Real Answers

My real estate agent is pressuring me to make a decision. How should I handle this?

The first step is to discern whether or not the agent is providing good advice. If he or she seems eager because they want you to take advantage of a good deal, a certain amount of encouragement may be unavoidable and even necessary.

However, if the agent seems detached from your personal circumstances, beware. An agent may be overworked or believe they have shown enough homes and now it’s time to reap their commission.

“Beware of the agent who’s desperate to make a sale,” cautions Dian Hymer, author of “Buying and Selling a Home in California: A Complete Guide,” (Chronicle Books, San Francisco, 1994.) “Top agents manage their personal finances so . . . their livelihood doesn’t depend on the success of a single transaction.”

Try discussing the problem with the agent’s broker. If the situation cannot be resolved, most experts would recommend that people find another agent.

To legally end a relationship with a salesperson or broker when there is a preset agreement on compensation, George Devine, author of “For Sale by Owner,” (Nolo Press, Berkeley, Calif., 1993) says pay for the hours used and notify the broker in writing that you don’t need their services anymore.