6 Signs You Hired the Wrong Agent

Buying a home is stressful enough on its own. But if you feel like you are fighting your own representative instead of working with a partner, the process becomes a nightmare.

Your real estate agent is supposed to be your guide, your negotiator, and your advocate. When that relationship breaks down, it can cost you money—or worse, cost you the home of your dreams.

How do you know if it’s just a tough market or if your agent is the problem? Here are 6 red flags that indicate you might have hired the wrong person.

1. The "Ghost" Protocol

The Sign: You text them on Friday about a house you want to see. They reply on Monday morning. Why it’s a Dealbreaker: Real estate happens in real-time. In a competitive market, a delay of 24 hours (or even 4 hours) can mean the difference between getting an offer in and seeing a "Pending" sign go up. If your agent is consistently unreachable during evenings or weekends—when most real estate business happens—they aren't committed to your success.

2. They Are a "Door Opener," Not an Advisor

The Sign: You walk into a house, and the agent stands in the corner looking at their phone. When you ask, "What do you think?" they say, "It's nice! Do you like it?" Why it’s a Dealbreaker: You can find houses on Zillow yourself. You don't need someone to just unlock the door; you need an expert eye. A great agent points out the water stains on the ceiling, the age of the HVAC system, and the resale risks of the busy street. If they aren't offering critical feedback, they are just a chaperone.

3. They Push You to Spend More

The Sign: You told them your max budget is $800,000. They keep sending you listings for $850,000 or $900,000, saying, "You can just offer less," or "It's worth the stretch." Why it’s a Dealbreaker: A good agent respects your financial boundaries. While they should educate you on what your money buys in the current market, they should never pressure you to become "house poor" just to close a deal. If they care more about their commission check than your monthly mortgage comfort, run.

4. They Don't Know the Neighborhood

The Sign: You ask about the local schools, the commute traffic, or the nearest grocery store, and they have to Google it every time. Why it’s a Dealbreaker: Real estate is hyper-local. An agent who specializes in the Westside might be clueless about the nuances of the San Fernando Valley. You need an area expert who knows which streets are quiet, which pockets are appreciating, and which condos have litigation issues. Generalists miss details that specialists catch.

5. They Are Too Agreeable

The Sign: You want to make a lowball offer on a competitively priced home. They say, "Sure, let's try it," without warning you that it will likely be rejected. Why it’s a Dealbreaker: You don't need a "Yes Man." You need a strategist. If you are about to make a mistake—like overpaying for a fixer-upper or insulting a seller with a bad offer—your agent should have the courage to tell you the truth. If they are afraid to have tough conversations with you, they will be afraid to negotiate tough terms with the seller.

6. You Feel Like a Burden

The Sign: They sigh when you ask to see a third house. They make comments about how "picky" you are. You find yourself apologizing for asking questions. Why it’s a Dealbreaker: This is likely the biggest purchase of your life. You are allowed to be picky. You are allowed to ask questions. If your agent makes you feel guilty for doing your due diligence, the dynamic is broken. You deserve a partner who is patient and invested in finding the right home, not just the fastest home.

How to Break Up With Your Agent

If you recognized your agent in this list, it’s time to move on.

1. Check your contract: Did you sign a "Buyer-Broker Agreement"? If so, read the cancellation policy.
2. Be professional but firm: Send an email stating that your styles aren't a match and you wish to terminate the relationship.
3. Do it sooner rather than later: Don't wait until you find a house to switch agents. That creates a legal mess regarding "procuring cause" (who gets the commission). Make a clean break before you start writing offers with someone new.

The right agent will make you feel confident, informed, and supported. Don't settle for less.