Real Estate Traps to Avoid When Choosing an Agent

1. Always Ask for Comparable Sales

If an agent quotes you a price, make sure they can back it up with recent comparable sales—not just wishful thinking. Ask for evidence of similar properties sold in your area in the last 3–6 months. This ensures your price expectation is realistic and protects you from being misled by an inflated estimate designed to win your listing.

2. Keep the Authority Short — 90 Days Maximum

Your exclusive sales authority is the legal agreement that gives the agent the right to sell your property. Don’t sign one that runs for six months or more. A 90-day authority keeps the pressure on the agent to perform, rather than giving them too much time to “wait out” the campaign or push you to lower your price. If things aren’t working, you want the flexibility to move on without penalty.

3. Beware of “Dream Price” Promises

If an agent quotes a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Some agents overquote to secure your listing—then gradually “condition” you to lower your price once the campaign begins. Protect yourself by making the agent accountable for their price promise. Ask how they’ll achieve it, what evidence supports it, and what their strategy is if the market doesn’t respond.

4.“I’ve Got Buyers” – What That Really Means

If an agent says they have buyers on their books, remember: that’s like a carpenter saying they have a hammer—it’s part of the job. Every good agent has a buyer database. What matters is how they’ll market your home to reach all qualified buyers, not just the few already in their system. Wider competition creates stronger offers and a better result.

The Bottom Line:
A trustworthy agent will be transparent, data-driven, and focused on your outcome—not their listing count. Ask questions, read the fine print, and remember: the right preparation and the right agent can make all the difference between a good sale and a great one.