Why Relationships Win in Real Estate & Always Will

For us, it's not about the numbers—it's about being the kind of professionals we'd want to work with ourselves.

At Baker Estates, we're not just agents—we're wealth-building guides. In a recent post, we shared what we call The Baker Estates Difference: Relationship First, Always. It's not a slogan. It's a strategy.

Our mission is simple: "We exist to help others build wealth." And the way we do that isn't by chasing commissions—it's by cultivating real relationships, grounded in trust, expertise, and a deep love for people.

This post is a deeper look into how that philosophy plays out in real life—and why it's the reason our clients don't just close with us… they stay with us.

What Does "Relationship-Based" Actually Mean?

"Relationship-based" isn't just a nice phrase for our About page. It's the filter we run every business decision through.

Here's what it looks like in action:

We ask more questions than we pitch answers. We invest time upfront, even if someone isn't ready to buy or sell. We prioritize long-term financial growth over short-term commission. We treat every conversation like it could shape someone's legacy—not just their next move.

This approach isn't always the fastest, but it's the most enduring.

The numbers back this up: According to the National Association of Realtors, 88% of buyers would use their agent again, and research shows that while 90% of homebuyers claim they would use their agent again or recommend them to others, the typical Realtor actually earns only 13% of business from repeat clients and 17% through referrals from past customers. The disconnect? Most agents disappear after closing. We don't.

From First Call to Forever Advisor

When a client connects with us, the first thing we do is listen—deeply.

We want to know your "why." Are you building wealth? Creating stability for your kids? Trying to exit a home that no longer fits? Our goal isn't to plug you into a listing. It's to design a strategy that moves your life forward.

That might mean helping you decide not to sell yet, connecting you with trusted financial professionals, mapping out long-term investment strategies, or coordinating with your existing advisory team.

It's about delivering value before, during, and long after the transaction.

Local Commitment That Goes Beyond Sales

We know Solano County inside and out. From Benicia's waterfront properties to Fairfield's developing neighborhoods, we've walked these streets, supported local events, and built partnerships with vendors we trust with our own investments.

This isn't just where we work—it's where we invest, where we raise our families, and where we contribute to the community.

That hyperlocal expertise means we're not just giving you information—we're giving you insight. Whether you're wondering about school districts, neighborhoods positioned for growth, or market opportunities, we provide answers that come from years of local experience and relationship-building.

According to multiple industry studies, hyperlocal market knowledge is one of the top factors clients value in their agents, and 82% of all real estate transactions come from repeat and referral business. But data only tells part of the story—the relationships we've built in the community fill in the crucial details that make the difference between a good decision and a great one.

The Long Game Is the Only Game

In a fast-paced, technology-driven, lead-chasing market, we still believe in picking up the phone, meeting in person, showing up after escrow closes, and putting people before paperwork.

Industry research consistently shows that agents who maintain post-transaction relationships see dramatically more success. According to NAR's 2024 Profile, 38% of sellers find their agents through referrals from friends or family, and studies indicate that 30% of brokerage business comes from referrals and repeat customers. Research also shows that while 86% of past clients say they would use their agent again, only 20% actually send referral business—representing a massive opportunity for agents who stay connected.

That's why our clients come back, refer their friends, and build with us. It's not about being everyone's agent. It's about being your agent, for life.

Your Next Step

If you want more than just a real estate transaction—if you want a trusted partner who's in it for the long haul—let's connect.

We'd love to get to know your story and help write the next chapter. Whether you're a first-time buyer or planning your next investment property, we'll help you build something lasting—starting with trust.

Let's make this personal. Reach out to our team and tell us what matters most to you.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series, where we'll explore how relationship-based strategies outperform traditional sales models in long-term wealth building. Or revisit The Baker Estates Difference to see what makes our approach so unique.