Why Experience Matters: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About Agents Licensed Since COVID

Is Your Agent Experienced or Just Newly Licensed? Here’s Why That Matters

Let’s be real: the real estate market has changed a lot since 2020. In fact, more than 60% of all agents currently licensed in the U.S. entered the field during or after the pandemic. That stat might not mean much until it’s your money, time, and peace of mind on the line.

Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or relocating, hiring the right real estate agent isn’t just about who has the nicest headshot. It’s about who has actual, tested experience in your kind of market—especially in Maryland counties like Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, and Cecil, where the competition is real and the deals are nuanced.

If you're working with a newer agent (or deciding between agents), here's what you need to consider.

1. Experience Is More Than Just a License

Getting licensed is one thing. Navigating complex negotiations, managing tricky appraisals, and writing winning offers in competitive markets is something else entirely.

Seasoned agents (like those at the Teal Clise Group) have been through shifting interest rates, bidding wars, inspection curveballs, and everything in between. That matters when you're making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

Would you hire a surgeon who got their scalpel last week? Same idea.

2. Local Knowledge Can Make or Break a Deal

Maryland's real estate market isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works in Howard County doesn’t apply in a waterfront town like Havre de Grace or a rural area like northern Carroll County.

Experienced agents know:

• Which neighborhoods are up-and-coming
  

• Where homes are overpriced (or under-valued)
  

• How to time your listing in places like Catonsville or Ellicott City
  

• What local inspection or zoning rules might trip up a deal
  

A newer agent might be learning all this on your dime.

3. Strong Agent Networks Matter

The best agents have strong working relationships with local lenders, title companies, inspectors, and even other agents. This can give your offer an edge or make your listing stand out.

When things get sticky (and they sometimes do), an agent with connections in Anne Arundel or Baltimore County can smooth things out faster than someone who’s still building their Rolodex.

4. Ask the Right Questions Before You Hire

Don’t feel awkward vetting an agent. You’re hiring someone to protect your biggest asset or help you make a smart investment. Here’s what to ask:

• How many transactions have you closed in the past 12 months?
  

• Are you full-time or part-time?
  

• What’s your experience in [insert your specific area—like Perryville, Columbia, or Towson]?
  

• Can you share recent client reviews?
  
  

If they fumble those questions, keep looking.

5. Working With a Team Gives You the Best of Both Worlds

New agents can be energetic and eager, and that’s great. But pairing that with the deep expertise of a top-producing team like the Teal Clise Group? Even better.

Our team structure means you get the best of both: fresh hustle and hard-earned know-how. Whether you're buying in Bel Air, selling in Severna Park, or investing in Dundalk, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s Talk About Your Goals

If you're thinking about making a move or just want clarity in this market, reach out to the Teal Clise Group. We’ll walk you through the process, help you spot red flags, and make sure you’re working with someone who knows what they’re doing.

No pressure. Just honest advice and expert support.