Thank you to everyone who attended our Investing in Real Estate event last week, it was so fun and the response has been incredible! If you missed it, come to our Investing Mastermind on Oct 1st. Email me for details...

There’s no denying it — momentum is shifting in our market. Mortgage rates just dipped to 6.39% — the lowest since last fall. National refinance activity is up nearly 60%, purchase applications are climbing, and right here in Williston and Watford City, inventory has nearly doubled since spring.

That rare mix — lower rates, more homes, and motivated sellers — creates opportunity for both sides of the table.

For buyers: More homes to choose from, less competition, and the ability to negotiate before the crowd comes rushing back.

For sellers: A fresh wave of serious buyers is re-entering the market. When paired with the right pricing and marketing strategy, listings are drawing real attention again.

But here’s the catch: choosing the right Realtor is just as important as choosing the right home or the right offer. Not all agents bring the same level of experience, service, or results.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing, here are the 5 questions you should ask any agent before hiring them:

1. How long have you been selling homes in this market — and how many have you closed recently?

Experience matters, especially in a market that’s shifting. You want an agent who knows Western North Dakota inside and out, has navigated different cycles, and has the track record to back it up.

2. What’s your strategy for pricing a home in today’s market?

For sellers, a skilled agent uses fresh comps (30–60 days), active inventory, and buyer trends to nail the right price. For buyers, that same expertise ensures you’re not overpaying — or missing out by coming in too low. Homes not priced right are stagnant and collecting Days on Market. Don't let this happen to yours....

3. How will you market my home beyond just the MLS?

The best results come from a full plan: professional photography, video tours, Matterport 3D tours, property websites, targeted social media campaigns, and proven open house systems. If you’re buying, ask how they’ll help you win in competitive bidding situations. Experience and negotiation skills matter.

4. Who else will be helping you throughtout this process?

Behind every great agent is a support system. At Proven Realty, we have an operations team of 14 full-time professionals handling marketing, transaction coordination, showings, and open houses. That means more eyes on your property if you’re selling — and a smoother, less stressful experience if you’re buying.

5. Who’s in your trusted network — lenders, inspectors, contractors — and how will they help me succeed?

Real estate is a team sport. The right connections can save you money, speed up timelines, and smooth out the rough spots. From negotiating repairs to securing financing, the right network makes a huge difference. We just had an appraisal flag not one but three handrails two days before closing. Unseasoned agents would have panicked and pushed closing. Not our Proven Team. We rallied the troops and had a handyman over there within 90 minutes, he installed the railings STAT and, we got the clear to close without pushing the closing. 

Why This Matters Right Now

Markets turn quickly. Once buyers believe rates have leveled off, activity spikes — and prices usually follow. Asking these five questions now ensures you don’t just hire an agent, you hire a partner (and a team) who can help you win in this unique window of opportunity.

At Proven Realty, we’re proud to answer these questions with confidence — and back them up with results.