When selling or purchasing a home, it’s essential to hire an experienced real estate agent who will listen attentively to your needs, negotiate in your favor, and make the process as seamless as possible and you need to know the signs of a bad real estate agent.
If it appears that your agent is trying to pressure you into making a decision based on their commission rather than understanding and fulfilling your goals and needs, that should raise serious red flags.
1. They’re Not Listening
If you feel like your agent is not paying attention to what you need, they could be pushing you into a deal you don’t want. Or they could be trying to sell you a house that’s unsuitable for your family.
No matter their skillset, agents cannot do their job without excellent listening skills. If you find that your real estate agent isn’t paying attention to what you say, it could be a sign they aren’t the best person for the job. Here are five warning signs to watch out for when working with an unreliable real estate agent:
2. They’re Pushing You
A bad real estate agent will attempt to pressure you into accepting a low-ball offer or purchasing a home that you don’t like. This behavior is indicative of their incompetence and should be avoided at all costs.
They may display a negative attitude toward their clients, which is an alarming red flag. An attitude problem could indicate your agent doesn’t care about helping you but simply wants to take your commission.
3. They’re Not Negotiating
One of the most essential parts of your real estate journey is identifying who you’re working with and their priorities. Make sure they are dedicated to the task at hand and have your best interests at heart.
A top-notch real estate agent should be able to accurately determine your home’s worth, explain why they think it’s a fair price, and work diligently on getting your property sold quickly for top dollar. If they cannot do these things for you, it could be time for a change; here are some common signs that they aren’t up to the task: an unsatisfactory home sale or one that’s been on the market too long.
4. They’re Not Getting Your Home Sold
When buying or selling your home, a reliable real estate agent is essential. An experienced agent will possess strong negotiation abilities, insight into the local market and know how to present your house for potential buyers.
If you find that your agent lacks the necessary marketing abilities or is unaware of the most recent industry trends, it may be time to explore other options.
It’s also essential to watch out for an agent with a poor attitude. An agent who’s rude, aggressive or pushy may only be interested in making money and not truly interested in helping you out.
5. They’re Not Getting You the Best Price
A reliable agent should always strive to get you the highest price for your home. They should provide a detailed market analysis and take into account any unique features of your property.
They should be honest and transparent with you about their past performance and what they can and cannot do. A bad agent may attempt to misrepresent your home’s value or pressure you into buying a house that’s not suitable for you.
If you feel your real estate agent isn’t working for you, consider terminating them. There are ways to do this tactfully while still salvaging the relationship. If searching for a new agent, be sure to read our guide on finding the best one tailored to your needs.
