How to Identify a Bad Real Estate Agent

A real-estate agent can help you to sell your home at the best possible price. However, not all agents are equally skilled. Especially during a poor market, it is important to find a qualified agent. It is vital that the real-estate agent selling your home is doing everything to get you the best deal possible. Read on to learn six signs that your real-estate agent may not be fully committed to doing the best job possible.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Be worried if your agent doesn't stay in touch. Communication between agent and seller is paramount. If your agent doesn't return your calls or is out of touch for days or weeks at a time, you may want to consider looking for another agent.

2. Note what advice you're getting from your agent. If the agent doesn't give suggestions on reducing clutter, making minor repairs and improving curb appeal, she may not be making enough time to help you get the best deal for your home.

3. Ask if your agent requires the use of affiliates. Agents who insist that you use a specific lender or company should be a red flag. They are probably getting a cut on the affiliates fees. As the home owner and seller, you should be free to use whatever companies and lenders you choose.

4. Find out if your agent works part time. A real-estate license doesn't guarantee a full-time job or full-time commitment from your agent. Many part-time agents are completely capable. However, a part-time agent will have less time for you by default. If you agent has another job besides real-estate, you may not be satisfied with where his priorities are.

5. Determine if your agent shows buyers only the properties that are listed with her firm. This indicates that the agent is placing her agency above the needs of her clients.

6. Look into disciplinary actions. State agencies keep records of all disciplinary actions taken against agents. By contacting these agencies, you can find out if your agent has any negative marks on his record. You can find information about the agency in your state through the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to check out your agent with a state agency to make sure that he is licensed. Scam artist often pose as real-estate agents.
• Be sure that the online photographs of your home that the agent uses are crisp, well-lit and of high quality.
• Not all home improvements will pay off when selling your home. Your agent should be able to advise you about which repairs will give you the best return.

Resources

• Five reasons to sell your home yourself
• Association of Real Estate License Law Officials

Who Can Help Sponsored

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[kenjae]

on 9/9/2009 Excellent guidelines! We were fortunate in that our real estate agent was very hyperactive and had our house sold within a month for an excellent price. This was last year!