Real Estate Agent Tricks That Cost You Money
That’s what one buyer from Raleigh heard before discovering her “dream home” came with a cracked foundation and a backyard flood zone nobody mentioned. She wasn’t alone. Across North Carolina, countless homebuyers are falling prey to clever, profit-driven tactics that real estate agents sometimes use, often hidden behind polished smiles and industry jargon.
Buying a home in North Carolina can be thrilling, but it’s also a minefield of half-truths and strategic omissions. Because state courts operate under caveat emptor, the “buyer beware” rule, purchasers carry a heavier burden of due diligence. Disclosure laws exist, but they’re far from foolproof.
Let’s pull back the curtain. Here are seven deceptive tactics real estate agents use that can quietly drain your bank account, along with ways to protect yourself and make smarter choices in the Tar Heel State.
Overpricing to Win the Listing
It sounds flattering: an agent praises your home and assures you it’s worth more than comparable properties. You sign the listing agreement, confident you’ll walk away with a fortune. But that inflated price tag is the oldest trick in the book.
In North Carolina, agents often manipulate comparative market analyses (CMAs), selectively highlighting the most expensive sales while ignoring realistic comps. This tactic wins them your business, but once the house sits unsold, they push you to slash the price, sometimes below its actual value.
Red Flags:
- Your agent’s suggested price is significantly higher than at least two independent CMAs.
- They say, “Let’s test the market,” but can’t justify the number with real data.
How to Protect Yourself:
Demand a written CMA from multiple agents and cross-check with Zillow, Realtor.com, and county tax records. In Charlotte and Raleigh markets, modest overpricing can cost thousands in carrying costs or lost buyer interest.
Dual Agency & Self-Dealing Conflicts
Imagine this: your “trusted” agent represents both you and the seller. Whose interests come first? Exactly.
Dual agency is legal in North Carolina, but it’s a gray area ripe for exploitation. Agents often encourage it because it allows them to keep the full commission, both the buyer’s and seller’s side. But in practice, it means you lose a genuine advocate.
Under NC Real Estate Commission rules, agents must disclose dual agency in writing. Yet many buyers sign standard forms without fully understanding the implications.
Red Flags:
- Your agent hesitates to give clear pricing advice or discourages negotiation.
- They avoid discussing the other party’s motivation.
Avoid It:
Always insist on exclusive buyer representation. Ask your agent to confirm, in writing, that they represent only you. When in doubt, check the NC REALTORS® Buyer Advisory for official guidance.
Selective Disclosure: Holding Back Critical Information
Ever heard the phrase, “What you don’t know can’t hurt you”? In real estate, that’s a costly misconception.
Selective disclosure occurs when agents conveniently “forget” to mention defects, like water damage, outdated wiring, or zoning disputes. North Carolina’s Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement requires sellers (and by extension, their agents) to reveal known issues. But not everything must be disclosed, especially if the agent claims ignorance.
Common NC Example:
An agent might downplay a home’s “previous flooding” as “occasional water pooling.”
How to Spot It:
- Vague language in listing descriptions (“updated systems” instead of specific replacements).
- Avoidance when you ask direct questions about permits or repairs.
Protect Yourself:
Request a full inspection and verify permit history through your county’s online database. The NC REALTORS® Buyer Advisory outlines how to spot incomplete disclosures.
Pocketed Offers: The Hidden Game of Favoritism
Picture this: your dream home is on the market, you make a solid offer, and never hear back. Later, you learn the seller never saw it. Why? Because your agent withheld it.
“Pocketing offers” happens when an agent conceals bids that don’t serve their interests, perhaps because they want a deal with higher commissions or prefer working with a buyer they already know.
In competitive North Carolina markets like Raleigh or Durham, this unethical move can change the entire playing field.
Red Flags:
- Your agent discourages you from submitting a higher offer “because it’s already pending.”
- The seller’s agent seems unaware of your bid.
What to Do:
Ask your agent to confirm, in writing, when your offer was presented and to whom. Transparency is your weapon here. A quick call to the listing broker can also confirm if your offer was received.
Pressuring You to Use Their Affiliated Services
“Don’t worry, I’ve got a great mortgage broker for you.” Sounds helpful, right? Maybe not.
Many agents push buyers toward affiliated lenders, title companies, or inspectors who offer referral bonuses. While this isn’t inherently illegal, it creates a conflict of interest that can inflate your costs or compromise your inspection results.
North Carolina Law:
Affiliated Business Arrangements (AfBAs) must be disclosed under RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act). Yet not all disclosures are transparent, or even accurate.
Watch Out For:
- Pressure to use one particular lender.
- Sudden “bundled deals” that seem cheaper but aren’t.
Smart Move:
Shop independently. Get at least three quotes for mortgages and closing services. In cities like Greensboro or Wilmington, small local lenders often offer better rates without kickbacks.
Bait & Switch Listings
It’s a classic con: a stunning house online vanishes the moment you call. Suddenly, your agent says, “That one just sold, but I’ve got another you’ll love.”
Welcome to the bait-and-switch, a tactic where agents advertise homes they don’t actually have, just to reel in potential clients. In some NC cases, they list expired or withdrawn properties as “available” to generate leads.
