It’s important to know what to look for when hiring a real estate agent. Not all agents have the necessary interpersonal skills and negotiation skills, and some can be downright dangerous to work with. Nevertheless, here are six red flags to watch out for when choosing an agent. Keep them in mind, and you’ll be sure to find someone you can trust during your home-buying endeavor.
#1: They Do Not Have a Professional License
It’s a requirement that all real estate agents have a state license. If your agent doesn’t have a license, they should be able to tell you why. If the agent is hesitant or gives you an answer that sounds like a canned response, it’s time to look for someone else. There’s no reason not to have one and failing to disclose this information is inexcusable.
A license is a sign that your agent is compliant, capable, and trustworthy. If an agent doesn’t feel like they need one, it’s likely because they’re not a professional real estate agent, and they are using illegal practices to sell houses to unsuspecting home-buyers.
#2: They Do Not Have a Professional Website
A quick search on Google can tell you a great deal about a person’s business acumen. If an agent doesn’t have a professional website, there’s no way for you to assess their expertise. It shows a lack of attention to detail and a lack of care for future clients, which could insinuate that the agent isn’t keeping up with industry standards or may be doing something illegal.
On the contrary, if an agent has a professional website, it’s usually a good sign that they stay on top of their game. Real estate agencies such as Homeway Real Estate is such an agency, and its site has up-to-date information about the agent and testimonials from past clients. In this day and age, promising agents need to have a professional online presence.
#3: They Are Not Responsive
Being a real estate agent can be very exciting and rewarding. There are many opportunities to buy and sell and work diligently with clients to find a home that best suits clients’ needs and desires; however, it’s easy for agents to get off track or distracted by something else. When you hire an agent, they need to give you their undivided attention and should be enthusiastic about helping you find the home of your dreams.
An agent who isn’t responsive or available to you during their business hours does not value your time or your business. This is a dangerous agent to work with because they can’t be counted on in the future, and they’re willing to sacrifice any potential deals for their agendas.
#4: They Soley Advertise High Commission Rates
In today’s market, rates have been steadily dropping. In some regions, they’re practically at a historic low. This means that more deals are to be made, and the real estate market is just as competitive as ever.
If an agent advertises high commission rates but doesn’t have any experience or results to back it up, something is wrong. Even if the agent is right, you should be able to find someone who offers better rates because it’s so competitive. Such rates indicate that the agent is desperate for business and unwilling to negotiate with you.
#5: They Discourage You from Asking Questions
A good agent wants you to ask questions. It shows they are capable of understanding your needs, and they are willing to put in the effort to make sure you’re satisfied with the service. An agent who doesn’t want you asking questions is an agent who doesn’t want to be held accountable for their mistakes or lack of experience.
Asking questions is a good thing. It helps to establish trust, and it gives you a better idea of what to expect from your agent’s services. If an agent discourages questions, they aren’t worth your time or money. This is a sign that they are probably disorganized and unwilling to do the hard work.
#6: They Are Pushy and Want You to Make Rash Decisions
Some agents can be very pushy, and they want you to quick, uninformed decisions. Unfortunately, this kind of agent isn’t trustworthy or professional. They are only looking out for themselves, and it’s unlikely that they have your best interests at heart. It can be tough to turn away business, but if the agent is being pushy, you need to take a step back and weigh your options.
Wrap Up
When looking for a real estate agent, knowing what to expect is essential. These red flags will let you know if someone is not worth your time and money or if they’re simply a bad fit for your needs. Remember, any good agent should be responsive and willing to answer questions about their experience and commission rate.
