What Makes a Bad Real Estate Agent?

A bad real estate agent just like a good one, can come in many forms; from shifty devious and untruthful, just plain lazy, to uninformed or just doesn’t care. Unfortunately many people got into real estate to make a fast buck, they thought it would be quick and easy and never took the time to learn the industry. Many of these people are out there walking around representing themselves as real estate agents, giving the knowledgeable and well trained agents a bad name and reputation.

How to Spot a Bad Real Estate Agent

One important tool everyone can utilize is a thorough interview with pointed questions designed to weed out agents who don’t know what they’re doing. Ask questions that require some thought and look for answers that reflect that thought. Questions like

"How is the market doing" is a question many 5th graders can answer, but questions like "What marketing plan do you have in mind for my house and what benefits of this plan will work best for my situation?" Now that’s a question and an agent who doesn’t know what they’re doing won’t have a clue how to answer this. Make sure you know what’s going on in your neighborhood so you can ask potential agents the same thing. Every listing agent should know the area they’re working. Most good buyer’s agents have sound negotiating tactics designed to get their buyer the best deal, but not all situations will be the same so find out how they plan to approach a foreclosure or a short sale as apposed to an owner seller.

Always go to the DRE website and search agents you’re thinking of hiring. This will tell you how long they’ve been an agent and if there has been any disciplinary action against them. If they have other listings in the area talk to those people and see what they have to say about the agent. If you have a “FEELING” about the agent good or bad, trust your instincts.

The key to finding a good real estate agent is a thorough interview, coupled with good rapport and a good DRE record. Don’t leave your biggest asset in the hands of a BIG ASS. Take the time to find a good agent, get some real estate education and you’ll see what a pleasant real estate transaction is all about.