If you're working with a realtor and something doesn't sit right, trust that feeling. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make, and you deserve to feel supported and informed. That starts with knowing what’s normal and what’s not.

Red Flags Show Up Early If You’re Paying Attention

The early days matter. This is when your agent should be getting to know your needs, your budget, and your comfort level. It's normal for them to ask if you've spoken to a lender, to recommend getting pre-approved, and to explain how the process works in your market. That’s all part of setting you up for success.

What’s not normal is feeling rushed or left out of the loop. If your agent pushes you to "just make an offer already" or tells you things like "we’ll figure that out later," slow down. You should never feel pressured to move faster than you’re ready.

It’s also not normal for your agent to ignore what you’re asking for. If you say you want a quiet neighborhood under $400K and they keep showing you busy streets at $475K, that’s a problem. You’re not being picky. You’re being clear. Your agent should be listening and adjusting, not steamrolling your priorities.

Another red flag is vague answers. If you ask what happens after your offer is accepted and your agent says something like “we’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” that’s not helpful. They should be preparing you, not brushing you off.

Good Agents Get Better During Closing, Bad Ones Get Quieter

Once your offer is accepted, your agent should stay involved. You’re not done. You still have inspections, repair negotiations, loan approvals, and a long list of dates to hit.

A good real estate agent checks in regularly. They remind you about deadlines and help you understand what’s coming next. They follow up on inspection issues. They talk through your options if something unexpected comes up.

If your agent suddenly goes quiet, that’s a red flag. So is being told "this isn’t a big deal" when it clearly feels like one. If you’re worried about a roof leak or insurance costs and your agent gives you a shrug or says “that’s just how it is,” that’s not helpful. You deserve someone who will explain your options and advocate for your best outcome.

One common red flag is when agents stop returning messages promptly during this stage. If you’re emailing questions and getting one-word answers hours later, something’s off. The work doesn’t stop once you’re under contract. In fact, that’s when the real work begins.

The Relationship Shouldn’t Just End After Closing

Once you’ve closed, the sale is done, but the service shouldn’t be. It’s normal for agents to follow up after you move in. A quick check-in, a list of local utility providers, maybe a reminder about filing for homestead exemption. That’s what professional service looks like.

What’s not normal is radio silence. If your agent disappears the moment you get the keys, it tells you everything you need to know. That’s someone who was focused on the paycheck, not the relationship.

And while they aren’t your handyman or life coach, a good agent is a local resource long after closing. You should feel comfortable reaching out if you need a contractor referral or have questions about property taxes. If you text and get nothing back, that’s not great.

How to Tell the Difference Between Busy and Bad

Sometimes agents are juggling other clients or just having a busy day. That’s fair. But there’s a difference between being busy and being unavailable. If you keep hearing “sorry, I’ve been slammed” every time you ask a question or try to schedule something, that’s not sustainable.

The real question is: do you feel taken care of? Are your questions being answered clearly? Do you feel like a priority, or like a problem? You don’t need your agent to be perfect. You need them to be present, informed, and honest.

You Deserve Better Than “Just Okay”

If your agent isn’t cutting it, it’s okay to say so. You’re not being difficult. You’re protecting one of the biggest purchases of your life.

At Vreeland Real Estate, we believe buyers deserve transparency, communication, and real advocacy from the first call to long after closing. If you’re looking for a better experience in the Florida homebuying market, give us a call and let’s get it right from the start.