Real estate agents play a crucial role in helping you find the right property because of their in-depth knowledge of the real estate market. They can find you the perfect property more quickly and at your desired budget. They can give you a list of available properties on the market that you didn’t even know about. And they are often savvy negotiators who can get a great deal on a property you want to own, saving you a lot of time, money and effort in the process.
But it’s equally important to find the right agent for you. Realistically, there are real estate agents who don’t perform well and leave their clients feeling very dissatisfied or even angry at their lack of quality in service. Being unhappy with an agent doesn’t necessarily mean the agent is acting maliciously. Often, the dissatisfaction comes from the agent not getting the job done. This failure to provide satisfactory service can be a result of the agent not being the right fit for the client personality-wise, the agent prioritising other clients, or an agent not having access to the particular resources the client needs to buy the property that fits them.
To detect real estate agents who are just plain bad at their job, we’ve listed the red flags you should be watching out for.
Communication Issues:
Not being able to get in touch with an agent is one of the most common complaints home buyers have about their real estate agents. Even after calling, texting or emailing their agent, they hear nothing back. Poor communication results in missing out on opportunities to buy the house you really want.
Power Struggles:
Although it’s quite normal for an agent to suggest a property that may be more than their client’s allotted budget, especially if the property fits the client’s objectives, at the end of the day, the agent should never pressure their clients into buying a home the latter isn’t sure about or that’s beyond their budget, just because the agent is more interested in commission.
Lack of Guidance:
On the other hand, an agent who just keeps saying yes but doesn’t offer any suggestions or guidance (in other words, honest advice based on their research and experience) may not actually have the experience needed to negotiate a good deal on a new home.
Attitude Issues:
It’s good to have a confident agent, but there’s always a fine line between being confident and being a jerk. A good agent patiently answers any questions their client may have, no matter how many questions or how basic those questions may be. You don’t have to deal with agents who are rude, arrogant or condescending.
No Results:
If it’s been months, and you still can’t find a suitable home because your agent isn’t showing you any homes or keeps showing you homes that you’ve already told them aren’t right for you, then it’s probably time to move on.
If you have a bad real estate agent and you’ve tried speaking to them but they continue to ignore you, then it’s time to let them go. But make sure to read your contract or buyer’s agreement, which usually has a defined expiration date.
If talking to your agent regarding your concerns about their service doesn’t solve the problem, then what you can do is speak with the agent’s broker and ask to be let out of the deal. Brokers care about their image within their communities, so they will want to fix this issue for you immediately.
If this doesn’t work either, then it’s probably time to get a lawyer involved. Otherwise, you’ll just have to wait out the contract if you’re not willing to spend on a lawyer. The best way to avoid these kinds of hassles is to make sure you have the right agent in the first place. You can read our previous article for essential tips in finding the right real estate agent.
For FREE professional advice in real estate buying or selling, get in touch with National Brokers Network. We’re a team of seasoned business brokers in Australia with years of service & experience in real estate, making us the most trusted realtors in Melbourne. We’re always ready to serve you for all your real estate needs!
