Before I started selling Real Estate, I asked myself the same thing.
Funny story, that is actually why I decided to become a Realtor®.
Most of my experience with agents had been sub-par at best. The agents I worked with in the past never answered my calls, were late 9/10 times, and seemed to do very little. What the heck was I paying them for, anyway??
However, I have to admit, the last two times I used a Realtor® to sell my home, both times it was under contract in 2 weeks or less!
Now that I'm an agent myself, I see what really goes on behind the scenes, and I gotta tell you....most of my opinions regarding what agents do and don't do...were completely misjudged.
As far as trust goes, there are good and bad people in all professions. Unscrupulous car salesmen, pushy sales clerks at those kiosks in the mall.... You know the ones that chase you with a hair straightener, lotion or perfume? From mechanics, contractors, teachers, nurses, and yes, Real Estate agents, you'll find trustworthy and flat out dishonest people in all walks of life. The fact remains, if the person is unethical in life, they will be unethical in their profession. Realtors® are held to a higher ethical standard. Realtors® must protect their clients' interest; while treating all parties honestly. It is written in the code of ethics, and is a standard question as a part of the real estate exam. And, to be honest, penalties for breaking that code of conduct are extremely strict, and rightfully so. In fact, all of the legislation enacted to the Real Estate industry is to protect you, the client.
Since I have only been an agent for just over 2 months, I feel like I can give an inside peek into the profession from a non-agent's POV. (My background is in sales and customer service since 2005)
How do you know if you can trust your agent?
First off, you should feel comfortable speaking candidly with them, and asking questions.
Don't feel like you are offending them by asking the hard questions. Including information about commissions and contracts. A good agent will be happy to abate your concerns. No matter how silly or insignificant you may think your question is, ask it anyway! There are no stupid questions.
Does your agent respond in a timely manner?
It is normal to occasionally get someone's voicemail when you call them.
Maybe they're in a meeting, or giving a face to face client their full attention. These things happen. No matter what is portrayed in the media, we all miss calls, texts and e-mails sometimes! BUT, is your agent's response time moving at a glacial pace? Maybe they NEVER return your call, text or e-mail. How extremely frustrating!
Let's be realistic...if the agent is out of town, or sick...or has extenuating circumstances, this is understandable. It is also extremely easy to communicate these things with your clients. If you're consistently being sent to voicemail, and you feel like your agent is putting you on the back burner, they probably are. Have a candid conversation with them, and ask them to correct their behavior. Sometimes they don't even realize they're doing it. Agents are busy after all. {Constantly fielding calls is one thing I was NOT prepared for as a new agent.} But if the nagging feeling of neglect is still haunting you, consider finding a new agent.
BUYERS - Is your agent really your agent?
Did you know...that without signing a Buyer Representation agreement, all agents "work for" the seller?
In lay terms...their fiduciary duty is to protect the seller's interests, but treat EVERYONE with honesty. Make sure you find an agent that will represent YOU as the BUYER. This will allow them to negotiate on your behalf and protect your interest in the transaction. Many clients hesitate to sign the Buyer Rep agreement because they're worried about being "tied down" to a contract. The contract is for your benefit. It allows the agent to represent you and your interests, negotiate on your behalf, and generally "work for" you, the buyer. Added bonus - commissions are paid by the seller...so your representation is covered! (Read your contract and buyer rep agreement to determine all fees associated with a transaction)
READ YOUR CONTRACTS!
This should go without saying...but, I'm going to say it. READ EVERYTHING YOU SIGN. Details are important. If you have any questions about the contract or documents you are signing, ask your agent, and call an attorney and ask for advice.
SELLERS - Ask for comps in your neighborhood and ask the agent to explain them to you.
Real Estate agents are professionals. They look at comps and market conditions all day, every day. You are a professional at what you do. It is not expected of every seller to know what they are looking at when being presented "comps". Comps are comparable properties that are as close as possible to your home that have recently sold. This can give your agent a good opinion of what your home is worth in the current market conditions. It is an opinion, though. An appraiser could have a different opinion of what your home is worth. Which makes it a good reason to ask questions, and make sure you understand why your home is being valued the way it is. Ultimately, it is your decision on final list price, but don't discredit advice from your agent. Afterall, if they are your agent, they will work their hardest to get your home sold quickly and at a price you are comfortable with.
Over all, communication is key. Make sure your agent knows your expectations, and ask them theirs. Transactions are time senstive, and there will be requirements on you to perferm as well. You and your agent need to be able to trust each other. Just like any relationship, trusting your agent will help ensure a smoother transaction.
**This post is based on solely my opinions. It does not represent the opinions of HAR, or my broker.**
If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it with others. 
items