How to Spot a Bad Vancouver Real Estate Agent

Maybe you’re moving to Vancouver, but you’re not sure where to start looking. Perhaps you’re selling your home and are looking to find buyers who will love your home as much as you did. Either way, you need help.

But where to start the process of buying or selling? It starts by contacting a Vancouver real estate agent. Real estate agents are the ones who know the neighborhoods. They can help you find a place or sell your home based on all your criteria. They’ll even help you figure out what your criteria should be.

Unfortunately, not all real estate agents are cut from the same cloth. We’ve developed a list of traits to avoid when working with a real estate agent.

Your Vancouver Real Estate Agent is MIA

The worst thing you can do is hire a real estate agent who just doesn’t show up. Or misses your calls. Or doesn’t return your calls. Or makes you wait for a really long time before they get back to you.

An agent is in the business of selling your home or buying you a home. Either way, that’s a really personal and expensive business transaction for you. So if they can’t show up for you, won’t return your calls, and is generally dismissive of you, they’re a bad real estate agent.

They Don’t Answer Your Questions

A home is a big deal whether you’re buying or selling. There are a lot of people involved. So there are going to be a lot of questions during this long, drawn out and often times complicated process.

There’s a ton of paperwork that needs to be signed. There are documents to be located and turned in. Don’t forget about all of the financial figures and percentages being tossed around.

It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. A reliable Vancouver real estate agent will answer any and all of your questions patiently. Especially during the interview process before hiring them.

Your Real Estate Agent Doesn’t Listen to You

It’s frustrating and kind of scary when you’re relying on someone to help you out and they won’t listen to you. Especially when it’s about money. A lot of money.

So avoid working with a real estate agent who normally works with clients above your price range. They won’t be as motivated to help you find a great place that you can afford.

Also, avoid agents who take you to see homes that aren’t meeting your other criteria. It will be a smoother and quicker process when you work with the right agent.

Avoid a Vancouver Real Estate Agent Who is Too Aggressive

While you do want a real estate agent who is willing and able to go to bat for you, you don’t want one who makes you feel like you’re being run over by a train. A too aggressive agent is usually one who is more into the sale than helping you find or sell your home.

Avoid agents who ask you to sell your home at a price you’re uncomfortable with, whether it’s too high or too low. Either way, you could be making a costly mistake.

Any Real Estate Agent Who Lacks Basic Business Skills

Don’t forget, a real estate agent is essentially running their own business. So that means you’re paying them for their service. You deserve to work with the best in the business. So they should possess the following skills:

Organization

If you walk into their office and see piles of papers everywhere, it’s a sign they’re disorganized. Do you really want your important documents lost at the last minute in their piles of clutter?

Your Vancouver real estate agent should also be dressed appropriately. They are running a business so their dress and manner should reflect that.

Marketing

Marketing is a huge part of the real estate business. How else will people find your home and want to buy it?

Take a look at the real estate agents website. Is it designed well? Easy to navigate? What about the photographs? Are they professionally done or does it look like your Aunt Sally could have taken the photo?

Don’t forget to check their testimonials page and/or social media sites. This will tell you a lot about how they operate.

Leadership

If your real estate agent can’t act on your behalf, you’re better off finding someone new. They should also feel comfortable being honest with you. Even when it’s something you don’t want to hear.

Do a quick search online. Is there evidence of your agent setting themselves apart from the competition?

Confidence

A great agent has the confidence to share their expertise. So if they keep asking what you think and need your guidance and approval on every step, they might lack the experience you deserve.

Attitude

How your agent treats you is also really important. Are they kind and patient? Or do they make you feel unimportant and like you’re a bother?

You’re forming a really important bond with someone. Even if it’s for a little while, trust must be there for the whole duration. A positive attitude should be shared by both client and agent.

Action

All talk but no action means you’re working with the wrong agent. If you’ve been working with your agent for months and as a buyer, you’re not being shown any homes, it’s time to move forward. If you’re selling your home and there have been no showings, it’s a sign to move to a new agent.

Lastly, don’t forget a bad agent doesn’t know the area. Or the locals. Hire a Vancouver real estate agent who knows every neighborhood and can share tips on what it means to be a Vancouverite.

We know Vancouver real estate inside and out. Our team of dedicated professionals are waiting to expertly guide you through the process of buying or selling your home.

Written by Lorne Goldman

Featured in The Globe and Mail, Vancouver Sun and on Global News TV. Expert Vancouver Real Estate Agent with 42 years of industry experience.