So, you’re buying or selling a house, and it’s time to choose your real estate agent. Exciting, right? But also… kind of nerve-wracking. This person is going to help guide one of the biggest financial decisions of your life—you wouldn’t hand that over to just anyone with a name tag and a smile, would you?
Nope. You want someone who knows their stuff, has your back, and doesn’t ghost you halfway through negotiations. The problem is, not all agents are created equal. While there are a lot of great ones out there (hi 👋), there are also a few duds—and red flags waving around like inflatable tube men outside a car dealership.
Let’s break down the warning signs you should absolutely not ignore when choosing your real estate wingperson.
🚩 They Don’t Listen—Like, at All
If your agent talks at you instead of with you, that’s a no-go. A great agent should listen to your wants, needs, budget, and timeline. If they’re constantly steering you toward homes or marketing strategies that don’t align with your goals, they’re more interested in closing the deal than helping you succeed.
This is not a “choose your own adventure” where the agent makes up the story. You’re the main character, and your voice should be heard.
🚩 They’re Weirdly Hard to Reach
You shouldn’t have to chase your real estate agent like a bad Tinder date. If they take days to return a text, never answer your calls, or constantly “forget” to send you that listing or document—red flag.
Yes, agents are busy people. But consistent, clear communication is literally part of the job description. If they can’t get back to you now, imagine how responsive they’ll be when things get messy in negotiations.
🚩 They’re Super Pushy
Look, your agent is supposed to guide you, not guilt-trip you. If you’re feeling pressured to make an offer you’re not comfortable with, or list your home at a price that doesn’t sit right, pause.
High-pressure tactics are often a sign that the agent cares more about their commission check than your long-term happiness. You want an advocate, not a salesperson who thinks “trust me” is a personality trait.
🚩 They Lack Local Knowledge
An agent who doesn’t know the area is like a GPS with no signal—basically useless. You want someone who understands the local market, knows the neighborhoods, has connections with inspectors, lenders, and contractors, and can tell you why one side of the street sells faster than the other.
If your agent has to Google where the house is… it’s a hard pass.
🚩 They’re Vague About Experience or Credentials
If you ask about their recent sales, reviews, or experience and they give you the ol’ “I’ve been doing this a long time” without receipts, be wary. A legit agent should be able to show you their track record—stats, testimonials, and recent wins. If they can’t, you may be the guinea pig in their real estate experiment.
🚩 Your Gut Says “Nope”
Sometimes the vibes are just off. Maybe they talk over you, seem disorganized, or you feel like you can’t trust them. Trust that instinct! This is someone you’ll be spending a lot of time with during a potentially stressful process—you need to feel confident in the partnership.
Choosing the right real estate agent can mean the difference between a smooth, successful transaction and one that ends with regret and mild rage. Don’t ignore the red flags. Ask the hard questions. Pay attention to how they respond (or don’t).
You deserve an agent who shows up, listens, communicates clearly, and truly works for YOU—not just their next commission.
Because let’s be honest: the house hunt or home sale is wild enough on its own. The last thing you need is to bring a clown to the rodeo.
Ready to avoid the red flags and work with someone who actually gives a damn? You know where to find me. 😉