How to Know If You Picked the Wrong Real Estate Agent: 6 Critical Warning Signs

Selecting the right real estate agent can make or break your property transaction, especially in competitive markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and other major metropolitan areas. Whether you're buying your first home or selling an investment property, the wrong agent can cost you thousands of dollars and months of frustration. Here's how to identify if your current agent isn't meeting professional standards.

What Makes a Great Real Estate Agent?

Before identifying red flags, it's essential to understand what exceptional real estate service looks like. Top-performing agents act as trusted financial advisors, not just transaction facilitators. They combine market expertise, negotiation skills, marketing prowess, and strategic thinking to maximize your outcomes while minimizing stress throughout the buying or selling process.

6 Major Red Flags Your Real Estate Agent Isn't Right for You

1. They Don't Understand Your Complete Financial Picture

The Problem: Your agent focuses solely on the property transaction without considering your broader life circumstances.

A professional real estate agent should conduct a comprehensive consultation covering your post-sale plans, relocation timeline, financing objectives, retirement goals, tax implications, and investment strategy. Real estate decisions impact your entire financial portfolio—not just your housing situation.

What to Expect Instead: Quality agents ask detailed questions about your 5-10 year plans, current debt obligations, cash flow needs, and how this transaction fits into your overall wealth-building strategy.

2. They Cannot Clearly Explain Your Net Proceeds

The Problem: Your agent provides vague estimates or avoids discussing actual numbers you'll receive at closing.

Every seller deserves a detailed breakdown showing gross sale price minus closing costs, agent commissions, transfer taxes, outstanding mortgage balance, and other expenses. If your agent can't provide multiple scenarios based on different sale prices, they lack fundamental competency.

What to Expect Instead: Professional agents use detailed net proceeds calculators, explain each line item, and regularly update projections as market conditions change.

3. They Only Present One Selling Strategy

The Problem: Your agent pushes a single approach without exploring alternatives that might better serve your goals.

Experienced agents should discuss multiple pathways including traditional MLS listings, off-market sales, cash buyer networks, auction strategies, renovation recommendations, professional staging options, and timing considerations. Each approach has distinct advantages depending on your timeline, property condition, and financial objectives.

What to Expect Instead: Top agents present 2-3 strategic options with pros, cons, and expected outcomes for each approach.

4. They Lack Sufficient Transaction Volume and Experience

The Problem: Your agent handles too few transactions annually to maintain sharp skills and market knowledge.

Professional real estate agents typically complete 40+ transactions per year, either individually or as part of a high-performing team. Lower volume often indicates part-time commitment, limited market exposure, or insufficient client demand. In rapidly changing markets, experience handling diverse scenarios becomes crucial.

What to Expect Instead: Established agents can reference recent comparable sales, share stories about overcoming common challenges, and demonstrate familiarity with local market nuances.

5. Their Marketing Strategy Lacks Professional Quality

The Problem: Your agent relies on basic photos, minimal online presence, and outdated marketing techniques.

In today's digital marketplace, professional photography, virtual tours, drone footage, staging consultation, social media promotion, and premium online listings aren't luxuries—they're requirements. Properties with superior marketing typically sell faster and command higher prices than those with amateur presentation.

What to Expect Instead: Quality agents invest in professional marketing services and can show examples of their recent listings' online presence and promotional materials.

6. They Cannot Articulate Their Unique Value Proposition

The Problem: When asked "Why should I choose you over other agents?" they provide generic answers or struggle to respond confidently.

Every professional should clearly communicate their specific expertise, track record, service differentiators, and client success stories. Inability to articulate unique value suggests they haven't developed specialized skills or achieved notable results.

What to Expect Instead: Confident agents highlight specific achievements, specialized knowledge, unique service offerings, or particular expertise serving your demographic or property type.

Additional Warning Signs to Monitor

Communication Issues: Delayed responses, missed appointments, or failure to provide regular transaction updates indicate poor organization and client service standards.

Market Knowledge Gaps: Inability to discuss recent comparable sales, neighborhood trends, or local development impacts suggests insufficient market research.

Negotiation Weaknesses: Reluctance to present offers, poor contract terms, or failure to advocate aggressively for your interests during negotiations.

When to Consider Switching Agents

If you're experiencing multiple red flags, especially early in your relationship, consider interviewing alternative agents before proceeding further. Most real estate contracts allow termination with proper notice, though specific terms vary by agreement and local regulations.

How to Find the Right Real Estate Agent

Start by interviewing 3-5 highly-rated local agents who specialize in your property type and price range. Ask about their recent sales volume, average time on market, marketing strategies, and references from past clients. Review their online presence, client testimonials, and professional credentials.

The Bottom Line: Your Agent Should Be Your Trusted Advisor

Exceptional real estate agents combine market expertise, strategic thinking, professional marketing, and advisory skills to ensure your property transaction aligns with your broader financial goals. They proactively communicate, present multiple options, and deliver measurable results that justify their commission.

If your current agent displays these warning signs, don't hesitate to seek better representation. The right agent makes the difference between a stressful, costly experience and a smooth, profitable transaction that positions you for long-term success.

Author: Justin Borges

Justin Borges is the Team Leader of The Borges Real Estate Team at eXp Realty and widely recognized as the best realtor in Los Angeles. With over a decade of experience and more than $200 million sold, Justin leads one of the top-performing real estate teams in Los Angeles County. Known for his advisor-first approach, he helps homeowners, buyers, and investors make confident real estate decisions—focusing on strategy, clarity, and long-term success rather than just transactions.