13 Mistakes to Avoid When Trusting a Real Estate Agent

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For many, buying or selling a home is more than a transaction; it means moving on to new pastures. When you are looking for a new place to live, you want someone who knows what they are doing and who has your best interests at heart, because it’s where memories are made. But here’s the thing: Not all real estate agents are the same. Some are fantastic and some, not so much. It can save you a lot of heartache and a few headaches as well, if you know what to look out for and what mistakes to avoid.

This article will explore some of the biggest pitfalls people make when dealing with real estate agents. You’ll learn what to look for in someone who may not be a good fit for you and some tips on how to find a good professional who will help make your journey a smooth experience and even something you will enjoy.

Choosing an Agent Based on Promises

There are agents that can be really good salespeople, they make grand promises — I’ll sell your home in a week!, I have the perfect house for you. Optimism is great, but you don’t want to get too far out there on the overpromise. Sure, you want someone honest about the market, any potential sticking points, and timelines, but you don’t need someone who will just say what you want to hear.

Not Researching Agent’s Experience

Would you ever hire a newbie chef to cater your wedding? Real estate is the same. You don’t go with the average, so it makes sense to go with an agent who knows the local market, especially when it’s a special property or a difficult transaction. Find out how long they’ve been around, look at their sales record, and see if they’ve handled cases like yours.

Falling for Flashy Marketing

Some agents go over the edge with marketing; billboards, radio ads, flashy websites, but don’t let this dazzle you until you check their track record. What’s real is the experience and integrity of an agent, not their marketing. If you are looking into investing with someone, don’t just look at the glitz on the surface, make sure they can deliver on what they are promising.

Assuming That All Agents Are the Same

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Not all agents are the same. Some are great with first time homebuyers, some are great with luxury properties and some are experts with investment properties. The knowledge of what an agent specializes in will lead you to the most appropriate agent for your particular goal or need.

Focusing Only on Commissions

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Choosing an agent simply because they have lowest commission rate is a mistake. Yeah, a lower commission is nice to hear, but it could also mean the agent is new or they don’t have the money to invest the time and effort for you. Experienced agents charge higher rates largely because they bring value – marketing tools, negotiation skills or network connections. The commission is part of the full package.

Trusting Without a Thorough Interview Process

If you wouldn’t hire an employee without an interview, why skip that with a real estate agent? If you don’t have anything before the closing, this is the time to ask about their experience, recent sales, market knowledge and how they handle bad situations. You can get a sense of their personality over a quick coffee meeting or a phone call, and determine if they’re a good fit for you.

Not Asking If They Know Their Local Market

Location is very important in real estate. While an agent may know the general market, do they truly understand the neighborhood you are looking at? The most important thing is to have local market knowledge. A good agent can let you know the average days on the market, what the recent sales prices are, and what the trends are in certain areas so you can make good decisions.

Leveraging Only Family or Friend Referrals

Just because your cousin swears by their agent doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for you. You are each unique, as are each property, buyer, and seller, and one agent who worked well for someone else might not click with you. It’s always smart to meet with few agents then get a feel of their styles before deciding.

Disregarding a Written Agreement

A written agreement is better than trust. A lot of people forget to formalize the contract, assuming everything will be fine. An agreement in writing sets expectations, services provided, all of that, and legal protections for both sides in the event of misbehavior. If disagreements occur, this small step will prevent big problems later on.

Wrongly Assessing The Agent’s Negotiation Skills

When it comes to real estate, a transaction is often a game of negotiation and you want an agent who knows how to play. If your agent isn’t aggressive enough, you could end up paying too much, or get less than you wanted to. Negotiation skills can make or break a deal — if you’re not comfortable with their skills, don’t be afraid to ask for examples of how they have handled tough negotiations in the past.

Not Paying Attention to Communication Style

Communication is important in any relationship and that includes your agent. Some agents are quick to respond and keep you updated on every step of the way, while others… well, let’s just say you might think they forgot about you. Make sure your communication styles are in sync—do you prefer to speak on the phone, send texts or emails?—so you’re being heard and informed.

Ignoring Red Flags in Reviews, or References

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If you wouldn’t stay at a hotel with terrible reviews, don’t ignore the red flags in an agent’s testimonials or references. Yes, there could be one or two slightly picky clients who aren’t too happy with you, but if you are consistently getting complaints about poor communication, missed appointments, or underwhelming results, think again. A lot can be revealed by reading reviews from trusted sites or even speaking with past clients.

Choose An Agent Who Is Not Tech Savvy

With the age we are in, it is a huge advantage to have an agent who is tech savvy. They also can help make the process tech smart from virtual tours to online listings to using digital paperwork. It’s no wonder that a 2024 report from the famous National Association of Realtors (NAR) declared that 43 percent of buyers start looking for a new home online: digital presence is critical.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.