It can be uncomfortable to say out loud, but it’s true: not every real estate agent is right for you.

Maybe it’s your cousin. Maybe it’s your college buddy. Maybe it’s the agent you used five years ago when the market was completely different. Regardless of the connection, working with the wrong agent can cost you time, money, and opportunities. And that’s not something you can afford in today’s market.

So how do you know it’s time to walk away?

1. You’re Doing All the Work

If you find yourself scrolling through Zillow or Redfin every night, sending listings to your agent instead of the other way around, that’s a red flag. Your agent should be actively sourcing homes, sending you options, and booking appointments based on your preferences — not waiting for you to do their job.

You hired them (or agreed to work with them) for their market knowledge and hustle. If they’re just reacting to what you find, they’re not really advocating for you. That’s not a partnership; that’s a liability.

2. They’re Not Showing Up with Value

A solid real estate agent should be walking into every showing with more than just a key and a smile. They should come with:

• Neighborhood comps

• Property history

• Investment insight (if that’s your angle)

• Pros and cons of the area

• A pulse on the local market

If they’re not coming prepared with insights that you didn’t already know from the listing, they’re wasting your time. You deserve an agent who brings clarity, not confusion.

3. They’re Coasting on a Past Relationship

Just because someone’s your sister-in-law doesn’t mean she’s the best agent for you. And just because someone helped you buy your first condo 10 years ago doesn’t mean they’re the right choice to help you move up into a multi-family investment now.

This is a business decision. And like any business move, you need to evaluate performance, communication, responsiveness, and results — not just loyalty. If someone in your life is offended that you want to go in a different direction, that’s their ego talking, not your problem to solve.

4. They Don’t Listen to Your Needs

If you’re telling your agent you need a three-bed, two-bath in a walkable neighborhood under $500K, but they’re still showing you one-bedroom condos downtown at $650K, it’s time to reevaluate.

Good agents listen, adjust, and deliver. If they’re pushing their agenda instead of supporting yours, it’s not a match.

5. They Lack Follow-Through

Missing deadlines. Ghosting texts. Forgetting to follow up on key questions. These aren’t “small things.” In real estate, one missed call or delay can mean losing out on the perfect home. A great agent handles the details, keeps you in the loop, and stays on top of the moving parts so you don’t have to.

Bottom Line:

You don’t owe anyone your business. You owe yourself a professional who will show up, fight for your best interests, and guide you confidently through one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

If you’re not getting that, it’s not “disloyal” to walk away — it’s smart. This market is too competitive and too fast-moving to settle for anything less than the best.

Your agent should be your advocate, not just someone with a license.