Most people wait until they actually need to sell a house before they start looking for help. That's exactly when bad decisions happen. A few hours of upfront digging can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches.
Red Flags in Quotes
If someone quotes you a flat fee or a percentage that sounds too good, ask why. The cheap agent usually makes it up elsewhere in hidden add-ons like marketing fees or transaction coordinator charges. Watch for anyone who won't put their exact commission rate in writing before you sign anything. Vague numbers like 'competitive' or 'industry standard' mean they're leaving themselves room to tack on costs later.
Red Flags in Communication
Slow reply to a simple question is the first warning. If they take two days to respond to your initial email, imagine what happens during an offer deadline. Listen for jargon. Good ones explain things in plain English. Bad ones throw around words like 'disposition' and 'contingency' without clarifying. Also notice if they interrupt you or dodge direct questions about their recent sales.
Red Flags in Contracts
A contract that runs longer than 90 days is a trap unless you're selling a very unusual property. Watch for automatic renewal clauses that lock you in if you forget to cancel. Any language that says you must use their lender, title company, or inspectors is a way for them to make extra money on kickbacks, not get you a better deal.
How to Protect Yourself
Interview at least three before picking one. Ask each for the names of three clients from the last six months who are willing to talk to you. Call every single one. Ask how many offers their agent wrote for them and how many actually closed. Write a cancellation clause into the contract with a short notice period. Keep all communication in writing, even if it feels rude to text instead of call.
Compare local real estate agents side by side on RatingsNearMe before you sign anything.