Different people have different preferences when it comes to working with others. Some enjoy energetic, talkative personalities, while others prefer a more reserved but diligent approach. This is especially true when selecting a realtor. We get it.

However, when we talk about “bad” realtors, we’re looking at it purely from a business perspective.

A good realtor contributes positively to a transaction. A bad realtor does the opposite. It’s that simple.

Real estate transactions are complex, involving multiple moving parts and numerous parties. Having witnessed the inner workings of countless deals, we can easily distinguish between constructive and destructive practices. Unfortunately, we’ve found that out of every ten realtors we work with, only about three could genuinely be considered “good.”

The problem? Most buyers and sellers don’t get to see these behind-the-scenes dynamics. As a result, they often end up with realtors who do them a disservice.

We just want to equip you, the future buyer or seller, with the knowledge to identify and avoid bad realtors.

 

 

Red Flags: Realtors to Avoid

1. The Smug braggart

For a real estate transaction to close smoothly, a realtor must collaborate effectively with all parties. No one enjoys dealing with a condescending know-it-all. Alienating key players—whether it’s the other agent, lender, or title company—can cause deals to fall apart.

We understand the appeal of realtors who flaunt their “Top Producer” or “Superstar” status. A solid track record is great. Confidence is valuable. But if you detect even a whiff of arrogance—like an attitude of “If you don’t hire me, you’re making a huge mistake”—run.

Often, these agents rely on sheer volume, taking on 1,000 deals and closing only 300. Do you really want to be one of the 700 who get left behind?

2. The King/Queen of Empty promises

Have you ever heard a realtor claim they can sell homes “faster and for more money than anyone else”? That’s a logical fallacy designed to lure you in. Why? Because every home sells at market value—because it’s the market! There’s no alternate timeline where we can compare whether this agent truly does a better job than others.

Some agents also make promises about providing reports or updates, only to forget about them as soon as you sign with them. If they fail to follow through on small commitments, how do you think they’ll handle critical negotiations or coordination once your home is under contract?

A realtor who over-promises and under-delivers isn’t focused on helping you—they’re just focused on getting you to sign on the dotted line. Avoid them.

3. The Pushy Sales Machine

This behavior is most commonly found in listing agents.

Would you say that an aggressive salesperson is a good one? If you’re their boss, maybe. But in real estate, high-pressure tactics often backfire—especially in high-value transactions.

For a $5 gadget, pushy sales techniques might work. But for a $500,000 home? Buyers won’t respond well to pressure. Instead, they’ll walk away—just to avoid dealing with the realtor.

High-value transactions require relationship-building, patience, and trust. Yet, some aggressive agents try to justify their approach by saying: “If I don’t fight for my commission, how hard do you think I’ll negotiate for you?” Sounds convincing, right?

Wrong.

First, there’s no direct relationship between defending their commission and negotiating effectively on your behalf. A good agent negotiates hard for their client—regardless of commission. Second, if their pushy tactics are making you uncomfortable, imagine how buyers and sellers will feel. This often turns negotiations hostile and can kill deals unnecessarily.

Don’t fall for their pressure tactics.

4. The Vanishing Act (a.k.a. The Nonresponsive Realtor)

Responsiveness can be difficult to assess upfront, but there are telltale signs.

If you’re selling your home, ask how your agent plans to handle showings. Do they have a structured system to ensure potential buyers always have access to view your home? Or do they rely on a clunky, manual process that often results in missed opportunities?

Many times, we’ve seen agents fail to arrange showings properly, causing sellers to lose out on qualified buyers.

While realtors don’t need to be available 24/7, they should have systems in place to facilitate communication. A good rule of thumb? Any agent worth working with should respond to inquiries within 24 hours. If they can’t even meet that basic professional standard, imagine the delays and headaches they’ll cause down the road.

 

 

Green Flags: What Makes a Great Realtor?

Now that we’ve covered the warning signs, let’s talk about what makes a great realtor.

1. Honest & Humble

A top-notch realtor, no matter how experienced or successful, treats every party in the transaction with respect. They understand that their job is to serve you, not inflate their own ego. More often than not, the best realtors are the ones who remain humble, even with an impressive resume.

2. Knowledgeable Beyond Real Estate

A great realtor isn’t just a walking MLS search. They offer valuable insight into mortgages, home repairs, staging, and transaction coordination. They stay ahead of potential issues and prepare you for what’s coming next.

The best realtors aren’t just salespeople—they’re problem solvers.

3. Realistic & Strategic

Real estate is about more than just enthusiasm—it’s about strategy.

A great agent will give you realistic expectations. If your listing price isn’t competitive, they’ll tell you (nicely). If challenges arise, they’ll offer ethical solutions instead of pushing you into risky legal territory.

When you ask, “How confident are you about this deal?” they won’t say “100%” just to reassure you. They’ll give an honest, thoughtful answer like “70–80%”—because that’s the truth.

4. Responsive & Respectful of Boundaries

Responsiveness is crucial—but it should also be balanced.

The best realtors communicate in a way that works for you. Prefer texting? They’ll text. Like phone calls? They’ll call. They stay available without being intrusive and ensure that you’re always in the loop.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in a real estate transaction. The best agents are honest, strategic, knowledgeable, and responsive—without being pushy or arrogant.

With these red (and green) flags in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect realtor who genuinely has your best interests at heart.

Happy house hunting (or selling)!