Some agents will attempt to take advantage of you when it comes to selling your home. They may make you sign a lot of unnecessary paper work so they can earn their commissions.
It’s an unfortunately common occurrence across many industries, but especially among real estate agents.
1. They don’t do their job
Real estate is an expansive industry that encompasses residential, commercial, industrial and land properties. As one of the nation’s largest economic sectors, it plays a critical role in determining our nation’s wealth and prosperity.
Home buyers must exercise caution when selecting a real estate agent, as there are many unscrupulous individuals out to take advantage of them. Therefore, make sure you do your due diligence and interview several agents prior to making your choice.
First and foremost, you should verify their qualifications. If they lack necessary skills and knowledge, then it would be best to avoid them. Furthermore, make sure they are reliable and trustworthy.
Another thing to be wary of are their fees and commissions. Some real estate agents may charge additional costs for services that aren’t even necessary or important.
These fees can add up quickly, especially if you are purchasing a high-end property. Be sure to inquire about the commission before signing any contracts.
Be wary of dual agency. Some states allow real estate agents to represent both buyers and sellers, but this can present a major conflict of interest that may result in overcompensation for the agent.
In addition to dual agency, some agents take advantage of home-sellers by forcing them to agree on the rate they’ll pay their buyers’ agents. This practice violates antitrust laws and can result in substantial financial loss for home buyers.
2. They aren’t honest
A real estate agent is essential in the process of purchasing or selling a home. They do this by showing you available properties, negotiating the price tag on your new residence and handling all closing paperwork.
Ideally, you want an honest and reliable agent who follows through on their promises quickly and efficiently. If it appears they may be taking advantage of you or not doing their job correctly, it may be time to find another agent.
When looking to hire a real estate agent, be sure to research their background and credentials. Most states require agents to register with a licensing board; thus, make sure the agent has an impeccable record and no disciplinary actions against them.
You can also ask the agent for a list of past clients to get an idea of how they have been handled. If they don’t provide you with any referrals, it could be because they work for someone else or lack familiarity with the area as claimed.
Honest real estate agents will give you an accurate and honest price for your home. They’ll assess its current market value and explain how this will influence the sale price.
Unfortunately, some dishonest real estate agents will attempt to overcharge you and charge more than your home is actually worth. This practice, known as “overpricing,” should be avoided at all costs.
Real estate agents should not only be honest, but also knowledgeable about the area. They should have insight into schools, crime rates, average home prices and more to help you make an informed decision.
3. They don’t follow up
One of the best ways to cultivate relationships with home buyers is staying in contact. Real estate agents cannot afford not to do this. The more engaged a buyer is with you, the greater their chances are of finding or selling their current residence successfully.
The internet has provided consumers with a new way to discover and connect, including home buyers. Property listings, photo galleries, historic sales prices, school ratings and neighborhood crime rates can now be accessed freely online by anyone with an Internet connection.
Unfortunately, this information can be misleadsome to some homebuyers with limited knowledge of the industry or an inability to budget properly for a purchase. As a result, many consumers end up overpaying for houses that don’t meet their needs or financial limitations.
No doubt, high-quality content is the most cost effective way to attract a potential buyer. But that alone won’t cut it in today’s competitive real estate landscape. Your best e-newsletters and social media posts must still prove that you can deliver on the promise of an excellent real estate experience – which requires some follow up effort on your part. Investing in high quality content is worth making the effort if it helps boost your success rate in this competitive field!
4. They aren’t reliable
Due to the ever-increasing complexity of real estate, finding a trustworthy agent to work with is increasingly important. Unfortunately, there are plenty of unscrupulous real estate agents out there who will attempt to take advantage of you. Before making your final decision on who to work with, interview at least three to four agents for comparison purposes.
Real estate agents should have access to the most up-to-date knowledge on the housing market. They should also be able to answer all of your queries and explain things clearly so you understand them.
Additionally, make sure your agent is knowledgeable about local comps (comparable home sales). Otherwise, you could end up wasting both your time and money by relying on them for information.
Another sign that your real estate agent may not be trustworthy is if they fail to respond promptly to calls or emails. This is especially pertinent in a hot housing market, when you must move quickly once you find the home of your dreams.
Before signing any contracts, it’s wise to request a copy. Doing this will guarantee that your agent isn’t taking advantage of you and that all information belongs to you.
When working with a real estate agent, never give them your credit card number or personal information. You don’t want them to misuse this data in order to scam other people or steal from you.
If you’re searching for a trustworthy real estate agent, conducting extensive research and interviewing several highly-rated agents should help. Once you find the ideal agent, you can expect a smooth journey throughout your home buying or selling process.
5. They aren’t trustworthy
When searching for a home to purchase or sell, it’s essential that you partner with an honest real estate agent. Unfortunately, many agents lack integrity and can take advantage of unsuspecting clients. Be wary if someone claims they represent you – these agents could potentially become dishonest and cost you money in the long run.
Real estate comes in many forms, and depending on the property type you’re searching for, specific regulations or restrictions may apply. Furthermore, you may need to secure certain insurance before purchasing a home.
Residential: This is the most prevalent form of real estate and encompasses housing for individuals, families, and groups. It includes single-family homes, apartment buildings, condominiums, and townhouses.
Commercial: Commercial real estate includes places of business, such as shopping malls, office buildings, parking lots, hospitals, colleges, hotels and apartments.
Industrial: This type of real estate includes manufacturing buildings, warehouses and research and development facilities.
If your real estate agent is failing to communicate effectively with you, it’s time for a change. They shouldn’t be ignoring your calls or texts and should answer any queries promptly.
They should never pressure you into buying a home that does not meet your needs, either. Doing so could be a warning sign they’re trying to take advantage of you.
Agents may take advantage of home buyers by including hidden fees and expenses on their final commission lists that they won’t disclose at the beginning. To prevent misunderstandings later, ask your agent about any additional costs before signing the contract. Additionally, ensure they are licensed in your state and have a good reputation within the industry.