How to Deal With Pushy Real Estate Agents

Don't let a real estate agent push you toward something you don't want.
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Buying or selling a house is stressful enough as it is, and an overzealous real estate agent can make you feel even crazier and more overwhelmed. While a good real estate professional makes the buying or selling process easier, the person's got to be a good fit for you as a couple. Be firm with anyone who doesn't meet that standard or have your best interests at heart.

Step 1

Find your own realtor. If you start visiting tract home communities and open houses on your own, you're going to attract the attention of a lot of agents who want to represent you, and many can get pushy in the process. Save yourself from this headache by interviewing real estate professionals yourself before you even start looking at houses or consider selling. Ask family and friends for referrals. This way, you'll have someone trusted you can call when you need help, and dismiss other interested parties by telling them you're already committed to an agent.

Step 2

Be polite but firm. If you check out home design shows and home-buying seminars, you're bound to run into hungry real estate agents. If you're not interested, say so politely, and keep repeating it.

Step 3

Know what you want and need so a real estate agent with an agenda doesn’t try to sway you in one direction or another. You should never feel pressured into buying a house or selling a house at a price that’s not right for you.

Step 4

Screen your calls. Technology makes it easy to ignore unwelcome people and block unwanted emails. If a pushy real estate agent can't take a hint, ignore her attempts to contact you, or get in touch when it’s convenient for you. Sometimes email is best, because you can be firm and specific in stating what you want and need.

Step 5

Educate yourself. The better armed you are with information about the real estate process, the easier it will be to deal with pushy agents and not let them talk circles around you or try and convince you to do things their way. Read real estate terminology glossaries through the National Association of Realtors and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for more information on real estate processes.

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