No matter your real estate goals in 2026 throughout Albany and Corvallis, your real estate agent should be your greatest advocate in reaching those goals. A recent article from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) highlights the most important traits of agents to both buyers and sellers. Our real estate agents have more on what the data revealed, and why it's so important to find the right agent for your needs, especially as you prepare to tackle your real estate goals in 2026.

The Importance of a Real Estate Agent in 2026

Guidance for First-Time Buyers

The most commonly cited trait for buyers in the NAR article, at 61 percent, was "helping the buyer understand the process," and this was especially popular among inexperienced buyers. Buying a home can be an intimidating task when you haven't done it before, and the right agent can walk you through every step so that you can feel confident in your decisions.

Learning About Neighborhoods and Finding the Right Home

While it's easy to look at homes online, finding the right home for your needs in the right location is most efficiently accomplished with the help of your real estate agent. Across all age groups, 50 percent of buyers said that learning about neighborhoods and identifying the right home are among the most important things that an agent can assist with during the purchasing process. An agent's local knowledge and experience can reveal so much more than just a simple online search.

A Trusted Advocate for Negotiations

Whether buying or selling, all clients preferred agents who could help them navigate the negotiation process and ultimately secure the best terms for their purchase or sale. This was one trait that both new and experienced clients sought across all demographics.

An Experienced Eye to Analyze Properties

Both buyers and sellers appreciate having an experienced, trusted second set of eyes when looking at a property. For buyers, an agent can help identify issues that might make the home less appealing and highlight positive features they might miss. For sellers, an agent can help you see the home through a buyer's eyes, identifying areas that could be repaired, improved, or touched up to maximize its appeal.

Picking a Price and Facilitating a Fast Sale

For sellers specifically, two traits stood out in the NAR survey. More than 20 percent of sellers identified both selling the home within a specific time-frame and picking the right price as key traits in an agent. This was the highest percentage among all answers for sellers and shows how much they value a fast, efficient sale.

Helping Your Home Stand Out When Selling

The other key trait for sellers was helping the home stand out. The right mix of online and traditional marketing, along with home preparation, is essential to achieving your goals when selling a home.

While 2026 is just getting started, now is the time to start weighing your options and deciding how you can accomplish your real estate goals.

Searching for the right agent to help you buy or sell a home? Our team is ready to help guide you through the entire process. Check out our new listings in Albany and new listings in Corvallis to find your next home. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the area.