Welcome mnaim. It is common for different agencies to have different sections of a development on their books. (The developer often parcels off sections of the development for one agency to market exclusively.) If that’s the case for this development then chances are one agency has sold their allocation (or had right to sell the development withdrawn.)

Similarly, if the developer has a website it is possible that it shows very few units being left and most others having been reserved. I’ve seen this happen where the developer has parcelled off a section exclusively for one agency. (These appear as reserved until the units are sold.)

As for finding a good agent, try speaking to a number of agents and see who you get on better with and who you think will be more helpful. Putting feelers out on these forums was a good idea – someone will have had dealings with them and be able to say a few words for or against them.

One final note of caution with agents. Remember that their interest in you will diminish either post sale (they receive their commission shortly after your first instalment) or when they stop promoting a development (they will likely offer reasonable post sale service till they move on as won’t want you having any reason to be critical of them when it can affect their sales on that development.)