I spoke to six real estate agents before buying my home. I’ll be honest: I didn’t trust any of them at first.
It wasn’t personal. I’d just heard too many stories. Agents who push the house that pays them the best commission. Agents who disappear after the deal. Agents who say “yes, yes, everything is fine” to every question.
So when people ask me how to choose a real estate agent, I don’t talk about experience or awards. I talk about the small moments that made me trust one person over five others.
The first call
Three agents started our first call by telling me about properties. Lots of properties. “Sir, I have a very good 3BHK, premium location, you will love it.”
One agent started by asking questions. What’s your budget? Who will live in the house? What don’t you like about where you live now? I remember thinking, finally, someone who wants to know what I need before selling me something.
Why I almost didn’t pick her
Here’s the funny part. She didn’t have the most listings. Her office was small. Another agent had a fancy website and photos with big builders. For a week I leaned towards him.
Then I noticed something. Every time I asked the fancy agent a hard question, like “why is this flat cheaper than the one next to it?”, he changed the topic. When I asked her the same kind of question, she said, “I’m not sure, let me find out,” and she actually called me back the next day with the answer.
That’s when I switched.
She told me not to buy a house
This was the moment I knew. We visited a flat I really liked. Good price, nice view. I was ready to make an offer.
She quietly told me the building had pending approval issues, and she wouldn’t recommend it until those were cleared. She lost a sale that day. She gained a client for life, and probably three or four more, because I’ve sent my friends to her since.
What actually builds trust (from a buyer’s side)
Looking back, these are the things that made the difference for me:
- She listened more than she talked. Especially on the first visit.
- She was honest about problems. Even when it cost her.
- She replied on time. Not instantly, but always. No ghosting.
- She explained her fees clearly. No surprises at the end.
- She never rushed me. Even when I took two extra weeks to decide.
None of these are about being the biggest agent in town. They’re about being the kind of person you’d trust with your family’s money.
If you’re choosing an agent right now
Talk to at least three. Ask them hard questions and watch how they answer. Notice who asks about your life and who only talks about their listings. And don’t be fooled by a big office. The best agent for you is the one who’d tell you to walk away from a bad deal.
That’s the kind of agent I try to be every day. If you’re thinking about buying a home, I’d be glad to listen first. Reach out and tell me what you’re looking for.
