Your real estate agent plays a key role in one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. A great agent makes buying or selling a home smooth and stress-free, while a bad one can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
Not all real estate agents are created equal. If yours is making these mistakes, it may be time to move on.
- They Fail to Communicate with You
Good communication is essential. If your agent takes days to respond, leaves you chasing updates, or avoids difficult conversations, it can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary stress. Real estate moves fast, and delays could cost you the perfect home or a great offer.
Good communication is not just about speed—it’s about clarity and attentiveness. And if they consistently use communication methods you don’t prefer or seem rushed and dismissive, it’s a sign they’re not prioritizing you.
If your agent isn’t providing timely, clear, and honest communication, it’s time to find someone who will.
- They Put Their Interests Above Yours
Unfortunately, it’s common to hear stories of agents who prioritize their commission over your best interests, pressuring you into decisions that benefit them, not you. Some agents may not be outright unethical but might sugarcoat the truth or only tell you what you want to hear in order to close a deal.
A good agent should serve you with honesty, even if it means a smaller check for them. Beware of agents who push you to lower your price without justification, favor higher-budget clients, or list homes above market value just to win your business. These tactics can leave you frustrated with a stale listing or a rushed decision you’ll regret.
Ultimately, you’re the one buying or selling the home—not your agent. They should provide expert guidance, not make decisions for you. If you feel pressured or undervalued, it’s time to find an agent who truly puts your needs first.
- They Lack Leadership and Confidence
A great agent should be a confident leader, not just an order-taker. They should be able to negotiate effectively and guide you through the complexities of the transaction. If they seem hesitant, unsure, or reluctant to take charge, it’s a red flag.
Confidence doesn’t mean arrogance. A strong agent doesn’t just talk a big game—they back it up with knowledge, market expertise, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
- They Have Limited Industry Knowledge
Real estate transactions involve complex contracts, legal requirements, and market dynamics. An agent who lacks in-depth knowledge of these areas can make costly mistakes—like misfiled paperwork, pricing errors, or weak negotiation strategies—that could delay or jeopardize your deal.
A well-informed agent should be able to accurately assess market trends, explain contract terms clearly, and guide you through challenges with confidence. If your agent struggles to answer basic questions about pricing, financing, or the buying and selling process, it may be a sign that they’re not equipped to represent you effectively.
- They Are Unfamiliar with the Local Market
Real estate is local, and your agent should know the ins and outs of the neighborhoods they serve, including schools, amenities, and market trends. They should offer advice on pricing and timing based on local conditions. Without this expertise, they could price your home too high—causing it to sit unsold—or too low, leaving money on the table.
Before hiring, ask about their experience in your area. If they can’t provide detailed insights on recent comps or the local market, consider finding someone who can.
- They Don’t Listen to Your Needs
Proverbs 18:13 says, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.”
A great real estate agent knows the importance of asking the right questions—not just waiting for you to provide all the details. They should be proactive in getting to know your unique situation, priorities, and goals.
How can your agent effectively represent your interests or guide you through the process if they aren’t truly listening?
If you find yourself repeating information or feeling like your needs aren’t being heard, that’s a clear sign your agent may not be fully engaged in your journey.
- They Are Not Marketing Experts
Selling a home takes more than just putting a sign in the yard and hoping for the best. While we trust God’s sovereignty in all things, we also know that diligence is required (Proverbs 13:4).
A strong marketing strategy is essential to attract the right buyers and maximize your home’s value.
A skilled agent will utilize multiple marketing channels—professional photography, social media, online listings, and targeted advertising—to showcase your property effectively. In contrast, an agent with weak marketing skills may rely solely on outdated methods like yard signs and newspaper ads or, worse, put in minimal effort altogether.
- They Act Unprofessionally
Your real estate agent represents you, so their behavior should reflect that responsibility. If they frequently show up late, miss appointments, or fail to respond to calls and emails, it signals a lack of commitment. Selling or buying a home involves strict timelines, and one missed deadline can cause unnecessary delays or even cost you a deal.
Unprofessionalism can also show up in other ways—providing inaccurate information, gossiping about clients, using aggressive sales tactics, or even dressing inappropriately for showings.
If an agent seems disorganized or unreliable, it reflects poorly on you. You deserve an agent who treats your transaction with the professionalism and attention it requires.
- They’re Weak Negotiators
You likely hired an agent to help you navigate the complexities of the deal and get the best possible outcome. Whether you’re buying or selling, your agent should know your goals and work hard to ensure you don’t sell for less than your property is worth or give up important contingencies when buying.
Negotiation takes patience, strategy, and a deep understanding of contracts. A strong agent knows when to push for more and when to compromise to keep the deal moving forward. Without this skill, you may leave money on the table or agree to unfavorable terms.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5).
- They Don’t Get the Job Done
If your home sits on the market without showings or offers, your agent may not be doing enough to attract buyers. Even if offers come in but deals aren’t closing, weak negotiation, poor marketing, or a lack of the right connections could be holding you back—wasting time and money.
At the same time, consider if your expectations are too rigid. Some flexibility on price or features can help. But if your agent keeps showing you the wrong properties or your home isn’t getting traction, it may be time for a change.
What to Do If You Have a Bad Real Estate Agent
If you’ve been reading through this list of warning signs and recognizing them in your own experience, or if it’s starting to click that something isn’t right, it may be time to find a new agent. But before you make any drastic moves, it’s best to have a calm, honest conversation with your agent about your concerns. Sometimes, simply bringing up the issues can spark a positive change.
However, if things don’t improve, or if your agent ignores your concerns altogether, it might be time to part ways. Here’s what you need to know to do that with minimal hassle.
How to Fire a Real Estate Agent
Ending a relationship with an agent can be tricky, as most agents have you sign an exclusive contract. Here’s how to navigate the process:
Step 1: Communicate Honestly
Be upfront about why you feel they’re not a good fit. Many agents will let you out of the contract if they understand your concerns. If your agent is unwilling to release you, the next step is contacting their broker. Most brokers want to maintain their reputation and may help facilitate a smooth transition.
Step 2: Be Ready to Compromise
Even if the agent agrees to release you, you might have to cover some costs, such as marketing or advertising fees. It’s a small price to pay if it allows you to move on.
Step 3: Consider Legal Help
If the agent refuses to let you go, consulting a lawyer may help. They can assist in getting you out of the contract, especially if the agent hasn’t met their obligations.
Once you’ve handled the contract, start looking for a new agent. Be sure to ask these 10 questions to find someone who’s a better fit for your needs.
How to Avoid Hiring a Bad Agent from the Start
Now that you know the warning signs of a bad real estate agent, the best approach is to avoid the headache altogether by choosing the right one from the beginning.
At Kingdom Living Connections, we make it simple to find a trustworthy, experienced real estate professional who will serve you for the Glory of God! Just fill out a quick form, and we’ll connect you with an agent from our network—someone who values integrity and faith in every transaction.
Our Kingdom Living Professionals are dedicated to serving your needs while avoiding the nine red flags we just covered. So if you’re ready for a better real estate experience, let’s get you connected today!
