem-solving that happen behind the scenes to keep a transaction together.
Here's what your REALTOR® is really doing long before closing day.
IT STARTS WITH UNDERSTANDING YOUR GOALS
Every client has a different reason for moving.
Some are first-time buyers. Others are downsizing, relocating, building a custom home, or selling an estate.
Before I recommend a single property or discuss pricing, I spend time learning about your family, your timeline, your priorities, and what success looks like for you.
That information guides every recommendation I make moving forward.
Every real estate journey is different, which is why I believe education should come before major decisions. Whether you're buying, selling, or considering building a custom home, my Home Buying & Selling Resource Center is filled with trusted local professionals, educational guides, checklists, and resources to help you feel prepared every step of the way.
RESEARCHING THE MARKET
One of my biggest responsibilities is helping clients make informed decisions.
That means studying comparable sales, monitoring inventory, reviewing neighborhood trends, and understanding what buyers are actually paying—not simply what homes are listed for.
I use data to support my recommendations because pricing should never be based on emotion or guesswork.
BUILDING THE RIGHT TEAM
Building the right team starts with understanding the entire buying process. If you're purchasing your first home, taking time to learn what happens before writing an offer can make the experience much less stressful and help you avoid common mistakes.
Real estate isn't a one-person job.
Throughout a transaction I coordinate with lenders, inspectors, title companies, appraisers, contractors, insurance professionals, and other specialists to help keep everything moving on schedule.
If a buyer doesn't have financing in place, I connect them with trusted local mortgage professionals to begin the pre-approval process.
NEGOTIATING BEYOND PRICE
Many people think negotiations are only about getting the highest or lowest number.
In reality, negotiations involve:
- Inspection requests
- Repair negotiations
- Closing dates
- Possession timing
- Appraisal challenges
- Financing contingencies
- Earnest money
- Contract terms
Every detail matters.
HELPING CLIENTS AVOID COSTLY MISTAKES
One of the greatest values an experienced REALTOR® provides is helping clients avoid expensive surprises.
My background with Giguere Homes gives me insight into residential construction, new builds, and vacant land that many agents simply haven't experienced firsthand.
That perspective allows me to ask better questions and help clients evaluate properties beyond what they immediately see.
Beyond choosing the right home, selecting the right community is just as important. If you're still comparing neighborhoods throughout Mid-Michigan, I encourage you to explore my Greater Lansing Community Guides to learn more about schools, parks, restaurants, housing options, and what makes each community unique.
A REAL EXAMPLE
I once met with a homeowner and recommended a list price supported by comparable sales.
Another agent suggested listing roughly $20,000 higher.
The homeowner understandably chose the higher number.
Two months later, the property had been reduced by $20,000 to the same range I originally recommended.
While the price eventually aligned with the market, the listing had already lost valuable momentum, making it more difficult to generate excitement from buyers.
It's a reminder that accurate pricing backed by data often outperforms unrealistic pricing designed simply to win a listing.
YOU'RE HIRING MORE THAN SOMEONE TO OPEN DOORS
When clients hire me, they're hiring someone who is invested in their success.
You'll work directly with me throughout your transaction—not an assistant or another agent.
My role is to educate you, advocate for your best interests, answer your questions honestly, and help you make confident decisions from our first conversation through closing day.
Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make.
You deserve someone who is committed to protecting that investment every step of the way.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
If you found this article helpful, here are a few additional resources to help you navigate your real estate journey.
Home Buying & Selling Resource Center
How to Know When to Switch Real Estate Agents?
How Does Hiring a Real Estate Agent Work?
Browse Greater Lansing Communities
NICOLE GIGUERE
REALTOR® | Giguere Estates, PLLC
RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals
If you're considering buying, selling, building, or purchasing vacant land in the Greater Lansing area, I'd be honored to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
