Updated 04/29/2025
Taking your time when choosing a real estate agent is critical during the complex process of buying or selling a property. A skilled agent brings market expertise, negotiation skills, and valuable connections, which can significantly influence the price and speed of a transaction.
Are you looking for a new home or want to sell and need to choose a real estate agent?
Choosing a realtor can feel daunting, especially if you’re a first-time buyer or seller. Loan Officers at DSLD Mortgage understand that selling or buying a home may be stressful, and working with a real estate agent has many benefits.
But what should you look for, and how should you choose a real estate agent who meets your needs?
Read on to discover the red and green flags to watch out for, and the different roles of real estate agents and what to expect from your realtor. Plus, learn how to sell a house without a real estate agent.
7 Real Red Flags to Watch Out for When Choosing a Realtor
These avoidable real estate agent red flags can help reduce the stress associated with choosing a real estate agent.
1. Lacking Knowledge of the Local Market
Knowledge of the local market and experience are not necessarily connected. You could find a real estate agent with many years of experience who hasn’t taken the time to research the local market. Regardless of whether you’re looking to buy or sell a property, the only way to be sure that your agent has spent the necessary time investigating the local market is to make inquiries and conduct research.
Here are the most important inquiries you need to make when choosing a realtor:
Selling a Property
- How will my property be advertised?
- How many weeks do you anticipate it will take to find a buyer for my property?
- Have you sold any comparable houses nearby in the past three months?
Buying a Property
- How many properties in this area do you currently have within my budget?
- How many properties have you marketed in the location I wish to buy in the past 3 months?
- How quickly will you contact me if an appropriate property comes on the market?
2. Absence of Internet Presence
A strong online presence is essential when choosing a real estate agent, especially in today’s competitive housing market. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, it’s important to work with a realtor who is active and visible online — this increases exposure and builds credibility.
As you’re choosing a realtor, consider the following:
- How user-friendly is their website?
- How many backlinks or references does their website attract?
- What social media platforms do they actively use?
- How consistent and professional is their social media activity?
- Are they featured in press releases, blogs, or industry articles?
A real estate agent without an internet presence may struggle to attract interest or stay informed on market trends—both of which can negatively impact your buying or selling experience.
3. Frequent Bad Reviews
Online reviews and testimonials can offer valuable insight when you’re learning how to choose a real estate agent. While even great agents might receive an occasional negative review, a pattern of frequent bad reviews is a definite red flag. Take time to browse Google Business, Facebook, and other platforms where the agent has a presence.
Pay attention to recurring complaints such as poor communication, lack of follow-through, or missed deadlines, which can all be signs to reconsider. Even positive reviews may mention areas of concern, so read them carefully. When you’re choosing a realtor, a consistent history of satisfied clients is a strong indicator that you’re making the right choice.
4. Poor Communication and Lack of Personalized Service
Strong communication is one of the most important qualities to look for when you’re choosing a real estate agent. A great agent doesn’t just talk about the local market; they take time to understand your goals, your financial situation, and what you’re truly looking for in a property. Personalized service means they’re listening as much as they’re advising.
While it’s essential that an agent gathers key information from you, they should never come across as pushy. You should feel at ease during conversations and confident that your agent is genuinely interested in helping you succeed.
If you’re learning how to choose a real estate agent, responsiveness is another key factor. Ideally, the agent should follow up on your inquiry within a few hours and definitely by the next business day. Confirm that they can be reached through multiple channels: a direct mobile number, office line, and email. Ask what kind of response time you should expect, and test their accessibility by leaving a message or sending a follow-up email.
5. Lack of Transparency About Fees
One of the most overlooked issues when choosing a realtor is their willingness to be upfront about costs. Whether you’re buying or selling, you’ll encounter commissions, listing fees, and potentially other charges, so it’s essential to know exactly what you’re agreeing to.
A trustworthy real estate agent should clearly explain all associated costs, including early termination clauses, closing costs, and any additional penalties. If an agent avoids the topic or seems vague when discussing fees, it’s a red flag.
As you’re learning how to choose a real estate agent, don’t hesitate to ask whether they’re open to negotiating their commission. While some may offer flexibility, a seasoned, confident agent often won’t budge, which can actually be a sign of their professionalism and value.
6. They Ignore Your Budget
A major red flag when choosing a real estate agent is when they consistently show you homes outside your stated price range. Not only is this frustrating and time-consuming, but it also signals a lack of respect for your financial limits and priorities.
A skilled agent will take the time to understand your goals, financial situation, and comfort zone — then stick to it. If you find yourself constantly being nudged toward more expensive properties, it’s time to reconsider your choice. Choosing a realtor who listens, respects your budget, and aligns with your goals is essential to a successful home search.
7. No Professional Network
One of the often overlooked factors when learning how to choose a real estate agent is the strength of their professional network. A well-connected agent should be able to refer you to reliable home inspectors, closing attorneys, contractors, and other local professionals involved in the homebuying or selling process.
If the agent you’re working with can’t confidently recommend trusted partners, it may indicate limited experience or a lack of involvement in the local market. Choosing a realtor with an established network can accelerate your journey and help you avoid unnecessary stress and delays.
3 Green Flags to Watch Out For
When choosing a real estate agent, the best candidates will demonstrate more than just impressive credentials. Their communication style, industry knowledge, and ability to connect with you personally all matter. Above all, you should feel comfortable and confident with your agent after interviewing a few candidates. Keep an eye out for these three green flags to help guide your decision when choosing a realtor.
1. Availability
One of the most overlooked but crucial qualities when figuring out how to choose a real estate agent is availability. A great agent won’t just stick to rigid 9-5 hours — they’ll make time for you outside of standard office hours and be accessible through multiple channels. If an agent limits their communication strictly to office hours, it might signal a lack of flexibility or dedication to the fast-moving real estate process.
