How to Spot a Bad Real Estate Agent (Before It's Too Late)

Not all agents are created equal. Some will cost you thousands or even sabotage your deal. Here's how to identify red flags before you're locked into a bad partnership.

In this post, you'll learn:

• The 3 sneaky tactics dishonest agents use

• How to verify an agent's track record

• What questions to ask before signing anything

The Dirty Tricks to Watch For

1. Commission Steering

   • "This house isn't right for you" (translation: the commission is too low)

   • Pushing you toward their own listings

   • Refusing to show certain properties

2. The Bait-and-Switch

   • Promising one service level, then ghosting after contract signing

   • Using junior agents without disclosure

   • Overpromising on what they can negotiate

3. The Pressure Play

   • "Sign now or lose the house" urgency

   • Vague answers about fees

   • Discouraging you from talking to other agents

How to Vet Your Agent

1. Check Their Stats

   • Average days on market for listings

   • Sale-to-list price ratio

   • Number of deals closed last year

2. Interview Multiple Agents
   Ask each:

   • "How will you handle low-commission listings?"

   • "What's your communication protocol?"

   • "Can I see a sample buyer agreement?"

3. Google Their Name + "Complaint"
   State licensing boards keep disciplinary records. A 5-minute search could save you headaches.

The Power Questions to Ask

1. "What happens if the seller won't pay your fee?"

2. "How many clients are you working with right now?"

3. "Can you provide references from past buyers?"

The right agent will answer these confidently—not defensively.

Watch the Full Agent Warning Signs Discussion

See these red flags explained in depth:

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