How do you even pick a realtor you can trust?

Honestly, I get what you mean about “nice” not always meaning “tough.” But I’ve actually had the opposite—my last agent wasn’t super “tough” but still got me a great deal. Maybe it’s not just about backbone? Sometimes being “nice” helps in negotiations too.

Numbers don’t lie, but they don’t tell the whole story either.

I’d add: gut feeling matters. If someone feels trustworthy, that counts for something in my book.

Gut feeling really does count for a lot, especially when you’re dealing with something as big as buying or selling a house. I’ve had agents who seemed “tough” on paper but just didn’t click with me, and honestly, it made the whole process way more stressful than it needed to be.

I’m with you that “nice” isn’t a bad thing in negotiations—sometimes it actually gets people to open up or be more flexible. I do think it’s smart to look at their track record and references, but if you don’t trust them or feel comfortable, those numbers don’t mean much.

I guess for me, I’d rather work with someone who listens and communicates well, even if they’re not the most aggressive. At the end of the day, trust is huge. If your gut says they’re right for you, that’s worth paying attention to.

I totally get what you mean about gut feeling. When I refinanced last year, I actually switched agents halfway through because the first one just made me feel uneasy—like I was being rushed into decisions. The second agent wasn’t flashy or super aggressive, but she explained everything and actually listened to my concerns. Numbers and reviews are helpful, but if you’re not comfortable, it’s just not worth the stress. Sometimes “nice” really does go a long way, especially with something this big.

Trusting your gut is underrated, honestly. I’ve bought and sold a few homes over the years, and every time I’ve ignored that uneasy feeling, I’ve regretted it. One agent I worked with had all the credentials and glowing reviews, but I always felt like I was just another transaction to him. He’d gloss over my questions or give these vague answers, which just made me more anxious.

I do think it’s important to look at numbers and reviews, but they only tell part of the story. Sometimes the “nicest” agent isn’t necessarily the most effective, though—I’ve had one who was super friendly but not very proactive when it came to negotiations. It’s a weird balance. For me, I need someone who listens and explains things clearly, but also isn’t afraid to push back when needed.

At the end of the day, if you’re not comfortable with your agent, it’s hard to trust their advice. That stress just isn’t worth it, especially with something as big as buying or selling a home.

I totally get where you’re coming from. I once had a client tell me, “I just need to feel like you’re in my corner.” That stuck with me. Credentials matter, but

“if you’re not comfortable with your agent, it’s hard to trust their advice.”