Buckle up — because on this episode of Where the Road Gets Real, we’re cruising through Idaho Falls and getting honest about what real estate really looks like from the inside.

I’m behind the wheel, hosting the ride, and in the passenger seat this week is Brayden Buxton — a full-time Southeast Idaho realtor who’s been in the trenches with buyers and sellers, negotiating deals, navigating inspections, and solving problems most people never even realize pop up.

Together, we’re pulling apart one of the most misunderstood questions in real estate:
Do people really need a Realtor — and what happens if they don’t use one?

As we drive, we dig into the misconceptions that keep popping up everywhere — social media, coffee shop conversations, and sometimes even at closing tables:

• “Homes sell themselves in this market.”
• “I’ll save money if I don’t hire a Realtor.”
• “Negotiating is just asking for more or less.”
• “Listings always tell you what you need to know.”
• “Anyone can write a contract — it’s paperwork.”

And then we talk about what actually happens in the real world.

From the driver’s seat conversations include:
• Pricing strategy — why it’s part science, part psychology, and 100% make-or-break
• Negotiation — how relationships, timing, leverage, and experience shape the final number
• Funding + offers — what separates strong buyers from shaky ones long before closing day
• Inspections — where deals get messy, costly, and emotional
• Work ethic — the invisible hours most people never see but benefit from the most

We’re also getting real about the invisible job descriptions nobody talks about:
✔ Problem preventer
✔ Stress absorber
✔ Advocate and translator
✔ Deal doctor when something goes sideways
✔ Connector to lenders, inspectors, contractors, and more
✔ Guardrail when emotions or misinformation take over

No filters. No scripts. Just real talk while driving past the neighborhoods, new builds, and backroads where all this stuff actually happens.

Whether you’re:
🏡 Buying for the first time
📦 Selling and upgrading
📊 Debating whether agents are necessary
💡 Thinking about investing
🛠️ Curious about market shifts
💼 Or you’re an agent working on your craft…

This episode lays out why the right Realtor isn’t just helpful — they’re crucial.

Because behind every smooth transaction is a whole lot of experience solving the problems the public never realizes were even there.

If you’ve ever wondered what Realtors truly do — and why it matters more than Zillow scrolling and YouTube tutorials — hop in and take the ride with us.

Real talk. Real stories. Real estate, made simple.

Turn the key. Hit play.
Let’s get real.