Honestly, I care more about whether they actually follow through on what they say—like, did they send the listings when they promised? Did they remember my budget, or are they showing me houses that would require me to sell a kidney?
Couldn’t agree more about follow-through. Here’s how I usually break it down: 1) Consistency—do they do what they say, every time? 2) Transparency—if they don’t know something, do they admit it or try to bluff? 3) Documentation—are they clear about fees, timelines, and next steps? I’ve seen agents who are charming but vague, and that’s a bigger risk than someone who’s a little awkward but upfront. If you’re not getting straight answers, especially on costs, that’s a sign to move on.
I’m with you on the transparency piece—nothing worse than feeling like you’re being kept in the dark about fees or next steps. I’d add that responsiveness matters too. If it takes days to get a reply, that’s a red flag for me, even if everything else checks out. Sometimes the “awkward but upfront” types are the ones who actually get things done, in my experience.
Sometimes the “awkward but upfront” types are the ones who actually get things done, in my experience.
That line really rings true. I remember this one agent I worked with a few years back—he wasn’t the smoothest talker, and sometimes his emails were a bit blunt, but he was always straight with me about timelines, costs, and even when something was out of his hands. I’ll take that over someone who sugarcoats everything and then springs surprises on you at closing.
One time, I was juggling two projects and needed to offload a property quickly. The first agent I tried was super polished, always “circling back” and promising updates, but half the time I had to chase him down just to get basic info. Meanwhile, this other guy (the blunt one) would just text me, “Offer in hand. Here’s the breakdown. Call me if you want to counter.” Not glamorous, but I never wondered where things stood.
I do think there’s a balance, though. I’ve also run into agents who were so “upfront” it veered into rude or dismissive, which is just as bad as being kept in the dark. But if I have to choose, I’ll take awkward honesty over radio silence every time.
On fees—totally agree that transparency is non-negotiable. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting to the end of a deal and discovering some “admin fee” or extra commission you never discussed. The best agents I’ve worked with lay it all out in the first meeting, even if it feels like overkill. Saves everyone headaches down the road.
Responsiveness is huge, too. In this market, if you’re waiting days for a reply, you’re losing opportunities. I’ve learned to trust my gut—if someone’s slow to respond before you’ve signed anything, it’s not going to magically improve once you’re locked in.
Anyway, I guess my point is: don’t get too hung up on polish or charm. Sometimes the best ones are a little rough around the edges, but they’ll keep you in the loop and fight for your interests.
Nailed it about transparency on fees—nothing worse than those “surprise” charges at closing. I’d add, don’t be afraid to ask for references from recent clients. The best agents I’ve worked with actually encourage it. Their past clients usually give you the real scoop, good or bad.
References are a good idea, though I sometimes wonder how much agents cherry-pick who they put you in touch with. Has anyone tried reaching out to people who weren’t on their official list? Also, how do you even compare fee structures between agents? It feels like there’s always some “processing” or “admin” charge buried in the paperwork... I just want to know what I'm really paying for, start to finish.
