How to Choose a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent

Many people may have heard the term real estate broker, but are still not sure what a broker’s responsibilities are, how different they are from a general sales representative, and whether it is really necessary to use a broker when buying or selling a house or a condominium unit.

In fact, a real estate broker is the link between the seller and the buyer, facilitating every step of the transaction—from finding the right property, valuing it, and marketing it, to handling the ownership transfer documents—so that the sale and purchase is correct, fast, and secure.

In general, a real estate broker (Real Estate Broker / Agent) is an individual or legal entity appointed to buy, sell, or lease real estate on behalf of the property owner, in return for a brokerage commission, which is typically 3%–5% of the sale price, or as otherwise agreed by the contracting parties.

A broker is therefore not merely an intermediary, but a real estate transaction advisor who helps both parties proceed with confidence and efficiency.

Key responsibilities of a real estate broker

A good real estate broker should have the following key responsibilities:

1. Analyze and appraise the property’s value to set an appropriate asking price aligned with market conditions—not so low that the seller loses out, and not unrealistically high to the point that it won’t sell.

2. Market the property professionally, such as listing on leading websites, producing high-quality photos, creating a virtual tour, or running ads via social media.

3. Screen qualified prospective buyers by checking their basic qualifications and readiness before scheduling viewings, saving time and reducing risk.

4. Negotiate to close the deal fairly. A good broker has the skills to negotiate a price that satisfies both parties, based on transparency and mutual benefit.

5. Prepare documents and oversee legal procedures, such as the sale and purchase agreement, the ownership transfer agreement, or tax and fee documents.

Benefits of having a real estate broker

Many people may think selling a home themselves is more cost-effective, but in practice, the home-selling process is complex and takes a fair amount of time. A professional real estate broker will help you sell faster, more safely, and at a more appropriate price.

Because a broker can help you in many ways, such as:

• Reducing the time needed to find buyers by leveraging a broad network and customer database

• Increasing the chances of a sale by using marketing strategies and digital media to reach target audiences

• Reducing documentation and legal risks by ensuring contracts and official procedures are handled correctly

• Providing professional advice, especially in cases involving taxes or selling property for investment purposes

How a professional real estate broker differs from a general broker

What sets a professional real estate broker apart from a general broker includes:

• Holding a professional license or being registered with a reputable association, such as the Thai Real Estate Broker Association (TREBA)

• Working in accordance with a code of ethics and not concealing material facts about the property

• Being transparent about commissions and executing proper agreements

• Having digital marketing skills and understanding real estate law

A broker with these qualifications helps both buyers and sellers feel confident that every step is handled professionally and safely.

Before deciding to entrust anyone with selling or renting out your property, vetting a real estate agent is the most important step. That’s because today’s market includes both highly professional agents with strong standards and fake agents who may exploit loopholes to scam deposits or improperly disclose clients’ personal information.

Therefore, every homeowner, investor, or buyer should have a basic checklist to verify an agent’s credibility before formally agreeing to work together.

1. Check licenses and registration with professional associations

One of the most basic ways to verify credibility is to see whether the real estate agent has any license or certification.

In Thailand, although the law does not yet mandate a specialized real estate broker license like in some countries, most professional agents will have completed training and registered with professional associations such as:

• Thai Real Estate Broker Association (TREBA)

• Housing Estate Business Association

• Real Estate Association of Thailand

If the agent has training certificates or documentation confirming membership from these associations, it can greatly increase confidence that they meet professional ethical standards.

Tip: You can verify registered agents directly on the association’s website, or inquire with agencies such as the Department of Lands to confirm identity before signing a contract.

2. Check work history and past performance

Professional real estate agents typically have a portfolio you can verify, such as:

• Properties actually sold (with customer reviews)

• A personal website or social media page that is regularly updated with their work

• Listings on leading real estate platforms such as 9asset or others

If an agent cannot provide this evidence or avoids sharing information about past work, you should be especially cautious, as it may be a sign of non-transparent practices.

3. Check transparency of fees and contracts

A trustworthy agent will clearly explain the commission and scope of work before starting. Typically, it is 3–5% of the sale price and should be stated in writing in the contract, such as:

• Term of engagement (e.g., 90 days or 6 months)

• Commission payment terms (paid only upon successful closing)

• Duties and responsibilities of both parties

If an agent is vague about commission or pressures you to sign a contract without reading the details, stop immediately—because it may put you at risk of being scammed.

4. Warning signs of an untrustworthy agent

Before deciding to work with an agent, check for these behaviors, which are often red flags you should avoid:

• Refuses to show their ID card or agent license

• Has no office, address, or verifiable contact channels

• Pressures you to transfer a deposit without supporting documentation

• Claims there is already a buyer waiting, even though they haven’t viewed the property

• Offers an unusually low commission (e.g., 1% or less) to lure you into making a quick decision

A professional agent will not use pressure tactics or deception. Instead, they will provide complete information, be transparent, and always give you the opportunity to verify everything first.

