What You Should Never Do as a Real Estate Agent

June 16th, 2008 · 1 Comment · Buyer Tips, Seller Tips

It’s hard for young and beginning real estate agents just starting their careers. You have all these rules, regulations, laws, and bylaws. You’re expected to know these laws back and front. On top of this, you’re expected to be an expert on the local real estate market (by knowing prices of recently sold properties in the general) and an understanding of national real estate trends. If that wasn’t enough, you have to be a master in contract negotiation, knowing the details of contract terms and price points. Phew - that’s a lot of stuff you gotta know!

Yet a lot of people jump into the real estate agent career field without really thinking about all these things! Guess what - I did the same thing when I started! But, over time, I’ve really immersed myself in learning- every single day - more and more about real estate. I’ve learned about the South Florida real estate market, including networking with Miami real estate agents, brokers, and realties. I’ve dug my eyes into massive amounts of real estate books, from books on real estate investing to books on being a better realtor.

So, for those entering the real estate agent game, I’m giving you my run-down of the most important things you should not ever do as an agent. When I say never, I mean never. These are things that are unfortunately sometimes common in the industry by real estate rookies but it’s up to the real estate veterans out there to help each other out - if you see another agent committing some sort of violation point it out to them immediately! If you know of an agent just starting his or her real estate career, send them a link to this article so they can read on what not to do.

If you’re a consumer, there’s some great tips in here for you too - common courtesy is universal! If you’ve hired a real estate agent to represent you then you’re going to want to read this so you know if your agent is on the up-and-up or is misrepresenting you in some way. Remember that anyone practicing real estate must be licensed!

This being said, enjoy my compilation of top things you should never do as a real estate agent - the biggest no-no’s and major mistakes. I’m also in the process of compiling the top things a real estate agent should always do - that’s coming up next!

When Following the Law

Yes, real estate brokers and realtors have to know real estate law.

Never place For Sale, For Rent, or Open House signs on the street right-of-way.
Never put up a sign without putting your realty’s company name on there.
Never do false advertising.
Never practice real estate without a license - it’s a felony.

When Showing a Home

Anyone got a listing on Graceland? Here's a pic of the living room.

Never discuss the price when in front of the seller.
Never speak negatively about the property and criticize it while in the vicinity of the current occupant.
Never forget to call and/or cancel your appointment if you know you’re going to be late or can’t make the appointment.
Never speak about the terms of the contract with the seller at the initial showing.
Never permit young children to wander around the property unattended.
Never move around and rearrange the furniture without returning it to the original condition.
Never smoke nor allow anyone else to smoke in the property.
Never leave any doors or windows unlocked and/or open.
Never leave your trash and junk in the property.
Never attempt to contact the seller unless you’e been authorized to do so.

When Dealing with Contracts

Put the pen to paper and get that real estate contract signed! But do it right!

Never tell another real estate agent or realtor that the property in question is “under contract” unless all of the signatures of the necessary parties have been recorded.
Never change the contract yourself without approval.
Never hold on showing an offer to purchase to your client because you’re waiting for a better offer.
Never hold on showing an offer to purchase because it’s more convenient for you to wait until later.
Never pursue asking for the amount when a real estate agent calls with an offer on the property.
Never tell another real estate agent outside of the agents involved of any details of an offer to purchase before closing.

When Courtesy Counts

Common courtesy counts in real estate transactions between agents and clients.

Never say that you have an offer to purchase unless you have that offer in writing.
Never forget to contact the seller to make an appointment for another real estate agent if showing is through the listing agent.
Never mention any type of conflict between brokers and agents to buyers and sellers.
Never interrupt another real estate agent when that agent is showing the property.
Never offer the property at a price or terms that the seller has not outlined for you in writing.
Never contact or communicate with the client of a co-broker unless authorized.
Never speak negatively about the business practices of another real estate agent or real estate firm.
Never provide any comments or opinions about another real estate agent’s transactions or listings.
Never let the lock box key out of your possession.
Never solicit a future listing on a listing that’s currently listed, no matter the relationship you may have with the parties, even if they’re close friends or relatives.