Choosing the right buyer’s agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when purchasing a home—especially in a competitive market like Westchester County. A strong agent is not just someone who opens doors and sends listings. They are your strategist, negotiator, advisor, neighborhood analyst, and advocate. When they do their job right, the process feels clear, guided, and well-structured. When they don’t, it feels confusing, rushed, and stressful.

If something feels off in your home search experience, pay attention. Here are 7 signs you may be working with the wrong buyer’s agent—and what to look for instead.

1. They Aren’t Proactive in Finding Properties

A great buyer’s agent doesn’t just wait for listings to appear on Zillow.

They should be:

• Networking with other agents

• Searching off-market and coming-soon properties

• Alerting you to listings as soon as they hit the market

• Sending you only relevant matches—not generic auto-feeds

If you are constantly the one sending listings to them, that’s a problem.

In places like Chappaqua, Pleasantville, Scarsdale, and Rye, homes often sell before they ever hit the major websites. If your agent isn’t plugged into the local network, you could be missing the best opportunities.

2. They Don’t Understand the Local Market

Real estate is intensely local. The difference of one street, school district, or train line can change:

• Property taxes

• Market demand

• Resale value

• Commute convenience

• Neighborhood character

If your agent can’t explain why a home is priced the way it is—or can’t compare it to similar recent sales—they may not have the depth of Westchester market knowledge needed to guide you effectively.

You deserve an agent who lives and breathes the area, not someone who “covers everywhere.”

3. They Are More Interested in Closing Quickly Than Doing What’s Right for You

A strong buyer’s agent’s job is to guide you—not push you.

Red flags include:

• Pressure to make an offer you’re not comfortable with

• Dismissing your concerns

• Glossing over inspection issues

• Acting impatient if you want to look longer

Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions you’ll make. You should feel empowered, not rushed.

The right agent moves at your pace.

4. They Don’t Explain the Process Clearly

There are many moving parts in a real estate transaction, including:

• Pre-approval strategy

• Offer structure

• Negotiation approach

• Inspections and attorney review

• Mortgage timelines

• Closing requirements

Your agent should walk you through every step so you always understand:

• What’s happening now

• What comes next

• What decisions you’ll need to make

• How to prepare for them

If you constantly feel confused or uncertain, your agent isn’t doing their job.

5. They Aren’t Strong Negotiators

Negotiation is not just about price. It includes:

• Offer timing

• Contingency strategy

• Competing bid positioning

• Closing flexibility

• Repair or credit requests

If your agent tends to “just submit what you want” without strategy, confidence, or assertiveness, that's a problem.

In Westchester, where bidding wars are common, negotiation skills can mean tens of thousands of dollars gained or lost.

A strong negotiator:

• Reads the market accurately

• Understands seller psychology

• Positions your offer to win—even if your price isn’t the highest

6. They Are Hard to Reach

This one is simple: If your agent is slow to respond, you are at a disadvantage.

Homes in this area move quickly. If you wait:

• Someone else will book the showing first

• Someone else will write the offer first

• Someone else will win the home

You should never have to chase your agent.

Calls, texts, and emails should be answered:

• Promptly

• Professionally

• With clarity and enthusiasm

Your agent should make you feel like a priority—not an afterthought.

7. They Don’t Advocate for You

You should feel like your agent is your partner and protector, not just a “middle person” in the transaction.

Warning signs:

• They avoid difficult conversations

• They don’t push back when appropriate

• They make you feel like you’re being “difficult” for asking questions

• They disappear once the offer is accepted

You deserve someone who:

• Represents your interests fully

• Stands up for you

• Guides you confidently

• Makes the process calmer, clearer, and smarter

A good buyer’s agent reduces your stress—not adds to it.

How to Make a Change (Even Mid-Search)

If you’re realizing you may be working with the wrong agent, it’s okay to make a change. Buyers are not locked into a single agent unless they’ve signed a formal exclusive agreement—and even then, changes can often be worked out professionally.

A home purchase is too important to stay in a relationship that isn’t serving you.

Thinking About Buying in Westchester?

Whether you’re early in the search process or actively viewing homes, having the right guidance can make all the difference.

I work with buyers throughout:

• Chappaqua

• Pleasantville

• Mount Kisco

• Scarsdale

• Rye

• White Plains

• And surrounding Westchester communities

If you’d like:

• A more strategic search process

• Clear market insight

• Strong negotiation representation

• A calm, knowledgeable, and proactive partner—

I’d be happy to talk.

No pressure. Just helpful conversation.

→ Call or Text: 914-817-8270
→ Email: info@nestedgerealty.com