While even the best of agents don't know every street in town like the back of their hand, your frustration comes through clearly. In my opinion, the years of experience don't by themselves dictate who is competent and who is not. Rather, it's the diligence and commitment they give to their profession, to the market, and to their clients. And unfortunately, there are a very large percentage of agents who don't seem to match the expectations of the very clients that they should be guiding and representing. So I totally feel your pain. That is much of the reason I became an agent; I felt I could do a better job than the agent on my first house.

The market is changing quickly, and I'm seeing it happen right before my eyes. And I don't know if this is the answer you're looking for (and it all depends on the situation and specifics), but as an agent that frequently works as a seller's agent representing bank-owned homes, I see the kinds of offers that buyers make on my homes, and they sometimes vary widely. And I also talk to agents frequently who express their frustration to me about how their client didn't want to make a sufficiently high offer to get the house. And guess what happens? The buyer makes the offer they want to make, and they lose the house to someone else who was wiling to pay a higher price. And with prices being as low as they are right now, there are more buyers out there than you may suspect. More buyers means more competition, and more competition means more homes sell more quickly and with multiple offers and (often times) for above the asking price! This may sound strange given the constant headlines you see and hear, but it is nonetheless true. I've had five homes go into contract this week, and four of them were with multiple offers and above the asking price.

To explore the possibility of the agent just saying something to "get a higher commission." For every $10,000 higher of an offer that you may make, a typical 3% commission is $300, and that's before splitting it with the broker and paying taxes. So there's really not much incentive for the buyer's agent to get the client to bump up their offer--it may really only be another $100-$200 in their pocket. You might fear the agent is just trying to push you into the first house you see to make the commission EASY, but I doubt it's to "get a higher commission."

Then there's the possibility you really do have an incompetent or unethical agent. There are some out there--more than I'd like to admit. One of the best ways to determine that for yourself is by getting a second or third opinion, just as you might do on a health concern. (Like the time my first visit to a new dentist who told me I had 12 cavities. I got a second opinion from another dentist who said I had none at all.) That is probably the best way to put your mind at ease. I would encourage you to speak to a couple of other agents that are referred to you through friends, family or coworkers. Be upfront with those other agents and make it clear you are currently working with another agent at the time, but that you just want to hear another perspective. Once they know the sales game is off, it removes the temptation to tell you what they think you want to hear.

If you wish to contact me for a second opinion, I'd be happy to talk with you. I think we'd get along great. Just so you know, I won't be trying to win your business, as I don't have time available to take on new buyer clients at the moment. I have a great buyer's agent who works with me, but that'd be your call. I'm happy to just be a resource, because you need to put your mind at ease. A home purchase is way too big of a purchase decision for you to be struggling with this kind of doubt.

I wish you the best,
Aaron Lewis
The Lewis Team at Prudential California Realty
209-633-2727 direct
http://www.weworkharder.com

For a local agent to answer your question with a specific individual agent name would approach breaking our code of ethics. There could be many reasons you are having problems with this specific agent. All people are not compatible and sometimes personalities conflict. I would explain your feelings to this agent and ask if he could recommend someone else for you to work with. I'm sure this approach will lead to an equitable solution for all involved and you will be able to acomplish your goals. Best of luck.

Carrie, that does make a difference. I stand by my reccommendation to possibly seek out another agent that you are more comfortable with. Maybe one that specialized in the specific areas you are looking in. Best of luck to you on your search, it should be fun and enjoyable not frustrating!

Well, This agent has been a real estate agent for 20-30 years. I would give more credence if he was only a real estate agent for a short time..but 20-30 years?? come on!!

Carrie, perhaps you should interview a few Realtors and select another one.Possibly you are dealing with a newer agent who does not know the area as well as others. Sometimes even the best agent needs a little help from mapquest or their gps!