10 Signs You’ve Hired the Wrong Real Estate Agent (And What To Do About It)

How to Tell If You’ve Hired the Wrong Real Estate Agent in Greater Rochester NY

If you recently bought or sold a home and felt frustrated, ignored, or in the dark for most of the process, there’s a good chance you didn’t just have a tough transaction—you may have hired the wrong real estate agent.

As a full-time Greater Rochester NY Realtor, I can tell you that no two transactions are the same. That’s part of what makes real estate fun for agents—but for buyers and sellers, it can quickly turn into stress if your agent isn’t proactive, responsive, and experienced. When communication breaks down, marketing falls flat, or negotiations get mishandled, it’s not just inconvenient—it can literally cost you time, money, and opportunities.

The good news? There are very clear red flags that you’ve hired the wrong real estate agent. Once you know what to look for, you can decide whether the relationship can be salvaged—or whether it’s time to make a change before more damage is done.

Chapters – 10 Signs You’ve Hired the Wrong Real Estate Agent

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How Often Do People Hire the Wrong Real Estate Agent?

More often than you might think. If you ask a group of homeowners in the Greater Rochester NY area who’ve bought or sold in the last year, odds are good at least one will say:

• “My agent never called me back.”
• “I felt like I did more work than my Realtor did.”
• “Our home sat on the market and I have no idea why.”

Sometimes it’s a simple mismatch in communication style or expectations. Other times, it’s a much deeper problem—an agent who doesn’t have the skills, systems, or commitment to guide you through one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

Let’s break down the most common signs you’ve hired the wrong real estate agent so you know what to watch for—and what to do next.

1. Your Agent Barely Communicates

The #1 complaint I hear from buyers and sellers who had a bad past experience is simple: “My agent never called me back.” Real estate agents are busy, but that’s not an excuse for radio silence—especially during inspections, negotiations, and time-sensitive decisions.

Red flags that communication is a problem:

• It regularly takes 24–48 hours to get a response to a text, email, or call.
• You have to chase down updates on showings, feedback, or offers.
• You find out important information after deadlines have already passed.

Life happens—every agent will occasionally be in appointments, at closings, or away with family. But a professional will let you know what to expect and will set communication standards up front (for example, “I respond the same business day until 7 p.m.”).

If you constantly feel in the dark, that’s a strong sign you may have hired the wrong real estate agent.

2. They Lack Confidence & Belief in the Plan

Top agents in Rochester don’t guess their way through a transaction—they bring a clear, confident plan. That doesn’t mean arrogance; it means they understand the local market, your price point, and what it will realistically take to reach your goals.

Ask yourself:

• Does my agent sound unsure when I ask basic questions about pricing, strategy, or timing?
• Do they frequently answer, “I don’t know,” without offering to find out?
• Do they seem afraid to give me honest advice because they’re worried I’ll be upset?

If an agent doesn’t believe in their own pricing recommendation or marketing strategy, they’ll struggle to confidently defend it when buyers or other agents push back. That can cost you thousands of dollars at the negotiation table.

If you’re buying, it also helps to know what a strong agent should be doing for you day in and day out—this breakdown of 10 things to expect from your real estate agent when buying a home is a great benchmark.

You want someone who can look you in the eye and say, “Here’s what the data shows, here’s my recommendation, and here’s why.”

3. They Don’t Really Listen to You

A great agent spends more time listening than talking—especially at the beginning. If you feel like your concerns, preferences, or deal-breakers are being ignored, that’s a major red flag.

Signs your agent isn’t listening:

• They show you homes that don’t match your budget or basic criteria.
• They push you toward areas you’ve already said you don’t want.
• They brush off your questions or cut you off mid-sentence.
• They seem more focused on what they want than what you need.

Whether you’re buying your first home in Irondequoit or selling a long-time family property in Fairport, you should feel like your agent truly understands your priorities—timing, price, lifestyle, comfort level, and long-term goals.

If every conversation feels one-sided, you’ve likely hired the wrong real estate agent.

