How Do You Know Which Realtor You Can Trust? Seven Questions to Ask

The question underneath the question

Before someone asks which Realtor to trust, they usually mean: 'Who will tell me the truth, even when it is hard?' That is the right test. An agent who tells you what you want to hear to get the listing or the offer is not protecting you, they are closing you. Here is what I would ask instead.

Seven questions to ask any agent

• How do you price homes, and can you show me the data? The answer should mention sold comparables, condition adjustments, and current inventory, not a hunch.
• What happens when the buyer's inspection finds problems? Listen for a plan: how they negotiate, how they protect you, how they keep the deal alive or walk away cleanly.
• How many clients are you actively working with right now? You want to know they have the capacity to return your calls on a Tuesday at 4 p.m.
• Walk me through your communication. What does week one look like, and what does week six look like? You should hear specific checkpoints, not 'I'm always available.'
• If I am selling, what is your marketing plan, and what does it cost? The corniest answer is 'I have a website.' The useful answer covers photos, video, digital advertising, open houses, and how the plan changes if the market shifts.
• What will you tell me that I do not want to hear? A thoughtful agent will have a real answer, because they have given that answer many times.
• Can you explain that in plain language, and again with the numbers? If they cannot translate between the spreadsheet and the kitchen table, the analysis is not useful to your decision.

Red flags to walk away from

Pressure to sign on the spot. A number that sounds too good to be true, because it usually is. Vague answers dressed up as confidence. Anyone who says 'trust me' instead of showing you the work. And any agent who will not put their advice in writing.

What I think the answer should sound like

Here is what we're seeing, here is what it means, and here is what we can do next, with the comps on the table and the numbers explained. You should leave every conversation understanding your options a little better than when you arrived. That is the job.

A review from a family I worked with says it better than I could: 'He is knowledgeable, confident, positive, and will do what's in your best interest. He is also very kind and patient.' That is the standard I hold myself to.

The decision is ultimately yours

I'm here whenever you're ready. Talk to you soon.