I’m sure there are wonderful estate agents out there who will get the best deal for you and provide you with the most efficient service.

But I’m sure you are aware that there are estate agents, especially in this market, who are not up to scratch.

It’s in your best interest to identify behaviors and clues that will red flag an estate agent who is not going to serve your best interests.

Here are things to watch out for when selecting an estate agent in South Africa.

1. Unprofessional Behaviors:

One of the main issues plaguing the real estate industry in South Africa is the prevalence of unprofessional behaviors among certain estate agents. This can include lack of transparency, dishonesty about property details, or engaging in unethical practices to gain an advantage over competitors. Such behaviors not only tarnish the reputation of the profession but also erode trust between agents and clients.

2. Poor Service:

Another common complaint about estate agents in South Africa is the provision of subpar service. Clients often report difficulties in getting timely responses, lack of communication, and unavailability when needed. A good estate agent should be attentive, responsive, and dedicated to their clients’ needs, but unfortunately, some fall short in delivering the level of service that clients rightfully expect.

3. Bad Practices:

Certain estate agents may adopt bad practices to make quick sales or increase their commission. This can include overpricing properties to attract clients, failing to disclose property defects, or pressuring clients into making hasty decisions. Such practices not only harm the interests of clients but can also lead to legal issues and damage the credibility of the entire industry.

4. Failure to Sell:

Effective property sales require a combination of marketing expertise, negotiation skills, and market knowledge. Unfortunately, some estate agents may lack these essential attributes, leading to properties lingering on the market for extended periods without being sold. This can be frustrating for both sellers and buyers and may be a sign of incompetence on the agent’s part.

While the majority of estate agents in South Africa maintain high standards of professionalism and service, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the issues of unprofessional behaviors, poor service, bad practices, and failure to sell among a minority of agents.

Clients should remain vigilant and thoroughly research their chosen agent before engaging their services.

Choosing the right estate agent can make a significant difference in a property transaction, so it is essential to work with reputable agents who prioritize transparency, honesty, and exceptional service.

Being aware of the negative behaviours and practices of estate agents can save you a lot of time and money – and reduce headaches.

Before you jump in to appoint an estate agent to market and sell your property, speak to professionals to get advice and do your own research.

Disclaimer: The report is for public distribution and has been furnished solely for information. None can use the report as a base for any claim, demand or cause of action and, also none is responsible for any loss incurred based upon. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The author is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this site is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information. All sources of information acknowledged.