Navigating the real estate market can be a daunting task. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time homebuyer, the journey of buying or selling a property can be stressful. At the heart of this journey is your real estate agent, a seasoned guide whose expertise, integrity, and diligence can make or break your experience. To protect yourself and your investment, it's crucial to understand the red flags that might indicate a less-than-stellar real estate agent. Here are a few things to watch out for:

1. Lack of Communication

The first red flag is an agent who is consistently unresponsive or difficult to reach. Buying or selling a property often involves tight timelines, so an agent who doesn't promptly return calls or emails can cause unnecessary delays. Your agent should be easily accessible and maintain open lines of communication, within reason.

2. Unfamiliarity with the Area

Local knowledge is one of the greatest assets a real estate agent can possess. If your agent isn't familiar with the local market, or worse, doesn't take the time to do the necessary research, it can lead to inaccurate property valuation, overpricing or underpricing.

3. High Pressure Sales Tactics

While a good agent will advise and guide you, they should never pressure you into a decision. High pressure tactics can be a sign that the agent is more interested in making a quick commission than in helping you make the best decision. If you ever feel rushed or pushed into a decision, it might be time to reconsider your agent.

4. Too Busy or Overextended

While a successful agent will have a healthy roster of clients, being too busy can be a detriment. If your agent is always rushing, misses appointments, or seems distracted during your interactions, they might be overextended. You want an agent who can give your property search or sale the time and attention it deserves.

5. Lack of Transparency

Transparency is crucial in any real estate transaction. If your agent is reluctant to share information about a property, doesn't explain the process clearly, or avoids discussing their commission, these are serious red flags. A trustworthy agent will be upfront about all aspects of the transaction.

6. Negative Online Reviews

In the digital age, online reviews are a valuable resource. Negative reviews, especially those that detail similar problems from multiple clients, shouldn't be ignored. However, keep in mind that one or two bad reviews don't necessarily reflect the agent's overall performance. Look for patterns and repeated issues.

7. Unprofessional Behaviour

Professionalism should be a given in any business interaction. An agent who is consistently late, dismissive of your concerns, or generally disrespectful is not someone you want on your team. You deserve an agent who respects your time, your needs, and your investment.

8. No References

A quality agent should be able to provide references from previous clients. If an agent cannot or will not provide references, consider it a red flag. Speaking to past clients can give you a good sense of the agent's work ethic, reliability, and success rate.

9. Limited Services

A full-service agent will handle all aspects of the sale, from staging and marketing your home, to negotiating the contract. If your agent suggests cutting corners or leaving out key steps in the process, you should question their commitment and professionalism.

At the end of the day, you should pick an agent that you like, know and trust. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions to get a feel for their experience, how they operate and the process in general. Go for an agent who not only understands your goals but also prioritises them, after all they’re dealing with your biggest asset!