Incompetent Agents
This may be one of the hardest issues to spot upfront. How do you know your doctor, attorney—or real estate agent—is incompetent? Often, you don’t… until something goes wrong.
Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to research an agent before hiring them. Sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Angi offer customer reviews that shed light on other clients’ experiences. You can also ask the agent directly for references—recent clients you can speak with. I’ve had plenty of people ask, and I’m always happy to provide that list.
In my experience, true incompetence doesn’t improve with time. Some agents stay in the business for years despite having no systems, poor communication, and zero attention to detail. This is my biggest frustration in the industry: too many consumers don’t realize their agent is failing them until it’s too late.
I can usually work with new agents—if they’re willing to ask for help. Untrained agents are tougher because they think they know what they’re doing. But incompetent agents are the most dangerous. They give bad advice, don’t return calls, and fail to represent their clients’ best interests—often costing people tens of thousands of dollars.
Here’s one example: earlier this year, I was hired to sell a home after the clients fired their first agent. That agent had listed their home and then helped them make an offer on a $1.3 million property—contingent on selling their current home. But somewhere during negotiations, that contingency was accidentally removed. My clients didn’t realize it until weeks later. When I asked if they’d read the final counteroffer, they said someone else from the agent’s office had sent it and they trusted the process. Unfortunately, that $10,000 mistake ended in attorneys getting involved and their earnest money being forfeited.
This stuff matters.
To avoid hiring an incompetent agent, here are a few simple tips:
- Call their cell phone. See how quickly they return your call. If they take hours—or never respond—that’s a major red flag.
- Check their listings. Look up some of their homes online. Are the photos professional and high-quality? Is the description well-written and compelling? Sloppy marketing is a sign of poor service.
- Ask for advice. Do they offer specific, helpful recommendations or just vague generalities? A good agent gives honest, expert guidance—because that’s what you’re paying for.
- Pay attention to pressure tactics. A skilled agent should act like a consultant, not a pushy salesperson. If you feel pressured or uncomfortable, walk away.
- Watch for desperation. If an agent agrees to everything you say or promises unrealistically high results, be cautious. Desperate agents say anything to win your business—but they rarely deliver.
The bottom line: incompetence in real estate isn’t just annoying—it’s expensive. Do your homework, ask questions, and don’t settle for anything less than a true professional.