“Fastest fingers first”, this is a phrase that has been used to defraud people for far too long. When they keep telling you it’s the best deal and that you should hurry up in buying the house before it slips off your fingers then you should tread carefully because it might just be a bad real estate agent.
Real estate deals often involve huge sums of money which is why it is best to be very careful when doing transactions. As a buyer, you do not want to throw away such huge sums of money to fraudsters in disguise as real estate agents or professionals.
It is on this note that Propertydome brings you top 5 signs to watch out for so you do not end up with bad or fraudulent real estate agents.
Attempts to avoid Legal checks
Real estate deals are legal deals and as such, they require legal documents and if possible a lawyer. So if for any reason a real estate agent insists on not having a lawyer involved then you should flee because that right there is a bad real estate agent.
Also, for any real estate transaction to be termed complete, there are some essential documents required. It is a big red flag when a real estate agent insists that certain documents are not important. If he or she is trying to avoid providing documents then it has to be a bad real estate deal you should be wary of.
Trying to deny House Inspection
The need to take out time to inspect a property before you buy it cannot be overemphasized. Even if you miss any other process do not skip the step of going physically to see the property. This would help you ensure you are not getting scammed.
A trick these bad real estate agents do is to keep delaying and postponing the house inspection so as to deny you of the opportunity to see where you want to invest your money. Do not let them pressure you into giving in without seeing the place. This is a sign you must watch out for against bad real estate deals.
[READ MORE: Quick Interview With Successful Real Estate Agent]
No evidence of Payment
Most times, bad real estate agents may not want to render a receipt or clear evidence of payment. Always insist until you get a receipt and make sure it indicates confirmation and date of payment, the amount paid and name of the receiver.
This would help you and show as evidence in cases of legal issues. However, the moment of getting a receipt is becoming an issue, take it up.
Impatient Agent
If you notice that the real estate agent is impatient and pressuring you to close the deal then that may likely be a bad real estate deal. At this point, you should take a step back and thoroughly reassess the whole deal. Investigate properly and be sure that there is no foul game.
Make sure you relax and take your time so that you do not make a mistake after all it is your money. Don’t let their talks of losing in on a good deal force you to make an irrational decision. Even if you are really losing out on a good deal, you would always find reasonably good deals on which the agent won’t rush you.
In summary, fraudulent real estate agents are usually cunning and smooth talkers with carefully planned moves. One has to be careful so as not to give in to their unreasonable suggestions.
