Stephen Powell and Associates

Here's a reality check that might sting a little: studies show that about 95% of home buyers search for properties online , and a whopping 76% of them are doing it from their phones. That means your beautiful Palm Springs mid-century modern or your stunning La Quinta golf course property is being judged in the same 3-second window as a TikTok video. Swipe. Scroll. Heart. Move on. That's the new open house. And if you're not winning in those first few seconds? You're losing.

Let's be honest. Most people don't think about real estate credentials when choosing an agent. They go with whoever their friend used. Or whoever answered the phone first. Or whoever had a nice smile at an open house. And that's a mistake that can impact your net proceeds—sometimes significantly—depending on price, strategy, and negotiations. Here's the truth: Not all real estate agents are created equal. Some have been in the business for six months. Others have decades of