Can You Really Trust What a Property Agent Says?
By David Ho · CEA R027577A · · Updated · 3 min read
The Stereotype: Agents Can’t Be Trusted
We’ve all heard it:
There are three types of salespeople you should be wary of —
Car salesmen, insurance agents, and real estate agents
Why?
Because the common perception is that they’re driven by sales, not service.
And truthfully?
90% of agents live up to that stereotype.
They chase the deal. They push the narrative. And once the sale is done, they’re gone.
But there’s also the 10% — the ones who stay long after the deal is closed.
The 10% Who Are Playing the Long Game
These are the professionals who:
- Don’t inflate figures to bait you
- Tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear
- Empower you to make informed decisions
- Think beyond your next move — and into your long-term security
We’re not here to impress you with record-breaking claims.
We’re here to help you build a real plan, based on real numbers.
But here’s the challenge…
Truth vs. Temptation — The Real Story
Not long ago, Audrie and I met a couple looking to sell their 4-room HDB flat and buy a just-MOP 5-room unit.
We assessed the market, shared comparable transactions, and presented a realistic path:
- Sell at ~$580K
- Buy at ~$800K
A healthy move with capital progression.
But they had a friend who was an agent.
She confidently told them:
- “You can sell for above $650K.”
- “I can get you a 5-room at below $700K.”
Who wouldn’t want that?
So they went with her.
And what happened?
6 months of daily viewings.
No offers that matched the promise.
Their hopes gradually replaced by frustration.
Eventually, they reached out to us again.
The selling price? Still $580K.
But the 5-room they could’ve bought for $800K?
Now listed at $850K.
The Cost of False Hope
Let’s be clear — the couple didn’t do anything wrong.
They simply wanted to believe someone who painted a prettier picture.
But here’s the truth:
Hope is not a strategy.
Emotions make you vulnerable to empty promises.
And that’s where many clients fall into traps — lured by inflated expectations, only to pay the price in time, opportunity, and money.
How to Spot the 90% vs. the 10%
Here are 3 signs you’re dealing with a “quick deal” agent:
1. Over-promises with zero data
- If an agent quotes a high price without showing real transactions, be cautious.
2. Rushes you to list or commit
- Strategic agents take time to understand your needs — not push you for a listing.
3. Says “Don’t worry” too often
- Real consultants don’t dismiss your worries — they address them.
And here’s what a long-term strategist will do:
- Show market movement trends, not just listings
- Profile your future goals, not just the current sale
- Explain the downside as clearly as the upside
- Stay in touch even after the deal is done
David & Audrie’s View: Trust Isn’t Claimed — It’s Earned
“We don’t aim to be the agent with the best story.
We aim to be the ones you call back — when reality hits.”
Whether you sell or buy with us, or not at all, we want you to remember:
- What we said made sense.
- What we advised came from experience.
- And what we delivered was never built on false hope.
Final Words: Trust the Work, Not Just the Words
The market is noisy.
Everyone wants to make a deal.
But very few will help you make the right one.
So the next time you ask, “Can I trust this agent?”
Don’t just listen to what they say.
Watch what they back it up with.
