How to identify a fake real estate agent
When buying a house, selling, or looking to rent, finding a good estate agent can be tricky. You’re putting a lot of trust into an individual, and you are also looking to spend a lot of money, so you need to know that the person you’re dealing with is the professional, experienced agent you need.
In this piece, we will look at a few tips and tricks to noticing if an estate agent might not be who they say they are, and then how you might find a good estate agent for your business.
Why do people fake being estate agents?
There are a few reasons that people might fake being an estate agent. The first and most obvious one is money. If someone is pretending to be an estate agent, it’s likely because they want to make a quick buck off of you.
Another reason someone might pose as an estate agent is for access to properties. For example, if someone is looking to rob a home or commit another crime, they might pose as an estate agent to gain access to the property.
Finally, some people might do it for kicks. It can be fun to pretend to be someone else, and if you’re good at it, you might be able to get away with it for a while.
How to identify a fake
There are a few key things to look for when identifying a fake real estate agent. The first is to pay attention to their vernacular. Fake agents will often use industry jargon incorrectly or try to impress you with big words and phrases they clearly do not understand.
They may also make bold claims about their experience or the market they operate in, which a real estate agent would never have to do.
Another giveaway might be the way an agent presents themselves. Are they dressed inappropriately for their profession? Do they seem unprofessional or disorganised? If so, it’s likely that this person is not who they say they are.
If you have any doubts about an agent, you should always ask to see their license. This is something that any legitimate real estate agent will be able to provide without any hesitation.
Another tip, ask to see their portfolio, see what houses they recently sold, and research to see if it really was through them or somebody else. If they point out a house they recently sold, check if it is still online, you might be able to see which estate agent company actually sold it.
What to do if you find a fake estate agent?
If you think you might be dealing with a fake estate agent, the best thing to do is walk away. There is no point in taking any further action or engaging with this person as they will not be able to help you in the way you need.
Finding a good estate agent
Once you have identified that an agent might be fake, the next step is to find a good estate agent. This can be done in a few ways:
Ask friends and Family –
If you know anyone who has recently bought or sold a house, they might be able to recommend an agent. Knowing people who have used the agent before means, you can find out the truth. Are they good or bad? Well, your friends and family will let you know.
Google –
Simply typing in “Real Estate Agent + your location” will bring up a list of agents in your area. Once you have a list of agents, it’s time to start researching.
Check review sites –
There are a few websites where you can check the reviews of estate agents. This is a great way to get an idea of how an agent operates and if they are good at their job. Check to see if the reviews feel genuine and are there a lot of them over a long time span.
That way, you can see if the company has always had a good presence with their clients.
Interview a few –
Once you have a list of agents that you’re interested in, it’s time to interview them. This is the best way to get a feel for an agent and see if they are the right fit for you. Ask them questions about their experience, what they would do in certain situations, and how they plan to market your house.
It’s important to remember that not all estate agents are the same, and some might be better for you than others. So do your research, ask around, and make sure you find an agent that you feel comfortable with and can trust.
Sheldon Bosley Knight has years of experience as an estate agent; learn more about how they may be able to help you find or sell your property today.
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