Imagine trusting a financial advisor to manage your life savings.
You expect them to make smart decisions, minimize risks, and help you build wealth — all while putting your best interests first.
But things don’t go as planned.
They give you bad advice and seem more focused on their own commissions than your financial future.
Would you still trust them with your money?
Probably not…
Yet that’s exactly what happens when you work with a bad real estate agent.
A Realtor who fails to do their job can cost you time, money, and opportunities you may never get back.
You could end up selling your home for tens of thousands less than it is worth — or overpaying for a property that wasn’t the right fit.
And if you miss the warning signs early, you might not realize the damage until it’s too late.
So, how can you spot the red flags before an untrustworthy Realtor sabotages your transaction?
Here are the biggest signs of a bad real estate agent — and what to do if you find yourself working with one.
Red flags that signal a bad Realtor
Incompetence can take many forms in a real estate transaction.
Whether it’s dishonesty or unprofessionalism, the results can be disastrous for buyers and sellers.
Consider it a deal breaker if you notice any of these troubling signs with your Realtor.
1. Traps you in a contract
Signing a contract with a real estate agent is standard — but it shouldn’t feel like a trap.
In real estate, buyers sign a buyer-broker agreement, and sellers sign a listing agreement.
These contracts are typically exclusive, meaning you could still be on the hook for commission if you switch agents before the agreement expires.
Some questionable Realtors take this to the extreme.
They use long-term contracts with strict conditions — like preventing you from hiring another agent for months after cancellation.
That’s a serious red flag.
Why?
Because being locked into a contract essentially guarantees your agent a commission –– whether they earn it or not.
In other words, they know you can’t hire another agent.
So they have little incentive to put in maximum effort.
Great agents don’t force loyalty. They earn it.
Most importantly?
They don’t expect you to pay a commission to an agent you no longer want to work with.
At SoldNest, we only recommend agents who allow sellers to cancel their listing agreement at any time — without owing a commission.
You should have this same mindset.
If your agent has you trapped in an unfair contract, check your cancellation terms.
And take action to end the agreement as soon as possible.
2. Lack of transparency about commission
Commissions are a key part of your agreement with a real estate agent.
You should know exactly how much they charge and how it impacts your bottom line.
A quick, direct conversation when discussing your contract should make that clear.
But ineffective agents avoid commission talks because they can’t justify their worth.
They hope you won’t ask until you’re already locked into an agreement.
Is that really the kind of agent you want representing you?
This kind of evasion feels more like a used car dealer dodging questions about hidden fees.
They’re more focused on maximizing their commission than looking out for your best interests.
If an agent won’t be up front about how real estate commission works, what else are they hiding?
Consider evasiveness about a Realtor’s fees a cautionary sign.
3. Poor communication
Consistent, open, two-way communication is a hallmark of any good real estate agent.
Reliable Realtors go out of their way to keep their clients informed throughout the buying and selling process.
They ask for your input and offer their honest opinion.
When a new listing hits the market –– or a buyer wants to see your home ––they reach out immediately.
Unprofessional agents? They leave you in the dark by:
- Ignoring calls, texts, or emails
- Failing to provide updates on your home sale or purchase
- Not listening to your needs or concerns
- Having no clear strategy for attracting buyers or finding you the right home.
The result of all these worrisome traits?
You miss out on critical opportunities.
Maybe your dream home gets snatched up before you even know it’s available.
Or a serious buyer loses interest because your agent didn’t follow up quickly enough.
Whatever the case, you need to take action when your Realtor ignores you.
An unresponsive real estate agent isn’t just frustrating — it’s a clear sign it’s time to move on.
4. Overpromises
Untrustworthy real estate agents love to talk a big game.
But delivering results? That’s another story.
They’ll say whatever it takes to lock you into a contract as quickly as possible.
Bad listing agents will lure you in with inflated pricing or extravagant marketing promises.
They’ll make it sound like buyers are lining up at the door.
Questionable buyer’s agents will exaggerate their ability to score you a deal.
They’ll promise to get you a home under asking price or claim they have exclusive access to the best listings.
But here’s the reality…
Their enthusiasm vanishes shortly after you hire them.
And your home sits on the market with no serious buyers.
Or you keep missing out on great listings because their promises were never realistic.
Meanwhile, your agent has already moved on to landing their next client.
That’s why overpromising is one of the biggest Realtor tricks to watch out for — and a strong indicator that you should find a new agent.
5. Pushy demeanor
Great real estate agents are successful because they don’t strong-arm their clients.
