Why the Wrong Real Estate Agent Could Cost You Thousands
When it comes to buying or selling a home, most people spend more time researching what car to buy than which real estate agent to hire. And I get it—choosing an agent feels overwhelming. Everyone knows someone with a license. Your cousin just got hers. Your neighbor down the street says he “does real estate on the side.” The problem? Picking the wrong agent can literally cost you thousands—sometimes tens of thousands.
I’ve been in the business for over 13 years, and I’ve seen deals made or broken not because of the market, but because of the person representing the client. That’s why I want to pull back the curtain for you today.
The Hidden Costs of Hiring the Wrong Agent
Here’s the truth: the wrong agent doesn’t just cost you money—they cost you time, peace of mind, and opportunities you didn’t even know you had.
Overpricing or Underpricing Your Home
I once met a seller who had listed their home $50,000 over what the market could bear. Their agent told them, “Let’s just test the market.” Four months later, no offers, and buyers started to assume something was wrong with the house. Eventually, they sold—$20,000 below what it could’ve gone for if they had priced correctly from the start.
On the flip side, underpricing leaves money on the table. Sure, underpricing can work in hot markets to create bidding wars, but when done incorrectly? You’re basically handing buyers free equity.
Negotiation Failures
I had a client once who switched to me after working with another agent. The first agent had accepted inspection requests totaling nearly $15,000 in repairs—without even pushing back. That’s real money lost simply because their agent didn’t want confrontation. When I stepped in on their next home, we negotiated with strategy. The difference? Nearly $10,000 saved on the purchase.
Why Experience and Market Knowledge Matter
Here’s something most people don’t realize: not every agent is active. In fact, a huge chunk of licensed agents only sell a few homes per year. Some don’t even sell one. If you’re trusting one of your biggest financial transactions to someone who doesn’t fully understand today’s market, you’re asking for trouble.
A good agent isn’t just a door-opener. They’re a strategist.
They know if homes in your neighborhood are selling in 7 days or 70.
They understand what price point sparks multiple offers.
They can explain how rising interest rates are shifting buyer behavior in real time.
If an agent can’t confidently answer questions about market conditions, walk away. You deserve someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes real estate—not someone dabbling for extra income.
Marketing Makes or Breaks a Sale
Let me be blunt: marketing is everything. The days of snapping a few iPhone photos, sticking a sign in the yard, and waiting for offers are over.
Bad Marketing Costs You Thousands
I’ll never forget walking into a listing appointment where the seller had previously worked with another agent. The photos looked like they were taken with a flip phone. Shadows, clutter, and even a family pet mid-photo. The home sat unsold for months.
We came in, did professional photography, wrote a killer listing description, ran a social media campaign, and had the home under contract in 10 days—above asking price. Same house, different approach.
Today’s Marketing Checklist
Professional photos and video tours (no excuses).
Social media promotion (Facebook, Instagram, even TikTok in some cases).
MLS optimization (because if the listing description is weak, buyers skip it).
Email campaigns to a network of buyers and agents.
If your agent doesn’t have a clear marketing plan, your house isn’t getting maximum exposure—and that means fewer offers and lower final sale prices.
Communication = Confidence (and Better Deals)
One of the biggest complaints I hear from clients who leave their agents is simple: “They never called me back.”
Deals fall apart every day because of poor communication. Missed deadlines, unsigned documents, unanswered questions—all of it creates stress for buyers and sellers.
A great agent is proactive. They keep you updated, explain the process clearly, and make sure no ball gets dropped. The wrong agent? You’re left in the dark, wondering if things are moving forward or falling apart.
Negotiation: Where the Money Is Made (or Lost)
Here’s the reality: negotiation isn’t just about haggling on price. It’s about protecting your money at every stage.
Inspection items.
Appraisal gaps.
Multiple-offer situations.
Closing cost credits.
An average agent may cave too quickly. A skilled negotiator, on the other hand, knows when to push, when to stand firm, and how to structure offers in your favor.
I’ve saved clients thousands just by asking the right questions or structuring terms creatively. That’s what you get when you hire someone who’s been in the trenches.
How to Choose the Right Agent in Today’s Market
Alright, let’s get tactical. Here are the questions you should be asking before you sign with any agent:
How many homes have you sold in the past 12 months?
What’s your average list-to-sale price ratio?
How do you market homes in today’s digital-first world?
Can you provide recent client references?
And don’t fall for the trap of choosing based on the cheapest commission. The wrong agent charging less can cost you far more than you “saved.” Think about it: if an agent cuts their own paycheck quickly, how aggressive do you think they’ll be with your money in negotiations?
Traits of the Right Agent
Proven track record.
Transparent and honest (not just telling you what you want to hear).
Communicates consistently.
Knows the local market inside and out.
Strong negotiator who can back up their strategy.
The Bottom Line
Here’s what I want you to walk away with: the wrong agent can cost you thousands. Period.
The right agent protects your investment, fights for your best interests, and makes the process less stressful—not more. Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, or selling the house you’ve lived in for 20 years, who you hire matters more than most people realize.
So, do your homework. Ask the tough questions. Look for more than just a friendly face or a familiar name. And remember—this isn’t just a transaction. This is one of the biggest financial moves of your life. Don’t trust it to the wrong person.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to Reliance Real Estate Team today!
https://www.reliancerealestateteam.com/contact/
414-659-6965 / jsingsheim@kw.com