How do you even pick a realtor you can trust?

I get where you’re coming from, but sometimes a fee that looks “padded” is just industry standard - especially with things like title insurance or processing.

If they can’t explain it, that’s a red flag.

I get the whole “industry standard” thing, but I’ve refinanced twice now and honestly, some of those fees still make my eyes cross. I’m all for giving people a chance to explain, but if someone can’t break down what I’m paying for in plain English, that’s a problem. It’s not about being shady - sometimes it’s just that they’re too used to the jargon. Still, if I’m dropping thousands, I want to know where every penny goes... call me picky, but it’s my money on the line.

if someone can’t break down what I’m paying for in plain English, that’s a problem.

Totally get this. I’m just starting out and every time I ask about fees, it feels like I’m getting a pop quiz in finance. I don’t think it’s picky at all to want clear answers - honestly, it makes me trust someone more if they can explain things without the jargon. If they can’t, I start wondering what else they’re glossing over.

The “pop quiz in finance” feeling is exactly why I’d ask each prospective agent for a sample, itemized estimate of all the buyer-side costs before signing anything. Not just commission, but inspection, appraisal, title, lender charges, recording, prepaid taxes and insurance, plus any admin or transaction fees.

Would it be reasonable to ask them to mark which amounts are set by third parties, which might change, and which are negotiable? That seems like a useful test of whether they can explain the process clearly without pretending every charge is an unavoidable “industry standard.”