They understand that you’re the boss.
Their job is to provide expert real estate advice and secure the best possible deal on your terms.
Pushy agents act like they always know best — and they won’t hesitate to pressure you.
Warning signs include:
- Rushing you to sign a contract before you’re ready
- Urging you to offer more than you can afford
- Pushing you to accept terms you’re uncomfortable with
- Dismissing concerns about a property’s flaws
- Encouraging you to waive contingencies unnecessarily.
Pushiness can take many forms, but it’s always problematic.
Why?
Because a high-pressure Realtor is more likely to push you into a deal you regret.
That doesn’t mean a good agent won’t offer firm guidance when needed.
But at the end of the day, you should always trust your gut — and remember who’s in charge.
6. Advocating dual agency
Some Realtors make a habit of representing both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction.
This practice — known as dual agency — might seem like a way to streamline the process.
But in reality, it’s one of the biggest warning signs of a bad agent.
Who benefits most in this scenario?
Not you.
The agent collects commission from both sides, but their clients are left wondering whose interests actually come first.
Is that really the best offer the buyer can make?
Would the seller be willing to cover closing costs?
With a dual real estate agent, neither party knows for sure — and that’s the problem.
If your Realtor suggests dual agency, you shouldn’t just decline.
You should question their integrity for putting it on the table in the first place.
And start looking for an agent who truly has your back.
7. Ineffective marketing
Selling a home is more than just listing it — it’s a strategic marketing effort.
The best agents know how to position a home for success by reaching the right buyers.
And they understand that the little details can make a big difference.
That’s why marketing missteps are one of the most common signs of an incompetent real estate agent.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Generic listing descriptions: Bland, uninspired language that fails to highlight the home’s unique features.
- Low-quality photos: Dark, blurry, or poorly composed images that turn buyers away.
- No social media or digital marketing: A lazy agent stops at listing your home on the MLS, ignoring social media platforms and digital ads that attract today’s buyers.
- Poorly executed showings: No signage, no marketing materials, and no effort to make the home stand out during in-person visits.
- Misreading the target buyer: Suggesting irrelevant improvements or staging that doesn’t align with buyer expectations.
These aren’t just minor shortcomings in an agent’s approach.
Without a proven marketing strategy, your home could sit on the market longer than necessary –– or worse, sell for less than it should.
8. Unskilled negotiating
Finding a buyer or the right home is just the first step in a real estate transaction.
The real challenge is negotiating the deal.
This is where a bad real estate agent gets exposed.
Why?
Effective negotiation demands market expertise, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills.
It takes perception, patience, and problem-solving.
A skilled agent knows how to advocate for their client while making the other party feel like they’re getting a fair deal.
It’s a delicate balance that takes experience to master –– and less qualified Realtors fall short in crucial ways:
- Struggling to push for better terms on price, contingencies, or closing costs
- Lacking creativity in structuring offers or counteroffers
- Failing to build rapport with the other agent, making negotiations harder than they need to be.
No matter how their weaknesses show up, the result is the same:
Your real estate transaction ends up favoring the other side.
9. Unprofessional behavior
All real estate agents are trained professionals.
But that doesn’t mean all Realtors maintain the level of professionalism your transaction deserves.
A disorganized or unprepared agent can turn the already-stressful process of buying or selling into an even more frustrating experience.
Professionalism isn’t about how neat their desk is or whether their car is spotless.
It’s about how they handle your sale or purchase.
To spot unprofessional tendencies, ask yourself these key questions:
- Is my Realtor consistently late or missing appointments? Whether it’s a showing, inspection, or closing, punctuality and reliability are non-negotiable.
- Does my agent seem disengaged or unmotivated? A lack of enthusiasm for helping you buy or sell is a major red flag.
- Are they disorganized or unprepared? Missing documents, last-minute scrambling, or unclear communication can cause delays and unnecessary stress.
- Is my agent careless with details? Overlooking deadlines or making mistakes on paperwork could jeopardize the sale.
The consequences?
Unprofessional behavior leads to delays, lost opportunities, and financial setbacks.
So make sure you work with an agent who takes your transaction as seriously as you do.
10. Unethical conduct
Some real estate agents go further than acting unprofessionally.
They cross ethical lines that put their clients at risk.
Take a common scenario: reviewing a home inspection report.
These reports can be overwhelming, packed with issues ranging from minor fixes to major concerns.
Buyers rely on their agent to provide honest guidance — to help them distinguish deal-breakers from minor repairs.
