With so many Realtors out there, finding the right one can be hard. If your realtor exhibits any of these red flags, they might not be the right fit for you!
1. Difficult to Get Ahold Of
The real estate market moves fast. If your agent isn't available to show you houses right away, you risk missing out on your dream home. Work out which form of communication works best for you and your realtor - text, email, or phone. Life happens, but if they frequently don't get back to you within 24-hours, you might want to think about switching to a more accessible Realtor.
2. Pushy
A good realtor should never make you feel pressured to buy a house. They should make you feel supported. When it comes to paperwork, the real estate commission does require Realtors to get clients to sign certain papers, such as a Buyer Agency Contract, prior to showing houses. I often tell my clients we can make the length of the contract one week, then at the end of the week, if they are unhappy with my services, they aren't bound to me! If they are happy, we can easily extend the length of the contract. If a Realtor tries to get you to sign onto a 6-month commitment the first time you meet, that might be a red flag.
3. Doesn't Listen to Your Needs
Realtor keep trying to push you up out of your comfort price range? Do they continually send you three bedrooms when you've told them time after time you need four? Though you probably aren't your Realtor's only client, it's important for them to be familiar with your needs. Knowing what type of home you are looking for, your desired area, and what kind of things your specific mortgage allows helps me find homes for my clients that are both practical and tailor suited to their needs.
4. Acts Like They Know Everything
Realtors have expertise in real estate - that's it. We may be more familiar with the world of mortgages and home inspections than the average person, but that is not our area of concentration. If your agent has all the answers about mortgages, town codes, sewer systems, appraisals, leaky roofs, and wet basements... chances are they really don't have all the answers. Chances are they are in "sales mode" - trying to give you whatever answer is necessary for them to bank some commission. Look for Realtors who say things like, "I'm not sure, but let me call the listing agent and find out" or "I can tell you my experience, but I also suggest you call your mortgage lender and speak to him directly."
5. Treats You Like an Inconvenience
Of course Realtors would love if every client made a full price offer on the first house they saw. But this never happens! You may find your dream house after 3 showings, or maybe not until showing number 30. We may have to drive 5 minutes to see a house, or we may have to drive an hour. If your Realtor is making you feel like you're an inconvenience, or your price range is below their standards, it's time to get a new Realtor!
