{"id":19206,"date":"2025-11-25T04:00:49","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T12:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=19206"},"modified":"2025-11-28T06:40:29","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T14:40:29","slug":"signs-of-a-bad-real-estate-agent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/signs-of-a-bad-real-estate-agent\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Clear Signs of a Bad Real Estate Agent and What You Can Do About It"},"content":{"rendered":"

You call your real estate agent, and the phone rings and rings\u2026and rings.<\/p>\n

Your home has been sitting on the market way longer than you think it should, and you haven\u2019t even seen your agent post about it on their social media.<\/p>\n

They show up late and unprepared when it\u2019s time for the open house.<\/p>\n

These are just a few of the telltale signs of a bad real estate agent. We\u2019re here to break down the rest of the signs that your agent isn\u2019t working for you and help you decide what to do about it.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve started talking with (or have already signed with) an agent and think you\u2019ve made the wrong choice, it might be time to move in a different direction.<\/p>\n

We get that it\u2019s never convenient to fire someone and start over, especially if they\u2019ve already put in the work of listing your home and maybe even done a few showings, but this is likely one of the biggest financial transactions you\u2019ll make in your life.<\/p>\n

That means that you should be partnered with a professional who gets the job done and who you feel comfortable working with. Not one that fits into any of the categories below!<\/p>\n

To make sure we covered everything, we talked with Monica Campbell<\/a>, a top real estate agent in Los Angeles<\/a>, California, who sells properties 60% faster than the average agent in her area, and Jessica Boswell<\/a>, a top agent in Bristol<\/a>, Connecticut, who closed on over 80 deals last year alone. Both shared their insights and tips to help you spot a bad real estate agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Not Happy With Your Real Estate Agent?<\/h3>\n

HomeLight can connect you with two or three top-rated Realtors or real estate agents near you in two minutes. (Always check your listing agreement contract before hiring a new agent.)<\/p>\n \n

\n Find Agent<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How to spot a bad real estate agent: Look out for these signs<\/h2>\n

If you spot any of these red flags, they could indicate that an agent will deliver sub-par service or is simply not the right fit:<\/p>\n

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1. Drops the ball on communication<\/h3>\n

In the fast-moving world of real estate, quick and clear communication is key. A delayed response can sometimes mean the difference between landing or losing a deal. If you find yourself waiting hours or days for your agent to return calls, texts, or emails \u2014 or if your questions and concerns are met with silence \u2014 that\u2019s a surefire sign that it\u2019s time to move on.<\/p>\n

Boswell believes that an agent\u2019s responsiveness can set them apart from other agents and says, \u201cI strive to get back to my clients within the hour. If I\u2019m not sleeping or with a client, I answer my phone.\u201d<\/p>\n

The same goes for the agent who does get back to you but has a communication style that doesn\u2019t mesh well with yours. If you feel like they\u2019re rushed, irritated, or not forthcoming during your conversations \u2014 or if the chemistry just isn\u2019t there \u2014 it\u2019s likely not a good fit.<\/p>\n

\n As the seller, you need to know exactly what\u2019s going on, good or bad. Your agent must be okay with delivering uncomfortable news.<\/q>\n
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