We all know the importance of having a good real estate agent when buying or selling a property. They can make the process smoother and help us get the best deal. But what happens when you realize that your real estate agent is not up to the task? In this article, we will discuss 10 signs that indicate you are working with a subpar real estate agent and what you can do about it.
Communication Issues
One of the most common problems people face when working with a real estate agent is poor communication. You call, you text, you email, but you don't get a timely response. This is not a minor issue, my friend. It's a big deal! When you find a house you love, time is of the essence, especially in a hot market. Lack of communication from your agent can delay the process and cause you to miss out on the home you truly want. Don't settle for an agent who doesn't value you.
Lack of Leadership Abilities
You need a real estate agent who is confident and willing to provide honest advice based on their expertise and experience, even if it's something you may not want to hear. A hesitant agent who is unwilling to provide the strong guidance you need may not have enough experience to negotiate a good deal or may not be suitable for the job.
Power Struggles
While you want your agent to be a strong leader, you don't want them to forget who is in charge. Surprise! It's you. You are the one in control during the buying or selling process, not the agent. If they put undue pressure on you to buy a home you're not sure about (or exceed your budget), solely focused on their commission, you're dealing with a power struggle that shouldn't be happening.
Arrogant Attitude
Confidence in their abilities is important, but it doesn't give your agent the right to behave like a jerk. No matter how simple or complex your questions are, your agent should be patient enough to answer them all. Furthermore, when your agent negotiates, they are representing you. You don't want your representative to be arrogant or condescending, do you? Simply put, you don't have to put up with a rude real estate agent.
No Progress
If months have passed since you started working with your agent and you haven't made any progress towards buying or selling a home, that's a major issue. Yes, it could be because you're being too picky or not flexible enough with your demands, but if your agent keeps showing you properties that clearly don't meet your requirements or you're not getting any offers on your home, they are wasting your time.
Lack of Experience
This is a non-negotiable, my friend. An inexperienced agent without a robust network in the industry or the necessary knowledge to navigate the buying or selling process can easily mishandle paperwork, misinterpret contracts, or miss important deadlines. Such mistakes can jeopardize your home sale, and they often happen when working with a newbie in the industry. You need an experienced negotiator, both for the sale price and any potential repairs that may arise after the home inspection.
You can't fake experience in the real estate world. Only hire an agent with at least a few years of experience in your area. And on top of that, it's important that they work full-time as a real estate agent. Why? Well, that brings us to the next red flag.
Part-Time Realtor
Buying or selling a home is a significant financial matter. So why would you entrust such an important task, involving substantial sums of money, to someone who treats it as a side gig? Here's the deal: You need an agent who is fully committed to earning their commission – someone who primarily makes a living helping people buy and sell homes. If a real estate agent works part-time, it means that their livelihood doesn't depend on closing deals. And that means your transaction is not their priority, and they won't give you their best.
Poor Marketing
A real estate agent's job is to attract as many potential buyers as possible to your property. These days, that requires more than just putting up a sign in the yard and posting a picture on a website. In the real estate industry, they call that "list and pray." While I believe in the power of prayer, I also believe in marketing. Ask to see your agent's marketing plan for your home and make sure you understand the reasoning behind their decisions. They may have good reasons, but they should still explain them to you.
Offers, but No Deals
This sign is more relevant for sellers. Receiving offers is great when you're selling a property, but remember: offers don't mean anything if they don't result in a closed deal. There could be several reasons why this happens, such as your agent's poor negotiation skills or lackluster marketing. Regardless of the reasons, if your agent is not closing any deals, it's a problem that's affecting your bottom line.
You're Not a Priority
Calculating their commission is pretty straightforward for a real estate agent: the more expensive the home, the higher the commission. But that should never affect how they treat you. If your agent sees you as a "low-value client" just because you're selling a smaller home or have a smaller budget, that's not okay! These are the signs you should look out for: poor communication, showing up late to appointments, being impatient with your questions, or pressuring you to lower your asking price without any supporting evidence.
In conclusion, if you spot any of these signs, it may be time to find a new real estate agent. Remember, buying or selling a property is a significant decision, and you deserve to work with someone who is reliable, experienced, and always has your best interests at heart. Don't settle for less!