4. Their Experience Level Makes You Nervous

Everyone has to start somewhere, and there are definitely newer agents in Rochester who are sharp, coachable, and hard-working. The problem comes when an agent with little or no experience is working alone on a complex transaction—and you’re the one taking all the risk.

Questions you should know the answer to:

• How many homes have they helped buyers or sellers successfully close in the last 12–24 months?
• Do they mainly work with buyers, sellers, or both?
• Are they familiar with your price range and area (for example, Pittsford vs. Greece vs. Webster)?

Inexperienced agents often don’t know what they don’t know. That can lead to missed deadlines, weak pricing, overlooked contract details, and deals falling apart that could have been saved.

If you’re questioning whether your agent has the time, systems, or experience to manage your move properly, it’s worth understanding why hiring a part-time real estate agent can backfire and what to look for instead.

You’re not just hiring a nice person—you’re hiring their track record, systems, and judgment.

5. They Seem Unprofessional

Real estate is a business. The way your agent presents themselves—and your property—matters. Other agents notice. Buyers and sellers notice. And they absolutely form opinions based on it.

Unprofessional behavior can include:

• Consistently showing up late to showings, inspections, or listing appointments.
• Missing scheduled appointments altogether with weak or no explanation.
• Sloppy appearance at showings or open houses, as though they just rolled out of bed.
• Sloppy paperwork, incomplete contracts, or obvious spelling/pricing mistakes in the MLS.

When I list a home anywhere in Greater Rochester, my job is to present your property—and your interests—in a polished, professional way. If your agent can’t present themselves professionally, why would you trust them to present your home, offer, or negotiating position professionally?

If they don’t take their own business seriously, they’re unlikely to take your transaction seriously either.

6. They’re Constantly Pushing You

There’s a difference between an agent who advises you and an agent who pushes you. A good Realtor will tell you the truth about pricing, condition, and market realities—even when it’s not what you want to hear. But you should never feel bullied into decisions.

Examples of “too pushy” behavior:

• Pressure to accept an offer you’re not comfortable with “because it’s easier.”
• Trying to talk you into a higher price range than you’ve clearly stated you want.
• Rushing you to waive contingencies you don’t fully understand.

Your agent should be your trusted advisor, not a high-pressure salesperson. If you constantly feel like you’re being pushed into decisions just so your agent can get a commission check faster, that’s a huge sign you may have hired the wrong one.

You deserve someone who will advocate for you—not push you past your comfort zone for their own benefit.

7. You Don’t Feel Comfortable or Heard

Buying or selling a home involves personal, financial, and sometimes emotional details. You should feel comfortable enough with your agent to ask “awkward” questions about money, timing, life changes, and fears—without being judged, rushed, or dismissed.

Ask yourself honestly:

• Do I trust this person with my financial and personal information?
• Do I feel like they have my best interests at heart—or just their own?
• Can I be candid with them about my concerns without feeling talked down to?

If the answer is “no” to any of those, it may be time to re-evaluate the relationship. Real estate is not just about contracts and comps—it’s also about comfort and trust.

You shouldn’t dread calling or texting your own real estate agent.

8. They Seem Desperate for a Deal

Desperation is never a good look in negotiations. Sometimes you can spot a desperate agent right at the listing appointment, when they dramatically over-promise just to “win” the listing:

• They claim they can get you far more than other agents are recommending with no data to back it up.
• They promise things like “I already have a buyer” or “I guarantee it will sell in 3 days,” regardless of market conditions.
• They say “yes” to everything you want to hear just to get you to sign.

This is sometimes called “buying the listing.” Once your home is on the market and not getting showings or offers, you’ll start to see a series of price-reduction requests and excuses. Meanwhile, valuable time on market is ticking away.

A confident, experienced agent will use honest pricing and clear data—not desperation—to earn your business.

9. They’re a Weak Negotiator

Strong negotiation skills can easily mean the difference of several thousand dollars in your pocket—or more. That applies whether you’re buying a first home in Greece or selling a move-up property in Penfield.

Signs your agent may be weak in negotiations:

• They encourage you to accept the first offer without discussing alternatives.
• They fold quickly on inspection requests, even when they’re minor or unreasonable.
• They don’t explain the pros and cons of countering, walking away, or holding firm.
• They sound nervous or unsure when discussing your position with the other side.

