TL;DR – Key Takeaways
Not all agents know your neighborhood—check local expertise.
Don’t choose based only on commission or reviews.
Insist on a clear communication style and trial period.
Ask who you’ll actually work with—avoid bait-and-switch.
A real client story shows how smart corrections led to a full-price offer.
Learn how to spot—and avoid—common mistakes when choosing a realtor in San Diego.
What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent?
When you’re looking to buy or sell a home in San Diego, choosing the right real estate agent can make all
the difference. It affects how quickly your transaction closes, how well you’re represented, and ultimately,
how much you save or earn. As someone who strives to be known as the best San Diego realtor and best
San Diego broker, I’ve seen clients make avoidable errors that cost time, money, and peace of mind. Below,
I’ll walk you through the most common mistakes—and how to steer clear of them.
1. Skipping Market Knowledge Checks
Why it matters:
Not all agents are equally familiar with every neighborhood. In San Diego, coastal areas
like La Jolla or Del Mar perform very differently than inland communities like El Cajon or Chula Vista. A
generalist might miss key nuances in pricing trends or neighborhood appeal.
What to do instead:
Ask your prospective agent for: - Recent comparable sales (within the last 90 days) -
Neighborhood-specific listing-to-sale price ratios - Their personal experience with your target area
2. Relying Solely on Online Reviews
Why it matters:
Online platforms like Zillow or Yelp can give a surface-level picture—but poor reviews often
revolve around price, timing, or listing issues that may have little to do with an agent’s effort or
competence.
What to do instead: -
Reach out directly to former clients for referrals - Ask your agent for recent client
contacts - Inquire about deal specifics: Was it closed in time? Were there appraisal issues? Were disclosures prepared well?
3. Choosing the Lowest Commission Rate
Why it matters:
Agents who offer deeply discounted commission—especially flat-fee brokers—may cut
corners on service. That could mean limited marketing, amateur photography, weak negotiation, or less
availability.
What to do instead:
Focus on value, not just cost. - Ask what services are included: professional
photography, staging, virtual tours, extensive open houses? - Compare cost vs. expected return on
investment. If an agent’s efforts get you 2% more than a discount agent would, that’s worth more.
4. Overvaluing Big Teams—Underestimating Individual Care
Why it matters:
A major team might shine in reviews and volume—but you may not get direct access to the
star agent. Your file could be handled by a junior.
What to do instead:
Clarify roles early: - Will you work with the lead agent or the assistant? - Who handles
showings, negotiations, and paperwork? - Can you speak with the actual agent during critical stages?
5. Not Evaluating Communication Style
Why it matters:
Communication mismatches cause frustration. If your agent responds slowly or uses
jargon you don’t understand, your experience will suffer.
What to do instead:
Ask about usual methods: phone, email, text, or a client portal? - Request a
commitment: 'Expect replies within 2 business hours during working days.' - Gauge their tone: direct?
friendly? assertive? See whether it fits your preference.
6. Signing Without a Trial Period
Why it matters:
Exclusive buyer or seller agreements often bind you for months. If the partnership starts
sour—and there’s no exit clause—you're stuck.
What to do instead:
Ask for a 30-day trial clause - Clarify cancellation terms - Don’t sign agreements on
your first meeting—review them thoroughly.
7. Overlooking the Agent’s Network
Why it matters:
Real estate isn’t done in a vacuum. Your agent’s relationships with lenders, inspectors,
contractors, and fellow agents can make or break timelines and contingency success.
What to do instead:
Ask for their “vendor list” - Seek examples: “Which lender do you recommend for a VA
buyer in San Diego?” - Look for a track record of smooth, complete transactions
A True-to-Life Story from My Experience
This example is based on a real scenario, adapted for clarity and privacy.
The situation:
A couple—let’s call them Maria and Jason—were relocating from Chicago. They hired a local “top-rated” San Diego broker who promised “sell fast.” The home was staged and listed at $915,000. But three weeks later, no offers. The agent minimized the problem, citing “seasonal fluctuations.”
Frustrated, Maria and Jason called me for a second opinion.
What I uncovered:
- The listing price, albeit in line with comps, excluded updates like kitchen refreshes.
- The time-of-day photos didn’t match beach lighting—buyers felt misled.
- Showings were scheduled only on Sundays—missing prime weekday evening traffic.
My solution:
1. Repriced and relisted with updated comps, $25K lower.
2. Re-shot professional photos at dawn, with drone shots showcasing proximity to the beach.
3. Opened access on weeknights, and offered flexible viewings.
4. Launched a targeted marketing campaign—emailing agents who specialize in coastal relocations.
The outcome:
Within seven days, the home received two offers at full price or above, including a backup. Maria wrote:
“We thought we were in capable hands—but your expertise showed. You fixed every missed
detail and gave us real results.”
From that day, I added a “trigger checklist”: price accuracy, brand-aligned photography, robust marketing,
and full availability. Every client benefits from this.
FAQs: Avoiding Common Agent Selection Mistakes
Q1: How do I know if the agent is truly familiar with San Diego neighborhoods?
A: Ask them to provide comps and listing data for your specific neighborhood—within the last 90 days.
Probe further: “How long did those homes stay on the market? Any appraisal issues?”
Q2: Should I sign an exclusive agreement right away?
A: Not before reviewing it thoroughly. Ask for a trial period (15–30 days). If you’re not sure, take time to
compare.
Q3: What’s a reasonable commission for a high-service agent?
A: In San Diego, full-service agents usually charge 4–6%. If someone offers 1–2%, ask: What’s not included?
Q4: How can I test their communication style?
A: Reach out with questions before you sign. Is the response timely and clear? Do they explain things
simply, or use too much jargon?
Q5: Do agent awards or “top producer” labels matter?
A: They show volume, but don’t guarantee great service. Ask for specific accomplishments—like handling
short-sale cases or first-time buyer success.
Summary Table: Mistakes vs. What to Do
Choosing the Best San Diego Realtor or Best San Diego Broker
To truly find the best San Diego realtor or broker, focus on:
Local expertise down to the street level
A service-focused value proposition, not just low price
Clarity about who’s in your transaction and how they communicate
Proven systems—like my checklist—that prevent errors
I built my approach around this exact principle: identifying what most agents fail to do—and making sure I never slip into those gaps.
Thinking of buying or selling in San Diego? When mistakes cost thousands of dollars and weeks of delay, it pays to work with a real estate professional who has a proven, mistake-proof process. Call or text Scott at (858) 408-0002 • scott@scottchengteam.com to discuss how we can avoid these pitfalls and get your transaction closed on your terms.
Next Steps
Review this post and the FAQ when interviewing agents
Ask for specifics on neighborhood data, marketing, and trial terms
If you’d like me to review your options or listings, I offer a no‑obligation consultation
