Having a professional real estate agent working with you when buying or selling a home is always a great idea.
However, not all real estate agents and REALTORS® are created equal, and you want to make sure you’re working with
the best. Here are some signs that your REALTOR® might not be the greatest fit for you, and that you should find
someone new.
Poor Communication
Communication is key in any relationship, including the one with your real estate agent. Swift and clear communication
will ensure everyone is staying on the same page. Open communication is also the best way for your agent to
understand your wants and needs. If communication between you and your agent is poor, there are likely going to be
more issues down the road. While your agent can’t be there for you 24/7, it’s reasonable to expect them to reply to you
within a day, or to at least let you know they’ve received your message and will get back to you when they can.
You also need to know they’re actually listening to you when you’re talking with them. Your conversations shouldn’t
feel one-sided or like everything you’re saying is going in one ear and out the other. Active listening is an essential skill
for any great real estate agent, and it’s important for them to understand what you need from them.
Unprofessional
This is a smaller issue, but a lack of professionalism from your real estate agent is a bad sign. Your agent can appear
unprofessional in many ways, from constantly being late to meetings to always wearing casual clothing. While this
alone may not bother you, it’s an indicator that the agent doesn’t care much about you or their job. If that’s the case,
they’re not likely to give you their best.
Too Much Pressure
Your real estate agent should be confident and assertive in their work, especially when giving you their opinion on
homes you’re looking to buy or offers being given in your home. However, your agent should never go so far as to be
pushy or pressure you into taking steps or making transactions you don’t want to.
Lack of Progress
Buying or selling a home isn’t something that’s just going to happen on its own. That’s why you’re hiring a real estate
agent — they’re meant to be actively working and progressing towards your goal. However, if you’re a buyer who
hasn’t been going to any viewings because your agent hasn’t been setting many up, that’s a problem. As a seller, you
need to be sure that your agent is showing your home to interested buyers. If you haven’t been seeing any progress at
all over months of searching, then you likely need a new agent.
How to Change Real Estate Agents
As a buyer or a seller, you likely signed a contract with your agent to ensure they get their commission. This may make
it seems like you’re absolutely stuck with your agent even if you’re not working well with them. However, this isn’t
necessarily true. Simply talking with your agent and being honest yet polite about your issues can go a long way. More
than likely, they will be willing to drop the contract, as a non-functional relationship will be wasting your time as well
as theirs. Even though your partnership didn’t quite work out, always remember to show appreciation for the work
that they have done, as leaving on good terms is best for everyone.
At this point, all you need to do is look for a new agent to help you out. Using the knowledge you gained from this less-
than-ideal partnership, you can find a much better real estate agent to work with you!