LA Doesn’t Trust You - Until You Earn It

When I moved to LA, I thought everyone was just… friendly.

I mean, why wouldn’t they be? Sunshine, palm trees, the whole ‘laid-back California’ vibe. But what I didn’t expect was the mistrust.

At first, I thought it was just me - maybe I was too direct, maybe I wasn’t reading the social cues right. But then something happened that made me realize...

LA doesn’t give trust. You have to earn it.

A Minor Mistake, A Major Lesson

I was heading to an important meeting - everything was timed to perfection. But then, LA traffic. A minor accident turned a comfortable drive into a full-blown race against the clock.

I pull into the parking structure, find a spot, walk over to the meter - reach into my pocket - and realize… I left my credit card at home.

No problem, I thought. I had Venmo.

So I turn to the guy behind me - normal enough, sunglasses, AirPods, finance guy vibes - and say, “Would you mind paying for my meter? I’ll Venmo you ten dollars right now—it’s only two bucks.”

He just… stared at me. Then, with a slight smirk, he shook his head.

“Nah man, I don’t do that.”

And walked off.

That’s when it hit me - LA doesn’t trust you. Not at first.

Why LA is Like This

I started paying more attention, and it was everywhere. People here have trust issues. And honestly? It makes sense.

Decades of Scams & Hustles

Everyone in LA knows someone who’s been burned. A bad business deal, a shady landlord, a “friend” who never paid them back. This city is full of people trying to ‘make it,’ which means a fair share of over-promisers and outright scammers.

Survival Mode Thinking

In LA, getting screwed over isn’t just annoying - it’s expensive. When rent is sky-high and valet parking for one night costs more than a full tank of gas, people don’t hand out trust freely. Every decision feels like a calculation.

The ‘What’s In It for Me?’ Mentality

People here assess: Does this person add value to my life? before they even acknowledge you. So when you ask for a favor, the first instinct is to question the angle.

Fear of Looking Stupid

Nobody wants to be the one who got played. In a city obsessed with status, getting tricked isn’t just about money - it’s about saving face. And the easiest way to avoid looking foolish? Assume everyone is trying to take advantage of you.

Real Estate is the Same Way

I see this every day in real estate.

Buyers don’t trust agents because they assume we just want a commission. Sellers think we’re lowballing them. Even when we’re genuinely helping, people still ask, “Why are you being so nice?”

But here’s what I’ve learned - once you prove yourself?

The skepticism disappears.

And then?

LA people are ride or die. Some of the most loyal people you’ll ever meet. But you have to earn it first.

Earning Trust in LA: A $2 Experiment

Back to the parking meter - I could’ve walked away. But instead, I looked at the next person in line and said:

"Look, I get it. It’s LA. No one trusts anyone. But I just need two bucks for parking, and I’ll Venmo you ten right now - worst case, you make eight dollars for tapping your card."

He hesitated. Thought about it.

Then, finally - he sighed, pulled out his card, and tapped the meter. Parking paid.

I sent him the ten dollars immediately, and for the first time that day, someone actually smiled at me.

That’s LA in a nutshell. At first, they don’t trust you. But if you prove you’re real? They’ll have your back.

And that’s exactly how I approach real estate.

If you’re looking for an agent and team that actually earns your trust - let’s talk.