by Wes

Meeting a real estate agent for the first time is a bit like speed dating. You sit down, say a few vaguely enthusiastic things about “the market” or “timing,” maybe laugh politely at each other’s jokes, and then try to figure out if this is someone you can trust with a fairly major life decision.

It’s awkward. It’s fast. And often, it’s over before it’s even really begun.

To be honest, I’d love a second date. A chance to follow up, circle back, get past the nerves and have a proper chat. But most of the time, it’s just one shot. One moment to leave the right impression. And if that first meeting doesn’t quite land, we probably won’t speak again. Which is fair enough. People don’t want to waste time. But it does mean that how you show up, and how I show up, matters a lot.

Which brings me to agent profiles. Some of them are bold choices. I’ve seen photos that look like they were taken during a family christening or borrowed from someone else’s LinkedIn. The kind of pictures where you can practically hear the photographer saying, “Just tilt your head and smile like you’ve never made a property chain fall apart.”

There’s also the occasional glamour shot. Lightly photoshopped. Slightly suspicious. You know the ones. Everyone’s skin looks a bit too smooth, teeth too bright, the background weirdly tropical. I’m half-convinced a few agents are using images from old holiday brochures.

And I get it. We all want to look our best. But it starts to feel a bit performative. Like showing up to a first date in a tuxedo when all anyone wants is someone who knows how to order the wine and ask real questions.

Sometimes I wonder if I look like I sound. Clients hear me on the phone and probably build a whole image in their heads. Slightly taller, maybe better hair. So lately I’ve been thinking about making a short video. Not one of those slick, drone-filled agency reels. Just something simple. Me, saying hi. Explaining how I work. Maybe even acknowledging that I blink a lot when I’m thinking or that I drink too much tea when I’m nervous.

Also, I sometimes talk too much. There, I’ve said it. Especially when I care about what we’re talking about. I ramble a bit, go off on tangents, then circle back eventually. Some clients seem to like it. Others probably just want me to stick to the bullet points.

But that’s me. And I figure the more upfront I am, the better the chance we’ll get along.

Because in this business, people aren’t just choosing expertise. They’re choosing someone they can stand to talk to while they navigate big decisions. Someone who can be honest when it matters. And preferably, someone who doesn’t still use a picture from ten years ago with a very different haircut and a slightly more optimistic smile.

So whether you’re buying, selling, or just wondering where to start, make that first impression count. Know what matters to you. Be honest about your expectations. And if you’re an agent like me, maybe skip the glamour shots. Real people connect better with other real people.

And if I do film that video, I promise. One take. No fancy lighting. Probably recorded on a Tuesday when I look a bit tired but still mean every word.