6 Ways Your Real Estate Agent is Dropping the Ball

It’s a common myth that all real estate agents are all created equal—after all, we have access to the same listings, we all have the same state licensing requirements, and we all know how to write up a contract.

But just like in any other profession, there are fantastic agents who go above and beyond to get a deal done, and there are ones who, well, don’t.

While we’re definitely not here to tell you that it’s time to break up with your real estate agent (especially because there are often contracts in place between clients and agents), here are some signs that your real estate agent is dropping the ball.

If anything, knowing about these things in advance will help you pick the right agent from the get-go. And if we can help you do that, we’ve done our job.

Reason #1: Not Being Proactive Enough

In a hot real estate market like Seattle’s, agents have to do some serious work on behalf of their buyers and sellers. Waiting for the right house to come on the market or expecting the highest offer to magically appear are recipes for disaster.

A buyer’s agent should have a clear list of a buyer’s needs and wants and should be actively looking for just the right home. That means paying attention to homes as soon as they come on the market and immediately arranging a showing and writing an offer if needed. It also means networking with contacts to see if someone is about to list a home that might be just right. It’s a whole lot like playing matchmaker if we’re honest.

If you’re a seller, the agent should be doing the research before listing to make sure the home is priced correctly—pricing too high can ultimately mean that the home goes for less than it’s worth. They should help guide you about anything that should be done before listing. They should market your home to everyone who might be interested. Then, they should help you actively field offers and decide on the best one, which isn’t always the same thing as the highest one.

Reason #2: Not Understanding the Local Market

If your agent doesn’t understand the local market, you’re going to be wading through some rough waters. If they aren’t up to speed on market dynamics and can’t provide you with accurate data, you need someone who’s more knowledgeable about that specific area.

If you’re a buyer, you want someone who understands the right price for a house is in your market is. Otherwise, you could easily end up overpaying. A local agent also knows about typical problems with homes in the area and the best ways to deal with them. Last, a local agent can put you in touch with the many service providers you’ll need to contact when buying (and moving into) a new home. Real estate agent recommendations for service providers are like GOLD.

If you’re a seller, you don’t want your home to be underpriced, but you also don’t want your home to be overpriced. An underpriced or overpriced home can end up selling for less than it would have if it was priced correctly from the get-go. It takes significant expertise to price a home correctly.

Reason #3: Not Communicating Well

Real estate moves FAST, and it’s moving at lightning speed in Seattle right now. Quick, clear communication is key. A delayed response can mean losing your dream home, especially in this market. If you’re waiting for more than 12 hours for a response, it’s time to move on (most agents will respond much faster).

If you have an agent whose communication style doesn’t mesh well with yours, take pause. If you feel rushed, irritated, like you’re not being listened to, or like the chemistry just isn’t there, pay attention. A good agent will also ask how you like to communicate—phone, email, or text—and then will use that method to contact you.

Reason #4: Pushing an Agenda

An agent’s job is to help you through the process of buying or selling a home, and an experienced agent knows that these events can come with a lot of emotion. If you feel like you’re being strong-armed into doing something for a commission rather than to meet your goals and needs, that’s a big red flag. An agent is legally required to act in YOUR best interest, and that might not always be the same as what’s in their best interest.

Along these lines, if you have any reason to believe that your agent has misled or misrepresented you or concealed information, you don’t want them working on your behalf. Any REALTOR® is bound by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and must advocate for you. Don’t ever let an agent push you into decisions you’re not comfortable making.

Reason #5: Too Eager to Please

Upfront, this one might seem a little puzzling. Shouldn’t your agent want to please you? Yes, but it’s more complicated than that when you’re a seller. Here’s why.

Everyone wants to get top dollar for their homes, and some people look for the agent who will let them list as high as they want to. There is always an agent who will say yes to any price you set, but most of them will not. Ethical agents are transparent about the market, even if it’s not what you’re hoping to hear.

Reason #6: Poor Negotiation Skills

Real estate transactions are negotiations between two parties. Having an agent with strong negotiating skills, whether you’re buying or selling a home, is critical. This is how you’ll make sure you don’t overpay for a home you’re buying or accept a lowball offer on a home you’re selling.

Negotiating skills also come into play during the home inspection. If you’re a buyer, you want an agent who can help you either get large problems fixed or get a credit toward them. If you’re a seller, you want an agent who can help you make sure you’re not paying to fix every single nit-picky thing.

What to Do If Your Real Estate Agent is Dropping the Ball

If you’ve got the wrong agent, take a look at the agreements you’ve signed. How long does the agreement go for? Are you responsible for paying the agent’s commission if you buy a home with another agent? If you’re selling, did you sign an exclusive right to sell? There may be terms for breaking the agreement. In some cases, expressing unhappiness will release you from the agreement you’ve signed.

Above all, being honest about your experience with the agent is key for improving your experience and helping them do better in the future.

If you have any questions about working with real estate agents, give us a call at 206-353-7625! No matter what your real estate needs are, we’re here for you.