How do you even pick a realtor you can trust?

Man, that’s such a relatable feeling. I remember when I was house hunting last year, my first agent kept showing me these “just a bit above your range” listings, like I’d magically find an extra 50k under my couch cushions. It got awkward fast, especially when I had to keep saying no. Eventually, I switched to someone who actually took the time to ask about my budget and priorities—she even suggested waiting a few months to work on my credit, which honestly ended up saving me a lot on my mortgage rate.

I think trust is huge. If you feel like they’re not listening or just want a bigger commission, that’s probably a red flag. Did you get a chance to talk to a few different agents before settling on this one? I found that comparing how they responded to my questions really helped me figure out who “got it” and who didn’t. Curious if anyone else tried out a few before committing.

she even suggested waiting a few months to work on my credit, which honestly ended up saving me a lot on my mortgage rate.

That’s the kind of advice you want, honestly. I had a similar experience—my first agent barely asked about my finances, just pushed whatever was on their list. When I found someone who actually explained how my credit score could impact my rate, it made a huge difference. I get why people say to interview a few agents. The ones who actually care about your long-term situation stand out pretty fast.

It’s important to feel comfortable with your agent and confident that they’re listening to your needs. If they’re pushing you out of your budget, it’s okay to set boundaries.

To make the process smoother, reaching out to Dream Home Mortgage can help clarify your budget and loan options, ensuring you're financially prepared to make the right decision when you find the right home. Feel free to book free ono-on-one consultation for personalized advice!

Title: How do you even pick a realtor you can trust?

I get what you mean about the “online dating” vibe—there’s a lot of trial and error, and it’s easy to feel like you’re just another transaction. The point about setting boundaries is spot on, but honestly, if someone’s pushing you out of your price range right off the bat, that’s a red flag for me. Here’s how I approached it when I bought my place last year:

- Interviewed at least three agents. It felt awkward at first, but seeing how each one responded to my budget and priorities was eye-opening.
- Asked for references from recent clients (not just the ones they cherry-pick). A couple of agents hesitated or gave vague answers—didn’t go with them.
- Paid close attention to how they communicated. If they were slow to respond or seemed dismissive about my concerns, I moved on.
- Checked their credentials and online reviews, but took those with a grain of salt. Sometimes the best agents don’t have flashy websites or tons of reviews.

One thing that helped me was having my pre-approval letter ready before meeting agents. That way, there was no confusion about my budget—if they still tried to upsell me, I knew it wasn’t a good fit.

I’d also say don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels off. It’s a huge financial decision, and you want someone who respects your limits—not just someone chasing a bigger commission.

The mortgage consultation idea is solid too—knowing your numbers inside and out makes it easier to stand your ground with agents. Just be wary of anyone who tries to “buddy up” too quickly or glosses over details. In my experience, the best ones are straightforward and don’t sugarcoat things.

It’s not always easy to find the right match, but trust your gut and don’t settle for someone who doesn’t listen.