1. They Often Represent Both Buyer and Seller — And Don’t Have to Tell You
Many agents work as dual agents, meaning they represent both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. This can lead to serious conflicts of interest, even though it’s legal in many states. They’re supposed to disclose this, but some gloss over it or bury it in paperwork. If they’re acting as a dual agent, they can’t fully advocate for you on price or terms.
Why would they do this? Because they get both sides of the commission, potentially doubling their payday. That’s a strong incentive to keep everyone “just happy enough” to close the deal. Before you sign anything, ask if your agent is representing anyone else in the deal.
2. Open Houses Are Rarely for Selling Your House
Contrary to popular belief, open houses don’t usually sell the home being showcased. In fact, the National Association of Realtors has found that only a small percentage of buyers come from open houses. So why do agents push them? Because it helps them find new clients — not necessarily buyers for your property.
They use open houses to meet unrepresented buyers who walk in without an agent. That’s a goldmine for them, because they can potentially represent those buyers and double their commission. It also helps newer agents practice their pitch. So when your agent insists on weekly open houses, know who they’re really for.
3. That Suggested Listing Price Might Be a Flattering Fiction
Agents sometimes “buy the listing” by suggesting an inflated price to win over sellers. It feels great to hear your home is worth more than you thought — but it may sit unsold for months. Eventually, they’ll nudge you toward a price cut, and by then you’ve lost time and market momentum. Buyers may also assume something’s wrong with the home after too many days on the market.
This tactic works because homeowners often choose agents based on who promises the highest sale price. It’s emotional — your home feels priceless, after all. But overpricing in the beginning almost always leads to underpricing in the end. A savvy seller should ask for recent comps and challenge a price that seems too good to be true.
4. Commission Rates Are Totally Negotiable
There’s a widespread myth that real estate commission rates are fixed. But in reality, they’re 100% negotiable — legally and practically. Many agents will quote 5–6% as if it’s a hard rule, but they often have wiggle room. Especially in hot markets, you may be able to negotiate lower fees or get more services included.
Some discount brokers or flat-fee agents offer the same MLS exposure and services for thousands less. You just have to ask — most people don’t. If your agent bristles when you bring up commission, that’s a red flag. A professional will explain what their fee covers and why it’s worth it.
5. Your Home May Be Used as a Marketing Tool for Their Brand
Ever wonder why some agents bring in professional photographers, drone footage, and virtual tours — even if your home is average? It’s not always just for your benefit. High-end marketing materials help them build their portfolio and attract future clients. They can say, “Look what I did for this listing,” even if it doesn’t sell right away.
It’s not necessarily shady — good marketing does help a home sell. But remember that your home is also their advertising opportunity. Ask to see metrics on whether their fancy listing strategies have actually moved similar properties. If it’s mostly for show, you might not need to foot the bill.
6. The Agent You Hired Might Not Be the One Doing the Work
Many busy agents hand off most of the real work — showings, calls, paperwork — to junior team members. You might meet with a charismatic top agent and feel confident, but then get passed to a less experienced assistant. This bait-and-switch is common in big brokerages with “teams.” And unless you specifically negotiated otherwise, it’s allowed.
This can lead to miscommunications, delayed responses, or outright mistakes. Always ask who will actually be managing your listing day-to-day. Make sure you’re comfortable with that person’s experience and communication style. Otherwise, you might end up feeling like just another file in a crowded inbox.
7. They Know When You’re Desperate — And May Use It
Agents can sense when a seller or buyer is in a tight spot. Whether it’s a divorce, job relocation, or financial crunch, they know how urgency affects your decisions. Unfortunately, some may use that pressure to push a quicker deal — and a quicker commission. That might mean settling for a lower offer or skipping important contingencies.
They may frame it as “good advice” or “market reality,” but always question the timing. Are they pushing for your best outcome or their own convenience? A strong agent should help you strategize, not just speed through. If something feels rushed, pause and ask why.
8. Some Agents Quietly Steer You Away From Certain Neighborhoods
While outright “steering” is illegal under the Fair Housing Act, subtle guidance still happens. Agents might say a neighborhood is “in transition” or “not ideal for families” — code words that can reflect bias. It’s a murky area, and even well-meaning agents sometimes let their personal opinions creep in. That can limit your options based on someone else’s assumptions.
If you suspect this, do your own homework. Use crime data, school ratings, and online reviews to supplement what you’re told. And remember: agents are supposed to help you find the right fit — not gatekeep based on vague vibes. If their advice feels too personal or one-sided, get a second opinion.
9. Not All “Top Agents” Are Actually Top Performers
Many agents advertise themselves as “Top 1%” or “#1 in the Region” — but these claims often lack context. Sometimes it’s based on sales volume, not customer satisfaction. Others use awards from paid-for marketing platforms or unverified rankings. The truth is, there’s no single standard for what “top” really means in real estate.
Before you’re wowed by big titles, ask for their actual sales stats. How many homes have they sold in your price range, in your area, in the past year? What’s their average days on market? These numbers matter more than flashy titles or trophies.
10. Some Agents Secretly Prefer Certain Offers — Even If They’re Worse for You
In multiple-offer situations, agents are legally supposed to present all offers to the seller. But that doesn’t mean they always present them equally. An agent might push one offer more strongly — maybe because it’s from a buyer they also represent. Or maybe the terms just make their life easier.
They might downplay stronger but more complex offers involving contingencies or longer closing timelines. You’ll hear phrases like “this one’s cleaner” or “that buyer seems shaky.” Ask for a full breakdown of all offers before making a decision. Make sure the reasoning makes financial sense, not just logistical convenience.
11. Those “Free” Home Valuations Can Be a Lead Trap
Ever seen online ads for a “free home valuation”? While they seem like helpful tools, many are lead generators for agents. You input your address and email, and suddenly your inbox is flooded with calls and pitches. The number they give you is often just a ballpark — not a true appraisal.
These tools use automated estimates, which can be wildly off depending on local nuances. Worse, some agents may inflate the figure to hook you as a client. If you want a serious valuation, ask for a comparative market analysis (CMA) with recent sales data. And be careful where you enter your contact info.
12. Real Estate Agents Are Salespeople — Not Always Advisors
At the end of the day, your agent earns money only if you buy or sell. That financial incentive is built into the job, and it affects how they guide you. While many agents genuinely care, the pressure to close deals fast is always there. That’s why some advice may lean more toward what gets a signature than what’s best for you long-term.
You may be encouraged to stretch your budget, waive contingencies, or make emotional decisions. It’s not always malicious — sometimes it’s subconscious. But it’s smart to remember that your agent isn’t your therapist or fiduciary. Keep your financial goals and risk tolerance front and center, no matter how friendly they are.
This post 12 Real Estate Agents’ Secrets They Hope You Never Google was first published on Greenhouse Black.
