I hear you on the “boring” details. My first home purchase, I went with the agent my cousin swore by—super personable, always texting updates, but missed a lien on the property that nearly wrecked my closing. Since then, I’ve learned to grill agents about their process, not just their sales pitch. I’d rather have someone who double-checks everything, even if they’re not winning any charisma contests. Sometimes the ones who aren’t smooth talkers are the ones actually reading the fine print...
You nailed it—sometimes the “boring” agents are the ones who save you from a nightmare at closing. I always tell folks, don’t be afraid to ask about their process, not just their track record. Flashy doesn’t always mean thorough.
I get what you’re saying about the “boring” agents, but isn’t there a risk they’re just… unmotivated? Like, I want someone who’s not going to let stuff slip through the cracks, but also someone who’ll actually answer my texts before I start googling “what is escrow” at 2am. Is it possible to find someone who’s both thorough and, I dunno, awake?
I totally get the worry about “boring” meaning unmotivated. I’ve seen agents who check every box on paper but just don’t seem to care much in real life. What’s helped some of my clients is asking for recent references and actually calling them—like, “Did they get back to you quickly? Did you feel lost at any point?” It’s not foolproof, but it gives you a sense of their follow-through and communication style. Have you tried interviewing more than one agent at a time, or do you just go with whoever your friends recommend?
- Totally hear you on the “boring” = unmotivated thing.
- I’ve actually had better luck when I interview at least two agents, even if it feels awkward.
- References are good, but sometimes people only give their best ones...
- I’d say trust your gut too—if someone seems checked out, they probably are.
- It’s not just about who your friends liked; your situation might be totally different.
- Don’t stress if it takes a few tries to find the right fit. It’s worth it.