There are some home buyers and sellers that have had the unfortunate experience of working with a bad realtor. After searching for whom you thought was the perfect realtor, you may soon realize that the realtor you chose does not meet your expectations. If it’s your first time buying or selling a home, you may not be aware that you’re working with a bad realtor. These are some signs that it’s time to find someone else to help buy or sell your home.
Poor Communication
If you’ve ever spent time with a realtor, you know that they are always on their phone communicating with clients, mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and other realtors. A realtor who doesn’t return your phone calls, texts, or emails can be considered a bad realtor.
It’s important to stay in the know when it comes to buying or selling a home. The real estate business never sleeps, so it’s important to stay on top of new listings, submitted offers, and home showings. If you feel that your realtor isn’t communicating the details of a real estate transaction or even answering your calls about seeing a home, you may want to consider finding someone else.
Ignores Your Requests
You are the one hiring the realtor, therefore they should honor and consider your requests. If you are looking to buy a home with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a stone fireplace, that is exactly what your realtor should be showing you. However, if your requests are impossible, it is your realtor’s job to communicate this challenge with you and work with you to show you other options.
If you feel that you are wasting your time looking at homes that do not match your criteria in the least, you may be working with a bad realtor.
Unprofessional Manner
Punctuality is key. If your realtor always shows up to meetings, showings, or open houses late, it can be considered unprofessional. You want to work with someone who is on top of his or her game with meetings and presents him or herself professionally. While there are some realtors who are very laid back and have a “cool” vibe, they can still be considered professional when it comes to speaking on the phone, keeping appointments, and negotiating a transaction.
They’re Pushy
Buying or selling a home is a huge decision. There are many factors to consider and is oftentimes the biggest investment a person will make in their lifetime. If you feel that your realtor is pushing you to make a decision when you are not ready, they may be considered a bad realtor. This behavior shows that the realtor is solely focused on getting their commission check rather than helping clients.
Lack of Marketing Presence
With social media and the Internet, it’s a given that your realtor should have some kind of online presence marketing themselves and the properties that they list. It’s a great free tool that all realtors should take advantage of. If you notice that your realtor doesn’t have a marketing presence both online or in print, you may be working with a bad realtor.
It’s also important to check that your realtor has client testimonials from past real estate transactions. These testimonials along with some sort of marketing presence makes your realtor much more reputable.
Untrustworthy
Always go with your gut feelings. If you feel that you do not trust the realtor you are working with, it’s time to do something about it. A good realtor works in your best interest when it comes to buying or selling a home. A bad realtor only looks out for himself or herself.
While you may not feel particularly enthused or connected to your current realtor, another client may really vibe with them. It’s all based on personal experience and preference.
What to Do if You’re Working with a Bad Realtor
If you are a home buyer and signed a Buyer Agency Contract, you should review the terms that you agreed to and the term of the contract. There may be a way to get out of it. If not, you can always approach your realtor and express your concerns. Hopefully, they will change their ways or agree to terminate the contract.
If you are selling your home and signed a listing contract with your realtor, it may be a little more complicated. Review your agreement and the term you’ve agreed to. Approach your realtor about your concerns. If nothing changes and you cannot get out of your contract, don’t be afraid to go straight to the broker with your concerns and experience. They may agree to terminate the listing contract early.