An unethical agent might downplay serious issues or rush you through the process.
Frankly, they’re more focused on closing the deal.
And if they’re willing to mislead you about a home inspection, what else might they be willing to do?
Untrustworthy agents have been known to:
- Hide property defects or omit critical details from disclosures
- Take undisclosed kickbacks from lenders, inspectors, or title companies
- Lie about competing offers to pressure buyers into making a higher bid
- Alter contract terms without client approval.
These unethical Realtor behaviors are more than just bad business practices.
They could expose you to legal consequences, financial loss, and a deal that’s stacked against you.
The bottom line?
Every real estate agent must adhere to national and state real estate laws.
Those who are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are also bound by its Code of Ethics, which prohibits dishonest and deceptive practices.
If your agent isn’t following these rules, it’s time to walk away — before their unethical choices become your problem.
What to do when you spot the signs of a bad Realtor
Noticing the warning signs of a bad real estate agent can be discouraging.
But you don’t have to stay stuck in the wrong partnership.
Before making any decisions, carefully review your contract.
Are you locked into an exclusive listing agreement or a buyer-broker agreement?
Look for stipulations about cancellation policies, notice periods, and commission obligations.
And make sure you won’t owe fees or commission if you cancel.
Next, address the issue directly with your agent.
Some problems — like poor communication or a lack of transparency — can be resolved with a candid conversation.
But if they dismiss your concerns or continue to fall short, it may be time to cut ties.
If you’re dealing with serious issues — like unethical behavior or a clear breach of contract — contact the agent’s brokerage.
The broker may be able to assign you a different agent or provide guidance on terminating the agreement.
The good news? You can move on.
There are ways to fire your Realtor and find an agent who puts your best interests first.
Read our full guide on how to fire a bad real estate agent to learn more.
How to avoid hiring a bad real estate agent
The best time to spot the signs of a bad Realtor is before you hire them.
Whether you’re choosing your first agent or making a switch, a little research up front can save you time, stress, and money.
But don’t stop at local experience.
Market familiarity doesn’t guarantee strong negotiation skills, transparency, or professionalism.
Follow these four steps to ensure you end up with a qualified, trustworthy real estate professional.
Read their online reviews
Online reviews can be a valuable tool for vetting an agent — if you know what to look for.
Don’t just skim overall ratings.
Dig deeper to understand how an agent truly operates.
Focus on reviews from buyers or sellers in situations similar to yours.
Look for recurring themes, especially around key factors like communication, professionalism, contract terms, marketing strategy, and negotiation skills.
And don’t rely solely on testimonials an agent shares on their website.
Check multiple third-party platforms like Zillow, the Better Business Bureau, Google, and Realtor.com for a well-rounded and unbiased perspective.
Interview multiple agents
Talking to two to three agents allows you to compare their expertise, approach, and personality.
And interviewing multiple candidates helps you get a clearer sense of who’s the best fit.
Here’s how to make those interviews count:
- Ask about their experience. Have they bought and sold homes in your neighborhood and price range?
- Gauge their communication style. Do they respond promptly? Do they explain things clearly?
- Assess their strategy. How do they plan to market your home or help you negotiate a better deal?
- Watch for red flags. Do they avoid tough questions? Overpromise results? Hesitate to provide references?
Even if all your candidates seem qualified, meeting them in person (or via video) can reveal who you truly connect with.
Choose an agent with a low history of dual agency
An interview is also your chance to probe your candidates about their stances on dual agency.
Ask them directly how often they’ve represented both the buyer and seller in a deal.
A good rule of thumb is to compare their dual agency rate to the average in your area.
If local data isn’t available, here’s a simple benchmark:
If more than 10% of their transactions involve dual agency, that’s a red flag.
You may find slightly higher rates in some lower-priced markets.
But in most cases, you’re better off choosing a Realtor who keeps dual representation below that 10% threshold.
Find a trustworthy agent
A bad real estate agent can make buying or selling a home far more stressful than it needs to be.
Poor communication, unprofessional behavior, weak negotiation skills…
These and other Realtor red flags can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
But the right agent?
They lift the burden off your shoulders.
A qualified professional will guide you through the process with expertise, transparency, and a strategy tailored to your needs.
At SoldNest, we handle all the hard work of finding that kind of agent.
We analyze reviews, dig into contract terms, and scrutinize dual agency rates to ensure you’re working with a top-performing local professional.
Learn more about how we vet Realtors for sellers.
