8 Signs you Hired the Wrong Agent when Buying a Home
Hiring the wrong real estate agent when buying a home happens all of the time. Sometimes buyers aren’t even aware they hired the wrong agent because they aren’t sure what a real estate agent is supposed to do. So how does a home buyer know if they hired the wrong real estate agent? Below are 8 signs a buyer hired the wrong agent.
1. Unresponsive
Does your real estate agent return your calls, text messages or e-mails in a timely manner? If not you may have hired the wrong real estate agent. Time is of the essence in real estate, so if it takes your agent hours or days to get back to you odds are you might miss that new listing or an important deadline when you’re under contract. So if you are one of the many buyers out there who say “my realtor ghosted me” it’s time to find a new agent.
2. Search Online for Homes
Did your real estate agent tell you to search for homes online? If so you may have hired the wrong real estate agent. Now, a lot of home buyers will look at homes online without being instructed to, but they shouldn’t be the ones trying to find homes that fit their needs. A top agent will be able to search the MLS where listings are updated in real-time, not syndicated or updated hours or days later.
3. Contact the Listing Agent
Did your real estate agent tell you to contact the listing agent directly to see their listing or answer questions? If so you may have hired the wrong real estate agent. Not only should your real estate agent be the one showing you the listing they should also be the one answering any questions you may have. Now, if your agent is unavailable to show you a listing they should make arrangements for one of their associates or the listing agent to do so.
4. Goes on Vacation
Did your real estate agent go on vacation and not tell you or make arrangements for an associate to assist you in their absence? If so you may have hired the wrong real estate agent. Everyone deserves a vacation especially real estate agents who work 7 days a week.
However, when an agent goes out of town, even if they’ll be available by phone, they should still have an agent available to show the property or attend a home inspection for you.
5. No Notifications
Does your real estate agent notify you immediately when a new listing hits the market? If not you may have hired the wrong real estate agent. Once again time is of the essence in real estate. Some new listings will go under contract in less than 24 hours. So you’ll want to make sure your agent notifies you immediately when a new listing that fits your needs comes onto the market or in some cases back on the market.
6. Pushy
Is your real estate agent pushing you to make an offer? If so you may have hired the wrong real estate agent. Now, urging you to make an offer because the property isn’t going to last long is one thing. However, pushing you to make an offer because they no longer want to show homes is another. Your real estate agent should be supportive even if they think you’re making a mistake. Just remember it’s your money paying for a home, not theirs. So you should never be saying “my realtor is not working for me,” they should always be working for you.
7. Doesn’t Listen
Did you tell your agent you only want to spend $300,000 on a home and they’re showing you homes for $400,000? If so you may have hired the wrong real estate agent. Communication is key in a real estate transaction, so your agent should be all ears and listen to your needs and wants.
8. Isn’t Equipped
Does your real estate agent not have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) or a supra key to open lockboxes? If so you may have hired the wrong real estate agent.
The MLS and supra key are tools of the trade. They are inexpensive, so your agent should not only have access to the MLS, but be equipped to showing you every listing. Even if the home has a supra lockbox, not a combination, they should be able to show it to you.
Final Thoughts
Interviewing real estate agents isn’t just for sellers, homebuyers should do it too! Buying a home can be a very stressful experience, but if you hire the “right” agent they will be able to eliminate a lot of unnecessary stress.
If you think this article, 8 Signs You Hired the Wrong Real Estate Agent when Buying a Home, was an interesting read please give it a share!
Hiring the wrong agent happens all of the time, but some buyers aren't even aware they hired the wrong agent, and here are 8 signs they did. #homebuying #realestateAdditional Real Estate Advice from Top Professionals
- Is it time to fire your Real Estate Agent? Yes, buyers and sellers can and do fire their real estate agent. However, if you aren’t sure how to fire your Agent Bill Gassett has you covered!
- Buyers and Sellers choose a Real Estate Agent, so it’s important they get it right the first time around. Here are 7 mistakes Xavier DeBuck says everyone needs to avoid.
About the Author
Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote: “8 Signs you Hired the Wrong Agent when Buying a Home”
Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you call or e-mail her today.
Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.
Michelle Gibson of the Hansen Real Estate Group Inc is a full-time REALTOR who has been specializing in Wellington Florida real estate since 2001. This veteran of the real estate industry has expertise in technology, marketing, and social media.
I think your article speaks also to the issue within our industry also of Buyer Loyalty and Commitment.
Will the Buyer sign a Buyer Broker Agreement?
Will the Buyer keep you informed of change in their criteria or circumstances?
Will the Buyer agree to be Pre-qualified by a lender and only consider showings of homes they are qualified to purchase?
If more buyers and agents would work similarly to attorney / client relationships then I think you would see an increase in better agents and loyal/better clients. When either party doesn’t take the relationship professionally or with good intent it causes uncomfortable situations for all involved.
Good article. As home inspectors, we come across clients often who clearly have agents mentioned above. A little heartbreaking for us to see (especially first time homebuyer) clients whose interests are clearly not being protected by their agent.
Great advice Michelle. Let’s hope that the folks reading this will do so before making any of these mistakes.