5. Use online channels to help with verification

In the digital era, you can verify a real estate agent more easily through online channels such as:

• Search their name on Google or Facebook to see reviews and comments from past clients

• Check their phone number on caller ID/checker sites such as Whoscall or scam alert websites

• Search on real estate platforms such as 9asset.com, which has a system for filtering agents with verified identities

Because real estate transactions often involve high values—from millions to tens of millions of baht—entrusting the job to the wrong person even once can cause damage to both your assets and your reputation. That’s why spending just a few minutes to verify an agent before signing a contract is far more worthwhile than taking the risk later.

In today’s real estate market, there are both agents who work systematically and general agents who may not have clear standards. Being able to distinguish who is a professional real estate agent is therefore important for homeowners or buyers who want to transact safely.

A professional agent is not merely someone who finds a buyer for a home, but a full-service provider who understands the market, has legal knowledge, and provides transparent advice throughout the entire process.

1. Holds a license or has completed training from a reputable association

Professional real estate agents often hold certificates or have completed training from professional organizations, such as:

• Thai Real Estate Broker Association (TREBA)

• The Real Estate Association of Thailand

• Training institutes accredited by the Department of Lands

Having these documents demonstrates genuine commitment to the profession and knowledge and understanding of real estate law, which is the foundation of safe and accurate service. 

Tip: When you want to verify a real estate agent, always ask to see training certificates or proof of membership in a professional association first.

2. Provides complete, transparent, and straightforward information

A clear characteristic of a professional real estate agent is telling the truth in all cases, not concealing a property’s drawbacks, and not pressuring clients to decide without complete information.

For example, if the home being sold has defects or is in a flood-prone area, a good agent will disclose this fact to the buyer immediately so they can make a careful decision, rather than hiding it to close the deal quickly.

An honest agent like this builds trust, which is the core of working in the real estate industry.

3. Has knowledge of the market and real estate law

Professional real estate agents must have both market understanding and legal knowledge, such as:

• Analyzing land price trends in different areas

• Understanding sale and purchase agreements and title transfer laws

• Providing accurate advice on taxes, transfer fees, and registration fees

Because most clients are not comfortable with government paperwork, a professional agent must be an advisor who helps reduce the burden and explains the steps in an easy-to-understand way.

4. Has marketing and communication skills

In the digital era, a good agent must not only have a client base, but also know how to use online tools effectively, such as:

• Listing properties on leading websites

• Using high-quality photos and videos for presentation

• Creating virtual tours or posting ads professionally via Facebook / Line / TikTok

In addition, they must have strong communication skills, be able to negotiate appropriately, remain neutral, and prioritize the client’s best interests.

5. Has professional ethics and provides after-sales service

What makes a professional agent different from a general agent is their work ethics, such as:

• Not disclosing client information without permission

• Not collecting duplicate commissions from both parties

• Following up after closing, such as helping review documents, finalize the transaction, or recommending tax procedures

A professional agent will not disappear after closing, but will continue to take care of the client through every step to build confidence and long-term relationships.

6. Has a reputation and verifiable reviews

Another clear sign of a professional real estate agent is having a track record and feedback from real clients. You can verify this through:

• Reviews on Google / Facebook / property listing websites

• Recommendations from past clients or industry colleagues

• A profile or personal website that is continuously updated

Agents with a strong reputation and frequent repeat clients are usually those who consistently maintain standards of honesty and service.

When you decide to sell your home or rent out your property, choosing to work with a real estate agent is a good option. However, safety and clarity throughout the process are the most important, because real estate transactions often involve high values and multiple types of legal documents.

Therefore, to ensure smooth collaboration and reduce the risk of issues later on, you should follow these steps.

1. Have an initial discussion and verify credibility

Start with a conversation to gain a basic understanding of the property you want to sell or rent out, and ask for key information such as:

• The agent’s experience in the real estate industry

• Past work and track record

• Commission fees charged

• Marketing methods to be used

Then, verify the real estate agent using the methods mentioned earlier, such as checking licenses, reviews from past clients, or membership in professional associations, to ensure they are a professional real estate agent with a real presence and transparent practices.

2. Sign a formal brokerage agreement

Once you are confident in the agent, you should enter into a clear written brokerage agreement to protect the rights of both parties. The agreement should specify the following details:

• Information of both the client and the agent

• Details of the property for sale

• Commission rate (typically 3–5% of the sale price)

• Contract term (e.g., 90 days or 6 months)

• The agent’s duties and responsibilities, such as finding buyers and handling documentation

• Contract termination conditions

Avoid verbal agreements, because if a dispute arises, there will be no legal evidence to support your case.

3. Plan the marketing and monitor progress

After signing the agreement, you should discuss and plan the marketing together, such as:

• Where the listing will be advertised, such as websites, social media, or a sign in front of the property

• Advertising budget (if any)

• Sales target or the expected timeframe to close the sale

Then, you should monitor performance periodically, such as the number of interested viewers, offers from buyers, or adjusting the strategy if the property is not selling as targeted.

