How do you even pick a realtor you can trust?

Man, the “years of experience” line cracks me up every time. Like, cool, you’ve been around since dial-up internet, but can you actually help me not get ripped off? I swear, some agents act like they’re auditioning for a reality show instead of trying to earn your trust.

I’m with you on the plain English thing. If I need a decoder ring to understand what’s happening with my own money, we’ve got a problem. I once had an agent who used so much jargon, I felt like I was back in high school algebra - except with more at stake.

Quick replies are huge too. If I’m sweating over my credit score and waiting three days for a text back, that’s not gonna fly. Curious, though - has anyone ever actually had a good experience with one of those “my phone is always off” types? Or is that just a myth like honest used car salesmen?

I’ve never had luck with the “always off” types - if I can’t get a text back within a day, I’m out. The agent I ended up working with actually explained stuff in normal words and didn’t mind my million questions. Experience is cool, but if they can’t communicate, what’s the point?

Honestly, I don’t get the agents who ghost people or act like you’re bothering them with questions. If you can’t explain a contract in plain English, how are you supposed to negotiate deals? I’ve met some with decades in the game who still talk in circles - drives me nuts. Give me someone who’s responsive and actually listens over a “big name” any day. Communication is half the job, if you ask me.

I hear you on the “big names” - my last agent came highly recommended, but half the time I felt like I was interrupting some secret meeting just by asking about inspection timelines. Is it really that hard to just answer a text? I get that they’re busy, but if you’re paying someone a hefty commission, shouldn’t they at least make the process less confusing, not more? Maybe experience isn’t all it’s cracked up to be if they can’t break things down when it counts.

I totally get where you’re coming from. When I was looking for my first place, I thought going with a “top producer” would mean better service, but honestly, I felt like just another number. Quick responses and clear explanations matter way more than a fancy resume, at least in my experience.