Real estate is one of the most competitive industries out there, and not every realtor is up to the challenge. If you’re trying to sell, buy, or invest, you need someone with serious expertise—someone who eats, breathes, and sleeps real estate. But all too often, I see clients who’ve had their time wasted by realtors who don’t hustle, don’t communicate, and aren’t bringing their A-game. So, here’s how to know if it’s time to fire your current realtor and get someone who knows what they’re doing.
The reality? Marketing is everything. Selling or buying a home isn't just about sticking a sign on the lawn, posting to the MLS and hoping for the best. A top-notch realtor has a game plan that includes stellar photography, powerful ad strategies, and a digital presence that gets people looking. If your realtor is just tossing up a few photos and hoping for the best, they’re dropping the ball.
A property needs to pop to attract serious buyers. If your realtor can’t make that happen, it's time to go with someone who can actually make your property shine. Don’t let a lack of marketing creativity hold you back from the best deal possible.
I get it—everyone’s busy. But your realtor shouldn’t be too busy for you. Real estate is fast-paced, and a missed message or a lack of response can mean losing out on an opportunity. The best agents keep you updated and are available when you need them. They’re calling you, texting you, emailing you, filling you in on every detail.
If your agent doesn’t have that urgency or isn’t getting back to you, it’s a bad sign. Communication shows commitment. If they’re not all-in, you should be all-out.
Your realtor is your representative, and their professionalism directly impacts how potential buyers or sellers see your property. When you’re dealing with the high stakes of real estate, professionalism isn't optional. Being late to meetings, not dressing the part, or behaving casually at open houses? That’s a problem.
Realtors should command respect, not only for you but for the entire transaction. They should make buyers feel like they’re dealing with a serious professional. If they’re acting like they’re selling t-shirts out of a trunk instead of negotiating one of the biggest sales of your life, cut them loose.
Buying and selling real estate is one big negotiation game, and if your realtor isn’t a top negotiator, that’s money left on the table. Good realtors can read the room, understand buyer psychology, and push to get the best outcome for you. They’re looking for every angle, every advantage.
You need someone who doesn’t get shaky when things get intense. If your realtor isn't confident in negotiations, you’re probably not getting the best deal. Don’t settle—hire someone who can stand toe-to-toe with the competition and bring you the best results.
This one’s huge. Your realtor should be asking you about your goals, preferences, and concerns, not just barreling ahead with their own agenda. If they’re not checking in on what you want, they’re not tailoring the process to fit you.
You’re not a one-size-fits-all client, so your real estate journey shouldn’t be, either. If your realtor isn’t interested in your vision, it’s a clear sign they’re just looking for a transaction. Get someone who cares enough to ask the right questions and who’s invested in making your real estate experience all about you.
Here’s the bottom line: real estate is about trust. You need to know your realtor is in this to get you the best outcome, not just to close the deal. If they’re pressuring you to make decisions you’re uncomfortable with or cutting corners to speed things along, they’re not working for you.
A good realtor fights for your interests and doesn’t settle for anything less than what you want. If they don’t seem to care about your satisfaction, they’re not the right fit. Find someone who sees you as a partner in the process, someone who’s driven to get you the best results every time.
Real estate is a high-stakes business. You don’t have time for a realtor who’s anything less than exceptional. Trust your instincts, look for these signs, and don’t be afraid to switch gears. A great realtor isn’t just there to get the job done—they’re there to make sure you feel confident, informed, and prioritized every step of the way. CHARLESGATE is a renowned full-service real estate company, featuring our top-tier Brokerage, designed to help you live and invest better.