Top Five Red Flags when Hiring A Realtor

Choosing the right realtor is critical for a successful real estate transaction. Here are five major red flags to look out for when selecting a realtor, along with expanded explanations of why these issues are problematic.

1. A Realtor Who Never Answers Your Calls

Effective communication is crucial in real estate, where timely information can make or break a deal. A realtor who never answers your calls, has a perpetually full voicemail, or takes too long to respond is a significant liability. Real estate transactions often involve tight deadlines and quick decisions. If your realtor is too busy to respond promptly, you could miss out on key opportunities.

For example, if a property you're interested in receives multiple offers, a delayed response from your realtor could mean losing the chance to place a competitive bid. Furthermore, if your realtor is not reachable during critical moments, it reflects poorly on their professionalism and commitment to your needs.

I personally have a commitment to always answer my phone, be it day or night, weekdays or weekends. When a person hires me to do work, I take the responsibility to heart and do my best. Some of my Realtor Collogues do not. This leads to very frustrated buyers and sellers on both sides of the transactions. I couldn’t tell you how many times I had other clients call me directly instead of going through their Realtor because their Realtor did not respond. It is aggravating for all.

2. A Realtor with a Big Team

A large team can initially seem like a plus, promising comprehensive service and specialized attention. However, it often means you’ll deal with various team members rather than the lead realtor. This can lead to a lack of personalized service and accountability.

When you call, having to navigate through multiple options just to talk to someone is frustrating and impersonal. Moreover, tasks can fall through the cracks when too many people are involved. The lead realtor may delegate your case to less experienced agents, prioritizing clients with higher-value transactions. This fragmented approach can lead to miscommunication, overlooked details, and ultimately, a less satisfactory real estate experience. You don’t want to pay to play a game of telephone going on where the first person you spoke to doesn’t relay all the information and so information gets lost, messed up, and just plain wrong. It feels like you the Buyer/Seller lose all control of what is going on.

3. A Realtor Who Is Out of Touch

Experience is valuable, but it must be coupled with current knowledge of market trends, technology, and financing options. Realtors who are out of touch with modern practices can be a hindrance. For instance, if they don’t understand how to finance new constructions or the importance of modern amenities like smart home features they won’t effectively serve tech-savvy clients.

Real estate is constantly evolving, and a realtor who isn't up-to-date can miss opportunities to leverage new tools and strategies that could benefit you. If your realtor frequently references their successes from decades ago without demonstrating knowledge of current market dynamics, it’s a sign they might not be the best fit for today’s real estate environment.

4. A Realtor Who Dresses the Part (and Only the Part)

Professional attire is important, but it shouldn't overshadow a realtor’s willingness to engage in all aspects of the job. Realtors who always dress in formal business attire may avoid certain tasks, like inspecting less pristine parts of a property. This can indicate a superficial approach to their work. If a realtor is more focused on their appearance and quick sales rather than addressing your specific needs and concerns, they are not fully committed to serving you. This type of realtor might rush through property viewings and skip over important details, prioritizing their next client over giving you the thorough service you deserve.

We had a perfect example of this when our Buyers were looking at a farm. The Sellers agent was dressed to the Nines. Black shiny shoes, suit pants, high end clothing. Why in the world would they wear that? They did not walk the property through cow pastures. They did not join us as we ventured through the knee high wet grass to get to the on site creek. The property was selling for about $1.5 m. It warranted professionalism. So the Sellers Agent sold themselves as high end but when it came to actually doing the work, they just sat in the comfortable house

5. A Realtor Who Gives Up Easily

Real estate transactions can be complex and often require persistence and problem-solving skills. A realtor who gives up easily when faced with challenges is not the one you want on your side. Whether it's negotiating a tough deal, addressing unforeseen issues with a property, or navigating bureaucratic hurdles, a good realtor should be determined and resourceful. If your realtor lacks perseverance and is quick to abandon difficult tasks, they won't effectively advocate for your needs. A realtor who doesn’t fight for your interests during negotiations or who fails to find solutions to unexpected problems can cost you both time and money.

Selecting the right realtor involves more than just checking their credentials and experience. Pay attention to how they communicate, whether they offer personalized attention, their knowledge of current market trends, their willingness to engage in all aspects of the job, and their persistence in facing challenges. Avoid realtors who are inattentive, impersonal, outdated, overly focused on appearances, or quick to give up. By choosing a realtor who excels in these areas, you can ensure a smoother, more successful real estate transaction.