10 Red Flags to Watch for When Interviewing a Realtor in Oregon

Most articles about picking a realtor read like ad copy written by realtors. This one is different. I’m going to tell you the specific warning signs that should make you end the interview and call someone else — even if that someone else isn’t me. Your money is on the line. You deserve honesty.

These are the ten red flags I’d tell my own family to watch for.

1. They pressure you to sign a buyer’s agreement on the first call

Since August 2024, buyer’s agents in most states require a signed agreement before showing homes. That’s normal. What’s not normal is an agent who pushes for a 6-month exclusive agreement with high commission rates before you’ve even met in person or seen a property together. A good agent will offer you a short-term, single-property agreement first so you can see how they actually work. If the first pitch is a long exclusive, walk.

2. They can’t explain how they get paid, in plain numbers

Ask any agent: “Walk me through exactly how your commission works on a $600,000 purchase in Oregon.” If they can’t give you clear numbers — who pays, how much, when, and what happens if the seller offers less than the expected co-op — they don’t understand their own business. Run.

3. They badmouth every other agent

Oregon’s real-estate community is small. Professional agents respect their peers and will say things like “I’ve worked with that agent before, the transaction went smoothly.” An agent who trashes other agents in their first conversation with you is telling you how they’ll behave when they’re frustrated on your deal. Not someone you want representing you.

4. They can’t name three recent closings in your target area

Ask: “What are the last three homes you closed in [Beaverton / West Linn / Vancouver WA]?” A specialist in your area will have answers immediately, along with details about what the market is doing there. A generalist will pivot to citywide statistics. Neither is wrong, but you’re paying for local expertise — make sure you’re getting it.

5. They promise a specific sale price or purchase outcome

No ethical agent can promise you’ll get exactly $X for your home, or that a seller will accept exactly $Y for theirs. Markets don’t work that way, and Oregon’s Real Estate Agency disciplines agents who make guarantees they can’t deliver. A good agent gives you a defensible range with the comps behind it.

6. They don’t ask about your financing before showing homes

Any agent who schedules showings before asking about your pre-approval, down payment, and timeline is either desperate or unfocused. The conversation about money should happen before you tour a single property. It’s not rude — it’s responsible. I ask about financing in the first five minutes of every initial call.

7. They dismiss inspections or push you to waive them

In competitive markets, some buyers waive inspection contingencies to strengthen offers. That decision should come from you, not from an agent’s pressure. An agent who routinely encourages clients to skip inspections is prioritizing closing over your financial safety. On a $600K home, a $500 inspection that finds a $20K problem is the best money you’ll ever spend.

8. They discourage you from using your own lender

If you have a lender you like, or if you’re using a specialized program (VA loan, down-payment assistance, state first-time-buyer program), a good agent works with them. An agent who insists you use their preferred lender may have a relationship that benefits them more than you. Always at least get a second quote from an independent lender.

9. They have no written marketing plan for seller listings

If you’re selling, ask for the written marketing plan before you sign. Real marketing plans include: professional photography specs, drone footage if appropriate, online advertising budget, open-house schedule, target buyer demographics, pricing strategy, and contingencies if the home hasn’t sold in 30/60/90 days. If the answer is “oh, I’ll put it on MLS and wait,” you’re paying commission for a service the MLS system already provides.

10. They only communicate on their schedule

Ask: “If I text you Saturday morning with a question, when will I hear back?” An agent who says “I don’t respond on weekends” is telling you your deal isn’t a priority. Real estate doesn’t respect the Monday-to-Friday schedule, and a listing that hits Zillow at 8 PM Thursday can be under contract by Saturday afternoon. You need an agent who answers the phone.

One last thing: trust your gut

You’re going to spend dozens of hours with whichever agent you pick. You’ll hand them your financial history, your marital dynamics, your family’s priorities. If something feels off in the first conversation, it will feel worse after signing. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for choosing a different agent.

What I do differently (since you asked)

I’m a solo operator — you get me, not an assistant. I don’t use buyer’s agreements longer than needed, I explain compensation in writing up front, and I’ll tell you not to buy a house when the numbers don’t work. As a US Army veteran and FAA Part 107 drone pilot, I bring a preflight-checklist mindset to every transaction. I’m licensed in both Oregon (#201231296) and Washington (#25007361), which matters if your search crosses the Columbia River.

If you’re shopping for an agent in the Portland Metro and want a straightforward first conversation with no pressure, get in touch. I’d rather spend 20 minutes making sure I’m the right fit for your situation than sign you up and waste both our time.