What Makes a Bad Realtor?

Choosing a realtor is one of those things that some people think is no big deal, thinking that all realtors do the same job the same way. That could not be further from the truth!

Yes - all realtors have the same base eduction. But that is about where the similarities end. Some realtors have different designations that mean they have more specified education, some have niche markets that they serve (like veterans or first time home buyers), and all realtors have a different set of skills based on their personal strengths and personality!

Someone asked me recently, “What makes a bad realtor?” and I thought that was a great question to address here. To me, there are a few things that make someone a bad realtor.

1. They break the law: This is obviously - they are prejudice, don’t follow fair housing laws, or break other real estate laws (most of us don’t, but there are some people in the industry that violate these basic principles and therefore are obviously bad realtors).
2. They treat clients like a transaction: This one to me happens way too often in the industry. I hear so many people, from realtors to lenders, talking about their people like they are just their next paycheck and it makes my blood boil. I see this most often with realtors who do a ton of deals or who have been in the business a long time so they start to go through the motions. This is incredibly unfair to the clients (who are walking through a huge financial purchase, and likely a life change along with it) as it diminishes their needs and emotions.
3. They are unorganized: There are so many things that go one behind the scenes in a transaction, and it is crucial that your realtor is on top of it. There are many different contracts to sign, a lot of people to communicate with, and one slip up could result in you losing the deal.
4. They don’t communicate: This goes without saying to me. Realtors are the middlemen, directing traffic, passing information, and managing the entire transaction. They need to be able to communicate well with you, but also keep in touch with the other agent, the lender, escrow, home inspectors, and a ton of other people just to keep things moving smoothly.
5. They aren’t empathetic: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: The home buying/selling process is emotional. I don’t care what anyone says, it is! Sometimes those emotions are positive and happy, other times they are stressed and frustrated. Now, do I think there is a time for hand-holding and a time to push through those emotions so they don’t hold you back? Absolutely. But that requires empathy.
6. They don’t fit what you need: This one is ultimately the bottom line. Yes your realtor should follow the law, be organized, and communicate. These things are non-negotiables. But beyond that, they should be someone you feel comfortable with, someone you trust, someone you overall like as a person.

You truly build a relationship with your realtor throughout the process, so make sure you don’t just choose the person who has sold the most homes, comes up first on google (they pay for that), or who your parents used 40 years ago.

Make sure as you start the process you consider what you want and need in a realtor, and bring that with you as you interview a few options.

YES- YOU SHOULD INTERVIEW MULTIPLE REALTORS! Choose someone who makes you feel heard, who has experience, and who you trust to put your best interest above all else.

You’ve got this! Take a deep breath and take it one step at a time. Remember, there are plenty of positives to look forward to along the way.

Here’s to finding joy in the little things—like a great cup of coffee.

Till next time,

Lillie