SWELL Advice: Bad Agents
The Dangers of a BAD Real Estate Agent
How to recognize them and what to do about it!
First things first, buying or selling a home is a huge deal. With hundreds of thousands of dollars at stake, it’s important to get everything right. The right agent will save you time, money, and energy. Choosing wisely could be the difference between devastating heartache and owning the home of your dreams.
The most important partner you have when buying or selling a home is your agent, and it is definitely a partnership. One based on trust, knowledge, and experience. Unfortunately, not all real estate agents are the same…
It takes a special type of person to be the real estate agent you need. Not all agents have the right motivations or put their clients first. Some of them are salesmen first, when they look at you all they see is a paycheck. Others are just not very good at their job because they lack experience or they don’t feel like they need to work hard.
Here’s some SWELL advice to help you buy or sell a home with confidence!
“Your home, including its location, is an inanimate physical construct. Despite this fact, this brick-and-mortar affects the outcome of your life more than any other physical object you will ever encounter.”
Doesn’t ask about your goals and plans
Everyone has a story. A good real estate agent is interested in yours. If they’re not interested, then they don’t have your best interests in mind.
Bad mouths other agents
The real estate world is run by agents working with other agents for their clients. If your agent is trash-talking, demeaning, or negative about other agents then beware. Your options may become limited as they will avoid working with other agents, or these agents might avoid working with you. This can really hurt your chances when both buying or selling.
Doesn’t speak your lingo
There are many, many steps involved in buying or selling a home. Your agent should be knowledgeable and patient when discussing each and every step with you. Conversely, some agents will use too much real estate lingo or jargon to confuse and misdirect you. They will bully you with words instead of fully explaining what’s going on and should be avoided.
Not concerned with fostering a relationship
Good real estate is about creating a partnership. Clients depend on agents to help navigate through one of the most important processes of a homeowners’ life. An agent’s relationship with a client should be so good that the client will want to tell all their friends, use that agent again in the future, and feel comfortable contacting them afterwards to simply ask them for advice.
Screens calls, e-mails, and texts
Good agents work for YOU. Going the extra mile and being available is an essential difference between a good and bad agent. Your concerns and questions are valid, a good agent will want to make sure you feel confident every step of the way!
Buying or selling a home can be intimidating and overwhelming.
With the right agent, it doesn’t have to be!
Bottom line = you need a good agent who will listen, keep you in the loop, and answers all your questions.
Does any of this sound familiar?
We hope not. But if it does and you’re fed up, most likely you can fire your agent without violating your contract. Just be sure to re-read your contract before you do and if you have questions, contact us. We are happy to help.
Remember, a bad agent can mean the difference between getting a great home and a catastrophe. Don’t let a bad agent keep you from achieving your dreams!