A good negotiator is firm but fair. They know when to push, when to compromise, and how to structure terms beyond just price (closing dates, contingencies, repairs, concessions, etc.).

If you feel like your agent is simply a messenger instead of a strategic advocate, that’s a serious concern.

10. Weak Marketing & Little or No Web Presence

In today’s market, online exposure is everything. The vast majority of buyers start their home search online—often on their phones. If your agent’s marketing plan is basically “throw it in the MLS and hope,” your home is not getting the attention it deserves.

Red flags in marketing and web presence:

• No professional photos—only dark, crooked, or poorly framed phone photos.
• No detailed description that highlights features, updates, and neighborhood benefits.
• Little to no presence on Google, social media, or a professional real estate website.
• No clear plan for attracting out-of-area buyers who may be relocating to Rochester.

Before hiring a listing agent, you should be able to find them easily online and see examples of how they’ve marketed other homes. If you can’t, or if their online marketing looks weak, that’s a sign your home will likely be marketed the same way.

Your agent should be able to clearly explain how they will market your specific property—not just give you a generic “we’ll put it on the internet” answer.

What To Do If You Realize You Hired the Wrong Agent

Realizing you’ve hired the wrong agent can be uncomfortable—but ignoring the problem usually makes it worse. The right move depends on whether you’re a buyer or a seller, and what you’ve signed.

Step 1: Review your agreement.

• Buyers: Look at your buyer-broker agreement, if you signed one. Check the length of the agreement and any obligations if you cancel early.
• Sellers: Review your listing agreement (often “exclusive right to sell”) for the expiration date and any early-termination language.

Step 2: Have an honest conversation.

• Calmly explain what’s not working—communication, marketing, timing, strategy, etc.
• Be specific about what you expected and how you feel those expectations are not being met.
• Give the agent a chance to correct course if you think the relationship is still salvageable.

Step 3: Ask about parting ways (if needed).

• Some agents (and brokers) will allow you to cancel if things truly aren’t working out, sometimes with conditions (for example, reimbursing certain marketing expenses).
• In other cases, you may need to wait until the agreement expires to avoid potential legal or commission issues.

If you decide to hire a new agent in the Greater Rochester area, make sure you interview them carefully, ask about their experience, marketing, and communication style, and verify their online presence and reviews. Don’t simply jump from one bad fit to another.

The right agent should make you feel informed, supported, and confident—not stressed, confused, or ignored.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Move in Greater Rochester NY

Buying or selling a home in the Greater Rochester NY area is a big deal—financially and emotionally. The agent you choose to guide you through that process will have a huge impact on your experience and your bottom line.

If you recognize several of the warning signs above—poor communication, lack of experience, weak marketing, or high-pressure tactics—you may have hired the wrong real estate agent. Don’t ignore those feelings. Take the time to review your agreement, have an honest conversation, and, if needed, explore better options.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Rochester, Pittsford, Penfield, Webster, Brighton, Fairport, or the surrounding communities and want to work with a proactive, full-time Realtor who treats your goals like their own, I’d be happy to talk through your situation and help you create a plan that actually works.

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About the Author & Rochester’s Real Estate Blog

The above article, “10 Signs You’ve Hired the Wrong Real Estate Agent”, was written by Kyle Hiscock, a top Brighton NY Realtor with Hiscock Homes at REMAX Realty Group.

Since being launched in 2013, I’ve published more than 150 in-depth, unique real estate articles on the Rochester Real Estate Blog, covering everything from home buying and selling to mortgages, inspections, and local market trends. In addition to real estate content, you’ll also find many helpful resources about the Greater Rochester NY area and the communities we serve.

The Rochester Real Estate Blog has been recognized by many reputable websites as one of the best real estate blogs to visit and follow. I’ve also been recognized as one of the top Realtors on social media by several organizations and websites.

Rochester’s Real Estate Blog is owned and operated by Hiscock Homes at REMAX Realty Group — your trusted real estate professionals since 1987. If you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise.

We proudly service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, Victor, and the surrounding communities.