A professional agent will provide ongoing progress updates and adjust the marketing strategy to suit the situation 

4. Review documents before every transfer

Before the ownership transfer step, you must carefully review documents such as:

• A copy of the land title deed or title document

• Sale and purchase agreement

• Power of attorney (if any)

• Identity verification documents of the buyer and seller

A good agent will help you verify the accuracy of these documents and coordinate with the Land Department or relevant agencies to ensure the transfer is carried out correctly and legally.

5. Verify payments and close the deal transparently

In the final stage of the transaction, everything should be done through traceable channels, such as bank transfers, and official receipts should be issued.

If a deposit is paid or the agent’s fee is paid, it should be clearly documented, stating the date, amount, and signatures of both parties to prevent issues later.

Remember: a professional real estate agent will not pressure you to pay in advance without evidence or avoid issuing receipts.

6. Evaluate the outcome and keep all documents

After the sale is successfully closed, don’t forget to keep every document as evidence, such as:

• Brokerage agreement

• Receipts

• Sale and purchase agreement

• Ownership transfer document

Keeping documents systematically will help you provide proof in the future if any legal dispute arises.

Working safely with a real estate agent starts with clarity and transparency at every step—from background checks and signing an agreement to closing the sale properly in accordance with the law.

Although using the services of a real estate agent can make the process of selling or buying a home much easier, at the same time there are quite a few dishonest agents operating in the market. This can cause damage to both homeowners and buyers, in terms of assets and reputation.

Therefore, being aware and spotting warning signs before deciding to work together is essential for anyone who wants to carry out real estate transactions safely.

1. Beware of agents with no real presence or unclear contact information

A trustworthy agent should have verifiable contact details, such as:

• Real full name

• Phone number

• Office address

• An online profile with real work history and reviews

If you find that the agent refuses to provide personal information or has no proof of identity—such as an ID card or a certificate from a real estate association—that is the first sign you should avoid them immediately.

2. Beware of agents who rush you to transfer money or sign a contract immediately

Another common behavior among non-transparent agents is pressuring clients to transfer a deposit or sign a contract without fully reading the details. A good agent will give you time to review information, documents, and every condition before you decide.

If you are pressured—for example, being told another customer will reserve it first, or that you must sign today only—you should be suspicious that it may be a tactic to close the deal without transparency.

3. Beware of offers that seem too good to be true

Some agents may offer terms that sound unrealistically good, such as:

• Sold within 7 days

• A buyer ready to purchase immediately

• An unusually low commission (e.g., 1%)

Even if it sounds appealing, in many cases an agent may use this tactic to lure homeowners into signing a contract without a thorough review. Therefore, always ask: do they have evidence or a marketing plan to support those claims?

4. Beware of unclear contracts or legal loopholes

A good agency agreement must clearly specify all details, such as:

• Engagement period

• Commission rate

• Duties and responsibilities

• Contract termination conditions

If the contract contains vague wording—for example, the agent may charge additional fees at their discretion, or the commission may change depending on circumstances—treat it as a risky contract and do not sign.

5. Beware of agents who lack knowledge of legal matters and documentation

Some agents may not fully understand documentation procedures, such as the sale and purchase agreement, transfer taxes, or various fees, which can cause delays or mistakes in the transaction.

If the agent cannot answer basic legal questions or provide sample documents for review, you should consider that they may not yet be suitable to hire.

6. Beware of agents with no updates to their portfolio or online media

In the digital era, professional agents usually have their own online channels, such as a website, a Facebook page, or listings on real estate platforms. If an agent has none of these channels, or their information has not been updated for a long time, it may be a sign of a lack of professionalism.

Before deciding to work with a real estate agent, don’t look only at the commission rate or nice-sounding promises. You should also consider transparency, credibility, and the ability to provide accurate information.

In the highly competitive real estate world, filled with information, a real estate agent is a key partner who can make selling a home easy, fast, and at a good price. But all of this can only happen if you choose to work with a professional real estate agent who is knowledgeable, honest, and truly works to professional standards.

Because in reality, a good agent’s job isn’t just to find a buyer. They must also be a consultant, a market analyst, a marketer, and a legal coordinator all in one. So before you decide, take the time to verify the real estate agent—make sure they truly exist, have proven results, and are ready to provide transparent information at every step.

If you choose correctly from the start, it won’t just help your sale or purchase move quickly and safely—it will also create a positive long-term experience, both in terms of trust and business outcomes.

Always remember: a good agent isn’t someone who sells your home for you, but a partner who helps you sell your home in the best possible way.

If you’re looking for a trustworthy real estate agent or want to check a list of identity-verified agents, learn more at 9asset.com, an online real estate platform that brings together quality property listings for sale and rent, with a professional agent filtering system you can truly verify.

Because choosing the right agent from the beginning is the first step to selling your home with confidence, safety, and success at every stage.