The Real Estate Game.
Let’s be real for a second — the real estate world can get blurry. Lines between loyalty and professionalism, relationships and results, often start to fade when deals are on the table. And if you’re not careful, you can get caught in the middle of it all.
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, here’s some hard truth: not all realtors are created equal. Some are absolute workhorses — sharp, responsive, honest, and willing to grind to get you the best outcome. Others… are coasting, checking boxes, chasing commissions, and doing the bare minimum. And yet, people still hire them. Why? Because it’s their cousin. Or a friend of a friend. Or someone who “knows the area.”
That’s not good enough.
If you’re about to make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, don’t just hand it off to someone because it feels polite. This isn’t personal — this is business. And you deserve a professional who treats it that way.
The Pros and Cons of a Relationship-Driven Industry
One of the best parts of this industry is how relationship-driven it is. Good agents earn trust, build long-term connections, and get a lot of referrals because of the way they show up. The problem? That same dynamic can cloud people’s judgment. You don’t owe anyone your listing or your home search. You owe it to yourself to find someone who will go to work for you like it’s their own deal.
The “Test Drive” Mindset
Before you sign on with any agent — whether you're buying or selling — interview them. Ask questions. See how fast they respond to you. Notice if they’re listening, or just waiting to talk. Ask how they handle negotiations. What’s their game plan? What kind of properties have they handled before? How plugged in are they to the local market? Do they get ahead of problems or just react to them?
You wouldn’t hire a contractor, financial advisor, or babysitter without checking references and making sure you vibe. Treat this the same way.
What to Look For in a Real Estate Agent:
Responsiveness and communication (if you’re chasing them, that’s a red flag)
Local market knowledge
A clear plan tailored to you
Honesty — even when it’s not what you want to hear
A work ethic you can feel
Creative problem-solving, not just MLS-surfing
Someone who cares about your goals, not just their paycheck
Don’t Settle. This Is Your Dream.
You deserve someone who will work their ass off for you. Someone who doesn’t just unlock doors, but opens them to opportunity. Someone who takes the time to understand your vision and does what it takes to bring it to life — whether that means grinding to get your offer accepted, marketing your listing like it’s a million-dollar property (even if it’s not), or fighting for the best deal when things get tough.
This business is full of amazing agents who pour their heart into their clients. But it’s also full of pretenders. Do your due diligence, trust your gut, and choose wisely.
Because your dream home, your investment, your future — it’s worth fighting for.
