How to check an agent will act in your interest, not just the deal

You've found an agent you like, but here's the harder question: will they push you into a bad deal because their commission cheque depends on it closing? Trust matters in property transactions, but trust without verification is just hope. There are concrete steps you can take to confirm an agent will actually fight for your interests rather than simply move the deal forward.

Check their regulatory standing and complaints history

Start with the basics. Ask the agent for their PPRA registration number—the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority registers all licensed agents in South Africa. Once you have it, verify it's current on the PPRA website. This isn't theatre; it tells you they've met baseline training requirements and had their background checked. More importantly, you can search the PPRA's disciplinary record to see if complaints have been lodged against them. People who cut corners or prioritise their commission over your welfare often show a pattern. Check whether they've been fined, suspended or cautioned for breaching the property practitioners' code of conduct. If they dodge giving you the number or it doesn't check out, that's your answer.

Ask former clients what happened under pressure

References matter, but you need to ask the right questions. Request contact details for three clients they've represented in the last two years—ideally people who were in a similar position to you (buyers in your price range, or sellers in your market). When you call them, don't ask "Was the agent nice?" Instead, ask: "Did the agent ever push you towards a property you had doubts about?" "When you wanted to walk away from a deal, what did they say?" "Were there moments when their advice seemed to conflict with what would've been best for you?" Listen for hesitation or vague answers. Someone who felt pressured will usually say so directly. People who felt protected will have specific examples of times the agent slowed things down or said no on their behalf.

Request proof of their transactional discipline

Ask the agent to walk you through a recent deal they managed—not in sales pitch mode, but as a case study. Specifically, ask them to show you how they managed the inspection period. Did they help the buyer understand which issues were negotiable and which were non-starters? Did they advise walking away? Did they rush the timeline or give realistic advice about what to expect? Ask about a time they recommended a client *not* to proceed. If they struggle to give an example, that's telling. Agents who consistently act in their client's interest will have turned down deals or slow-walked others. You can also ask for references from conveyancers or bond originators they've worked with regularly—these professionals see patterns in how agents behave when money gets tight. A conveyancer will tell you plainly if an agent tried to skip steps or push paperwork through without proper checks.

Watch how they respond when you push back

During your conversations, test their reactions. Express scepticism about a property you've both seen, or say you're thinking of waiting for better stock. If they immediately try to convince you otherwise, or frame your caution as doubt holding you back, take note. An agent acting in your interest should validate your concerns and help you think them through. If they're annoyed when you ask questions, or they minimise real issues to keep momentum going, they're showing you who they are.

None of these checks is foolproof, but together they give you a working picture. You're not looking for a friend; you're looking for someone who's trained, accountable, and willing to lose the deal rather than lose your trust. Searching PPRA records, calling references with specific scenarios in mind, and watching how they handle your resistance will reveal a lot. When you're ready to hire someone verified, Strove's independent estate agents have been vetted and reviewed by other buyers and sellers in your area.