How to Tell You Need a New Real Estate Agent

If your home isn’t selling and your getting frustrated it might be time for a change. 

If your house has been on the market for a long time, the first thing a sellers like you  thinks is that they are losing money.

And if the agent hasn’t marketed the property effectively, this can compound problems.

Some agents aren’t even prepared for an open house and can’t answer a potential buyer’s questions. 

Getting a new realtor is a pain, but maybe it’s warranted.

These are just a few warning signs of a bad real estate agent.

We’re here to help you figure out what to and how to determine if your agent isn’t working for you.

If you’ve begun talking with (or have already signed with) an agent and believe you’ve made the wrong decision, it may be time to reconsider.

Signs to identify bad realtors

If you notice any of these red flags, it could mean that an agent will provide poor service or is simply not the right fit:

Lack of Communication and Responsiveness

One of the biggest red flags to watch out for is a lack of communication and responsiveness from your agent.

Delayed Responses:

If you find yourself constantly waiting for days to hear back from your agent, it can be frustrating and indicate a lack of urgency or attentiveness. 

Incomplete or Vague Answers:

When you do manage to get in touch with your agent, pay attention to how they respond to your questions.

If they provide incomplete or vague answers, it can be a sign that they are not fully knowledgeable or invested in helping you make informed decisions.

Lack of Proactive Communication:

A good agent keeps you updated and informed throughout the entire process.

If your agent rarely initiates contact or fails to communicate important updates and progress, it could indicate a lack of commitment to your best interests.

In today’s market, where homes sell in about 19 days on average, a part-time real estate agent trying to juggle another job and normal daily life responsibilities simply won’t be able to keep up with showings and contract talks, putting you at a costly disadvantage.

Lack of Availability

If your agent is consistently difficult to reach, takes days to respond to your inquiries, or is always unavailable when you need them, it can be a clear indication that they may not have your best interests at heart.

Delayed responses: If your agent consistently takes more than 24-48 hours to reply to your calls or emails, it may be a red flag. 

Unanswered calls or messages: If you find yourself frequently unable to reach your agent or having your calls and messages ignored, it’s a sign of poor availability. 

Constantly unavailable: If your agent frequently cancels or reschedules appointments, is unavailable during key moments of the transaction, or fails to attend important meetings, it can be a frustrating experience. 

Lack of familiarity with the neighborhood

A good agent should be well-versed in the different neighborhoods within the area and be able to provide insights on their unique characteristics and selling points.

Beware of agents who can’t provide detailed information about the local amenities, schools, transportation options, and nearby developments.

Inability to answer specific questions about the market

During your initial conversations with a potential agent, ask them about recent market trends, average sale prices, and the average time properties stay on the market.

If they struggle to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it might be a sign that they are not well-versed in the local market dynamics.

Limited knowledge of comparable properties 

If an agent is unable to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the price range and recent sales in the neighborhood, it could be a warning sign of inadequate market knowledge.

Lack of Negotiation Skills

Effective negotiation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your real estate transaction, whether you’re buying or selling a property.

Limited Knowledge of Market Trends:

A skilled negotiator has a deep understanding of the current real estate market trends.

They are aware of the price range for similar properties in the area and can strategically negotiate to secure the best deal for you.

Inability to Advocate for Your Best Interest:

A good real estate agent should be your advocate throughout the negotiation process.

They should have the ability to present your case effectively and negotiate on your behalf.

This includes advocating for a fair price, addressing specific needs and concerns, and ensuring that your best interests are always a top priority. 

Poor Communication Skills:

Negotiation involves clear and effective communication between all parties involved.

If your agent struggles to communicate your offers, counteroffers, or other important details in a timely fashion, it can hinder the negotiation process.

Lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities, potentially costing you the best deal.

Inability to Ask the Right Questions:

They should inquire about the motivations and circumstances of the other party to better understand their position.

If your agent fails to ask the right questions or lacks the curiosity to dig deeper, it can limit their ability to negotiate effectively on your behalf.

Without proper preparation, your agent may be caught off guard or fail to respond effectively to the other party’s tactics.

Lack of Professionalism

A lack of professionalism can indicate a number of red flags that may lead to a negative experience during your real estate transaction.

Poor Communication: Effective communication is crucial in any business relationship, and the real estate industry is no exception.

Unprofessional Behavior: From dressing inappropriately for appointments to showing up late, unprofessional behavior can erode trust and confidence in your agent.

Incompatible with your style

Another red flag to watch out for when choosing a real estate agent is a sense of incompatibility or misalignment.

You want to work with an agent who understands your specific needs and goals, and who is willing to tailor their approach accordingly. 

Different Communication Styles:

If you find that your agent’s communication style doesn’t align with yours, it can lead to misunderstandings and frustrations. 

For example, if you prefer frequent updates and detailed information, but your agent only provides sporadic updates or lacks attention to detail, it may be a sign of incompatibility.

Conflicting Priorities:

If you find that your agent’s priorities are not aligned with yours, it can be a cause for concern.

This could manifest in various ways, such as pushing for a quick sale at a lower price when you value maximizing your profit, or focusing on properties that don’t match your desired criteria.

Final Thoughts 

Hiring the right realtor is the difference between having a great experience. 

The opposite could also be true. You might be saying that realtors don’t know what they are doing. 

Or you can try and sell your property fast to a cash buyer who will pay all the closing costs!