Identifying an ineffective real estate agent and what to do about it

Selling your home is a major milestone, and most sellers enter the process expecting a proactive, transparent and well-organised campaign. But what happens when your agent isn't meeting those expectations?

If you’re feeling left in the dark or your property is sitting stagnant on the market, it could be a sign that something’s gone off course.

Not every agent delivers the same level of service. Some are hands-on and strategic from day one, while others may fall short, whether in communication, market knowledge or negotiation skill.

Here's how to identify the signs of an underperforming agent and what steps you can take to steer your sale back on track.

When things aren’t going to plan

Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you'll make when selling your home. But what if you've made the wrong choice?

Whether it's poor communication, weak marketing or a gut feeling that something's not quite right, identifying the problem early can help you get your sale back on track.

Red flags: Signs your agent isn’t doing the job

Not sure if it's the market or your agent? Keep an eye out for these common warning signs:

• Lack of communication: You’re constantly chasing them for updates, or worse, they go silent for days at a time.
• Uninspiring open homes: Inspections feel unorganised, poorly attended or aren’t promoted effectively.
• Weak marketing: The listing photos are dull, the description lacks detail, or there’s little effort in online or social media promotion.
• Overpricing with no strategy: Your home was listed too high with no clear plan, and you’re now being pushed to discount without explanation.
• Limited local knowledge: They can’t speak confidently about buyer demographics, current market conditions, or competing properties in your area.
• No buyer follow-up: There’s little or no feedback after inspections, and you don’t hear about potential buyer interest.
• You feel ignored or dismissed: Your concerns aren’t taken seriously, or you get vague, dismissive responses when you ask questions.

While these might seem like small things, they can be signs that your agent isn’t fully invested in selling your home. If any of these are ringing true, it may be time to dig deeper.

What this could mean for your sale

An underperforming agent doesn’t just waste your time; it can directly impact your bottom line. Properties that sit on the market too long can become stale, leading to lower offers or greater pressure to discount. A lack of interest or weak marketing can also make it harder to generate competition among buyers.

Do your homework: Research before making your next move

Before you decide to switch, take some time to research your current agent’s performance and compare it with others. Here's how:

• Look up online reviews on Google, RateMyAgent or realestate.com.au to see what past clients have said
• Check their license through NSW Fair Trading to make sure they’re properly accredited  and authorised for the role they're performing.
• Explore their sales history on Domain or realestate.com.au to see recent results in your area
• Check their social media presence to gauge how they promote properties and engage with the community

This background work can reveal a lot about their effectiveness, or lack of it.

What to do next: Your options

If you feel your concerns are valid, it’s important to act. Here’s what to consider:

• Talk to your agent first. Explain your concerns clearly, sometimes, a direct conversation can lead to a change in approach.
• Check your agreement. Your agency agreement will outline the length of your contract and conditions for termination. Look for any exclusive periods and notice requirements.
• Seek a second opinion. Invite another local agent to give you a fresh appraisal and strategy. It can be an eye-opener and it can help to confirm whether your gut feelings are correct.
• Consider terminating the agreement. If there’s a clear breach of service or the exclusive period has ended, you may be able to end the contract early.

Choosing the right agent the second time around

If you do decide to move on, use what you’ve learned to make a more informed choice:

• Ask specific questions about local sales experience and marketing strategies
• Review their listing presentation - are the photos, copy and staging up to standard?
• Look for signs of strong communication and follow-through in your early interactions
• Don’t be afraid to check references or talk to past clients

Remember, the right agent will welcome your questions and take the time to understand your goals.

If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts, do your research, and don’t be afraid to change direction. The right agent can make a huge difference to your outcome, and your experience.

Thinking about selling your Thornleigh home?

Whether you're thinking about selling soon or just weighing up your options, the right advice can make all the difference. Make some time to chat to the local team at Page & Co to understand how we work for our vendors.