Guide
How to hire a real estate agent you can actually trust
A great agent can save you time, money and stress. The wrong one can cost you all three. Here's how to tell the difference before you sign anything.
1Verify their credentials first
In India, legitimate agents are registered under RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority). Ask for the agent's RERA registration number and confirm it. On Vylla, RERA numbers are shown on the agent's profile and verified, so you don't have to chase paperwork. Credentials are the floor, not the ceiling — but skipping this step is the single most common mistake.
2Read reviews from real customers
Testimonials on an agent's own website are easy to fake. What you want is feedback from people who actually bought or sold through them. Vylla only lets verified customers leave reviews, and breaks ratings down by what matters: communication, honesty, market knowledge, negotiation, responsiveness, documentation and closing experience. Look for patterns, not one-off raves or rants.
3Check local market knowledge
An agent who knows your area will quote realistic prices, name the right comparable sales, and understand local demand. Ask: 'What have you closed within 2 km in the last 6 months?' Vague answers are a red flag; specific recent examples are a green one.
4Judge responsiveness early
How an agent treats you before you've committed is the best preview of how they'll treat you after. Do they reply quickly and clearly? Do they listen to what you actually want, or push their own agenda? Vylla shows a response-time indicator so you know what to expect.
5Be clear about fees and services
Agree on commission and scope in writing before you start. Will they handle photography, legal documentation, home inspection, marketing? On Vylla you select exactly which services you need when you post, so expectations are set from day one — no surprises at closing.
6Watch for the red flags
Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to decide immediately, refuses to share a RERA number, promises an unrealistically high sale price to win your listing, has no verifiable track record, or asks for large upfront fees with no clear deliverables. Trustworthy professionals are happy to be checked.
7Prefer certified professionals
A Vylla Certified badge means the agent passed an exam on ethics, law and best practice — and keeps a verified, reviewed profile. It's a simple shortcut to a shortlist of people who've proven they take the work seriously.
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