7 Obvious Signs You Should Dump Your Realtor ...

1. The Agent Doesn't Listen

If your agent doesn't listen, this is one of several signs you should dump your realtor. When buying or selling a house, it's important to discuss your needs and what you hope to accomplish. Most professionals will listen and do everything within their power to meet your demands. However, some realtors have their own agenda, and they do what’s best for them, not you. If you feel that your words are going in one ear and out the other, it's time for a switch.

2. The Agent Wastes Your Time

In addition to a realtor who doesn't listen to you, you might need to switch professionals if your realtor constantly wastes your time. For example, if you tell your realtor you only want to see certain types of homes or houses within a price point, yet he constantly takes you to properties that are beyond your reach, you’ll waste a lot of time during the search, and you could miss out on your dream house.

3. The Agent Doesn't Have Time for You

If your realtor has several clients, he might not have time for you. Don't expect a realtor to be at your beck and call. He has other clients plus a personal life. But if you call a realtor and it takes him or her days to call you back, or if she rushes every appointment because she has to meet with the next client, she might have too much on her plate, and you might do better working with someone who has more time.

4. Your Home Isn't Selling

Homes can sit on the market for several months, it really depends on the area. However, if your home has been sitting while other homes in your neighborhood — with similar floor plans and price — are moving, there's a chance that your realtor isn’t working hard enough to market the house. And if you switch to a new realtor, this person might have a completely different game plan, which gets your property sold.

5. The Agent is Unethical

At the end of the day, you want your agent to be honest. For example, if you're selling your home, there are certain defects or problems that you need to disclose to buyers. However, the agent may suggest hiding these defects or withholding other information in order to find a buyer quickly. This might get the results you need, but dishonesty can come back to bite you where it hurts.

6. The Agent is Pushy

Buying a home is a big decision. You need to make sure that you can handle the payment and other mortgage-related costs. A good agent will not push you or pressure you into making a decision prematurely. If your agent pushes you to make a hasty decision, he is probably thinking about his profit and not your interests.

7. The Agent Betrays Your Trust

If an agent betrayed your trust, such as revealing information about you to a buyer or seller's agent, this might leave a bad taste in your mouth. The personal information that you share with your agent should be between the two of you. If you feel that your agent has breached this trust, working with a new agent can provide peace of mind.

Buying or selling a home is tricky business, and sometimes, even if you work with the best agent, it might take a while to sell your home. However, if you feel that your agent isn't doing the best job, or if there are problems with the relationship, switching agents once your contract expires might be the best move. Have you had any bad experiences with a realtor?