How to Spot Red Flags When Choosing a Real Estate Broker

5 June 2025

Choosing the right real estate broker can make or break your buying or selling experience. A good broker will guide you through the complexities of real estate transactions, helping you navigate paperwork, negotiations, and market trends. However, a bad broker? That’s a nightmare waiting to happen.

So, how do you know if a broker is worth your trust? The key is to spot red flags early. In this guide, we’ll break down the major warning signs that should make you think twice before signing any agreements.

1. They’re Pushy and Aggressive

Ever feel like a salesperson is pushing you into something without considering your needs? That’s a major red flag. A good broker listens, advises, and respects your decisions. If they’re constantly pressuring you to sign a contract, make an offer, or settle for a property that doesn’t feel right, walk away.

Buying or selling real estate is a big decision, and you should never feel rushed into it. A trustworthy broker will let you take your time, weigh your options, and make a decision that feels right for you.

2. Lack of Communication or Unresponsiveness

Real estate deals move fast, and timing is everything. If your broker takes forever to return calls or emails, that’s a problem. Communication is key in real estate; delays could mean missing out on a great deal or failing to respond to an important request in time.

If you notice that your broker is dodging your calls, giving vague answers, or constantly making excuses, they might not be prioritizing your interests. A professional broker should be reachable when you need them, not just when it’s convenient for them.

3. They Have a Bad Reputation

Before hiring a broker, do a little background check. Look up reviews online, ask for references, and talk to past clients if possible. If you see a pattern of complaints—whether it’s about dishonesty, lack of professionalism, or poor negotiation skills—that’s a glaring red flag.

Sure, every professional will have the occasional bad review, but if the negative feedback outweighs the positives, take it as a sign to steer clear. The last thing you want is to work with someone who has a history of disappointing clients.

4. Their Fees Seem Too Good to Be True

Let’s be real: real estate brokers work on commission, and while fees can vary, extremely low rates should make you suspicious. If a broker is offering to work for a fraction of the usual commission, ask yourself why. Are they inexperienced? Desperate for clients? Cutting corners?

Quality service comes at a price, and while you don’t want to overpay, choosing the cheapest option might end up costing you more in lost opportunities or bad deals.

5. They Lack Local Market Knowledge

A professional real estate broker should know the ins and outs of the area they operate in. If they seem clueless about recent sales, market trends, or neighborhood details, that’s a bad sign.

Ask them questions about the local market—like average home prices, time on the market, and potential investment opportunities. If they struggle to provide accurate answers, they’re either inexperienced or not serious about their profession.

6. They're Too Eager to Double-End Deals

"Double-ending" is when a broker represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. While it's legal in many places, it can create a serious conflict of interest.

A broker is supposed to negotiate the best deal for their client. But if they’re representing both sides, whose interests are they really prioritizing? If they’re too eager to push this kind of deal, be cautious—it could mean they’re more interested in maximizing their commission than securing the best terms for you.

7. They Don’t Provide a Clear Marketing Plan

If you're selling a property, your broker should have a solid marketing plan in place. If they can't provide specifics on how they’ll promote your listing, that's a problem.

A good broker should be able to outline their strategy, including:

- Professional photography
- Online listings on major real estate websites
- Social media marketing
- Open houses and showings
- Networking with other agents

If they simply tell you, "I'll put it on the MLS and see what happens," run the other way. A lazy approach to marketing could mean a longer time on the market and a lower sale price.

8. They Can’t Explain the Process Clearly

The real estate process can be complicated, especially if you're a first-time buyer or seller. A good broker should be able to explain everything in simple terms, guiding you through each step.

If your broker uses a lot of jargon without breaking it down into understandable language, they might either be inexperienced or trying to confuse you on purpose. Transparency is key—if they can’t explain what’s happening in plain English, they’re not the right fit.

9. They Make Unrealistic Promises

If a broker guarantees they’ll sell your home for way more than similar properties in the area or promises they can get you a dream home at a rock-bottom price, be skeptical.

Real estate is unpredictable, and no broker can promise specific results. A good broker will give you realistic expectations based on market conditions, not just tell you what you want to hear.

10. They Avoid Putting Things in Writing

Verbal promises mean nothing in real estate. If a broker refuses to put agreements, fees, or conditions in writing, that’s a serious red flag. Everything—yes, everything—should be documented.

A professional broker won’t hesitate to provide written agreements outlining their responsibilities, commission rates, and any other important details. If they’re hesitant to do so, it could indicate shady business practices.

11. They Lack Proper Credentials

Every real estate broker should be licensed and in good standing with the appropriate regulatory boards. Before hiring a broker, verify their credentials by checking with your local real estate commission or agency.

If they can’t provide proof of their license or have a record of disciplinary actions, walk away immediately. You want to work with someone who operates legally and ethically.

12. They Have High Staff Turnover

If a broker constantly changes assistants or office staff, that could indicate a deeper issue. High turnover may be a sign of poor management, unhappy employees, or a toxic work environment.

While this may not be a deal-breaker on its own, it’s worth paying attention to, especially if it’s paired with other red flags on this list.

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right real estate broker is crucial to having a smooth buying or selling experience. While there are plenty of great brokers out there, there are also some who may not have your best interests at heart.

By keeping an eye out for these red flags, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure you're working with a professional who truly has your back. Trust your instincts, do your research, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels off—your future home (and your finances) depend on it.