2. Professional Image
A polished, professional demeanor goes a long way when buying or selling property. A reliable agent will not only have strong negotiating skills but will also maintain professionalism in all interactions. That includes respecting your preferences (like pronouns), clearly answering your questions, and keeping a clean, respectful presence on personal and professional social media platforms.
3. Print Marketing Materials
While digital marketing is essential, experienced agents know that high-quality print materials still matter. Flyers, brochures, signage, and other printed resources show that your agent is willing to invest in your sale and cater to clients who may prefer offline channels. If you’re choosing a realtor who understands the importance of both digital and print marketing, you’re likely working with someone committed and experienced.
Are You Ready to Apply for a Mortgage?
If you’re getting ready to start the homebuying journey, choosing the right professionals, starting with a lender and choosing a real estate agent, can make all the difference. At DSLD Mortgage, our expert Loan Officers are here to guide you through every step of the mortgage application process while helping you avoid common missteps during your search for the perfect home.
Whether you’re choosing a realtor for the first time or learning how to choose a real estate agent who truly understands your needs, our team is here to support your entire journey.
Set up a free consultation with a DSLD Mortgage Loan Officer today, and you’ll be one step closer to confident homeownership.
What Are the Key Differences Between Real Estate Agents and Realtors?
If you’re choosing a realtor or agent for the first time, it’s helpful to understand the difference between these two titles. Although often used interchangeably, there are some important distinctions.
Real estate agents assist clients in buying and selling homes. They help buyers locate properties, schedule viewings, and submit offers while also helping sellers price and market their homes. Most real estate agents are paid via commission once a transaction is complete. They must work under the supervision of a licensed broker or brokerage, which receives a portion of their commission.
Realtors, on the other hand, are licensed real estate agents or brokers who are also members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This membership means they commit to following a specific code of ethics in their work.
Real Estate Agent Licensing Requirements
Before choosing a real estate agent, it’s good to know the qualifications they must meet. While licensing requirements vary by state, most real estate agents must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have legal US residency
- Complete pre-licensing education
- Pass their state’s real estate license exam
- Pass a real estate background check
- Be sponsored by a licensed real estate broker
Selling Agent vs. Listing Agent
As you learn how to choose a real estate agent, you’ll also come across different types of agents. Two common roles are selling agents and listing agents.
- A selling agent (or buyer’s agent) represents the buyer and helps them find and purchase a home.
- A listing agent represents the seller and helps market and sell the home.
Both roles can be filled by a real estate agent, broker, or realtor, but it’s important to know which type you need before choosing a realtor or agent to work with. Dual agency, where one agent represents both buyer and seller, is legal in some states but not always advisable due to potential conflicts of interest.
Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent
Whether you’re buying or selling, choosing a real estate agent has clear advantages. Here’s how each type of agent can help:
Listing agent duties:
- Research comparable home prices
- Help set a competitive listing price
- Provide home staging advice
- Schedule home inspections or appraisals
- Create a marketing plan and arrange professional photography
- Market the home online and in print
- Organize open houses and showings
- Negotiate offers and counteroffers
- Handle paperwork and closing documentation.
Selling agent duties:
- Help buyers narrow down their location, home type, and price range
- Arrange mortgage pre-approval if needed
- Find suitable properties
- Schedule and attend showings
- Assist with home inspections and appraisals
- Negotiate to get the best price
- Draft offers and manage the closing process.
A good agent will collaborate with the other party’s agent to ensure all paperwork is complete and both sides understand what’s needed to close the deal smoothly.
Can I Sell My Home Without a Real Estate Agent?
Yes, it’s possible to sell your home without a real estate agent through a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) approach. However, choosing a real estate agent often speeds up the process and can maximize your sale price.
If you decide to go it alone, your first step is to accurately price your home. Tools like the FHFA House Price Calculator can offer a general estimate based on average local appreciation, but they don’t account for upgrades or unique features. You’ll need to research local sales data to get a clearer picture of your home’s true market value.
Once you’ve set a price, you can market your home by:
- Placing a “For Sale” sign in the yard
- Using MLS listing services (for a flat fee).
Keep in mind, without an agent, you’ll also be responsible for handling inquiries, setting up showings, scheduling inspections, and negotiating with buyers. For many homeowners, the time, energy, and negotiation skill required reinforce the value of choosing a realtor to manage the process.
Ready to Submit a Mortgage Application?
Are you ready to take the next step toward buying a home? Our experienced Loan Officers are here to guide you through every part of the mortgage application and homebuying process so you can move forward with confidence.
How much will your mortgage be? You can use DSLD Mortgage’s Mortgage Calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payment.
Current mortgage rates holding you back? Don’t miss out on these deals! Buy a home with DSLD Mortgage and take advantage of our limited-time mortgage promotions.
Article Sources
- Business Insider. “5 Red Flags to Look Out for When Working with a Real Estate Agent, According to Experts” May 23rd, 2023
- Ironmark. “5 Reasons Why Print Marketing Works for Real Estate” December 5th, 2022
- Background Checks. “What Does a Real Estate Background Check Entail?” April 17th, 2018.
- Forbes. “Do You Really Need a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home Right Now?” September 23rd, 2020.
- Federal Housing Finance Agency. “FHFA HPI Calculator.” Accessed April 29th, 2025
Start Your Home Search with DSLD Homes
Explore the lifestyle that awaits you in a DSLD Homes community by visiting one of our locations across the Southern Region.
With a wide range of floor plans and communities to choose from, you’re bound to find the ideal home that suits your needs and lifestyle.
