WARNING! Don’t Hire a Cheap Real Estate Agent

Let’s get right to it — if you’re buying or selling a home, do not hire a cheap agent.

You’re trusting someone to represent what’s likely your biggest financial investment. Cutting corners on experience, marketing, or professionalism will cost you far more in the long run.

Here’s how to spot red flags and choose a Realtor who’s truly worth your time and money.

1. Beware of “Side Hustle” Agents

If your mortgage lender, appraiser, or cousin “just got their license,” that doesn’t mean they’re ready to represent you. Real estate is a full-time profession — not something you do between other jobs.

Every transaction needs someone who understands contracts, timelines, negotiations, and compliance. Working with part-timers can lead to missed deadlines, legal mistakes, and costly headaches.

👉 Rule of thumb: Only hire agents whose sole focus is real estate.

2. Discount Doesn’t Mean Value

There’s a difference between saving money and undervaluing your home.“Discount” or “flat-fee” brokerages often skip professional marketing, photography, and staging — the very things that help you sell faster and for more money.

Audra’s words:

A quality listing agent will invest in:

• Professional photos + drone footage

• High-quality video tours

• Polished property descriptions

• Targeted digital marketing

If your “budget agent” isn’t offering these, you’re not saving money — you’re leaving it on the table.

3. Verify They’re Licensed and Active

Believe it or not, some people advertise themselves as Realtors before they’re even licensed. Always check your agent’s credentials with your state’s real estate board.

And remember: an agent cannot legally market your home (put up a sign, post online, or take photos) until you’ve signed a listing agreement.

4. The Market Is Changing — Experience Matters More Than Ever

With interest rates hovering around 7% and buyer demand cooling, agents now have to work two to three times harder to sell a property.

That means you need someone who:

• Knows how to position your home online

• Understands today’s buyer psychology

• Can guide you through prep, pricing, and presentation

Forget magazine ads or postcards — buyers find homes online. Make sure your agent knows how to make your home shine there.

5. Ask to See Their Previous Work

Before hiring anyone, ask to see brochures, property photos, or marketing materials from their past listings.

Look for:

• Clean, bright photography (no phone snapshots)

• No spelling or grammar errors in descriptions

• Consistent branding and attention to detail

How they’ve marketed past listings is a direct reflection of how they’ll market yours.

6. Interview Multiple Agents

You’re hiring a professional — not just a friendly face.Don’t choose someone because they dropped off cookies or seem nice. Choose based on knowledge, strategy, and proven results.

To help, Audra has created a free guide:👉 “13 Questions to Ask Every Listing Agent”This printable checklist will help you spot the pros from the pretenders.

7. Educate Yourself

Even if you’re working with a less-experienced agent, you can still be informed.

Audra offers a free downloadable guide:

👉 “Questions to Ask Your Agent When You Receive an Offer.”

It walks you through every key detail your Realtor should be explaining when a contract comes in — for both buyers and sellers.

8. The Bottom Line

Your real estate agent should be:

• Experienced

• Educated

• Tech-savvy

• Transparent

• Professional in every detail

If you’d like to connect with a trusted professional in your area, my team can help.

Fill out the Referral Request Form linked below, and we’ll match you with a vetted agent you can interview — no charge, no obligation.