Telltale Signs:
- Listings with identical photos under different addresses.
- Price changes that seem too good to be true.
- Agents who can’t immediately arrange a showing.
Avoid the Trap:
Always cross-check MLS numbers on NC Regional MLS or ask the listing agent directly if the property is active. Never sign a representation agreement based solely on “similar homes.”
Upfront Fees and Hidden Charges
A legitimate agent earns commission after closing, not before. If someone asks for marketing fees, photography charges, or exclusive listing retainers, it’s time to run.
In North Carolina, upfront fees are unusual outside of limited service agreements. Some agents exploit new sellers, promising premium marketing exposure for a “small upfront cost.” Once paid, motivation fades.
Spot the Scam:
- Requests for payment before services.
- Vague contracts lacking itemized deliverables.
Protect Yourself:
Only sign agreements approved by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. Ensure every cost is transparent, and avoid any “non-refundable” marketing fee unless it’s justified.
Unique North Carolina Buyer Pitfalls
Even honest agents can’t protect you from every rule quirk in North Carolina. The Due Diligence Fee, unique to NC, often blindsides first-time buyers. This non-refundable payment secures your right to inspect a property but is forfeited if you walk away.
Combine that with the caveat emptor principle, and buyers must be exceptionally proactive. The state’s laws assume you’ll do your homework, not rely solely on what an agent tells you.
Check the NC REALTORS® Buyer Advisory, the Hutchens Law Firm’s guide on buyer precautions, and buyer experiences on Reddit’s NC real estate threads. Knowledge here isn’t just power, it’s money saved.
Protecting Your Wallet and Your Sanity
The real estate market in North Carolina is fierce, fast-moving, and filled with professionals, some helpful, some opportunistic. Recognizing the warning signs is your first line of defense.
Remember: no matter how friendly or persuasive an agent seems, your financial security depends on due diligence. Research, ask pointed questions, and always get second opinions.
When in doubt, lean on data and documentation. Review every disclosure, read every clause, and never let urgency override caution.
Don’t Get Played , Outsmart the Tactics
Every real estate deal in North Carolina is a chess match, not a coin toss. Agents may know the board better, but you control the moves. If something feels off, it probably is.
Here’s the power move: demand transparency, trust verified information, not charisma, and learn the rules of the game better than the players. Your dream home shouldn’t come with hidden costs or regret.
Thinking about buying or selling in North Carolina? Download our free Homebuyer Checklist or reach out for personalized guidance before signing your next deal. Knowledge today can save you thousands tomorrow.
FAQs
- Can a real estate agent in North Carolina legally lie to me?
No. Agents are legally bound by the NC Real Estate Commission’s Code of Ethics. However, omissions and misleading statements can occur, so verify every claim independently. - What disclosures are required of sellers and agents in NC?
Sellers must complete the Residential Property Disclosure Statement, but it covers only known issues. Agents must disclose material facts they are aware of. - What is a due diligence fee in NC, and can I get it back?
The due diligence fee is a non-refundable payment giving you the right to inspect and back out. You usually won’t get it back unless the seller breaches the contract. - How can I verify all offers are being shown in NC?
Ask for written confirmation that your offer was presented to the seller. Contact the listing broker to ensure fairness. - Should I accept the agent’s recommended inspector or title company?
Not without comparison. Independent inspectors often provide more objective evaluations than affiliated ones.
References
- North Carolina REALTORS® Buyer Advisory
- MyBankTracker – “8 Sneaky Real Estate Agent Tricks to Watch Out for”
Hutchens Law Firm – “5 Tips for Buyers Shopping Real Estate”
“Trust me, this house is a steal.”
That’s what one buyer from Raleigh heard before discovering her “dream home” came with a cracked foundation and a backyard flood zone nobody mentioned. She wasn’t alone. Across North Carolina, countless homebuyers are falling prey to clever, profit-driven tactics that real estate agents sometimes use, often hidden behind polished smiles and industry jargon.
Buying a home in North Carolina can be thrilling, but it’s also a minefield of half-truths and strategic omissions. Because state courts operate under caveat emptor, the “buyer beware” rule, purchasers carry a heavier burden of due diligence. Disclosure laws exist, but they’re far from foolproof.
Let’s pull back the curtain. Here are seven deceptive tactics real estate agents use that can quietly drain your bank account, along with ways to protect yourself and make smarter choices in the Tar Heel State.
Overpricing to Win the Listing
It sounds flattering: an agent praises your home and assures you it’s worth more than comparable properties. You sign the listing agreement, confident you’ll walk away with a fortune. But that inflated price tag is the oldest trick in the book.
In North Carolina, agents often manipulate comparative market analyses (CMAs), selectively highlighting the most expensive sales while ignoring realistic comps. This tactic wins them your business, but once the house sits unsold, they push you to slash the price, sometimes below its actual value.
Red Flags:
- Your agent’s suggested price is significantly higher than at least two independent CMAs.
- They say, “Let’s test the market,” but can’t justify the number with real data.
How to Protect Yourself:
Demand a written CMA from multiple agents and cross-check with Zillow, Realtor.com, and county tax records. In Charlotte and Raleigh markets, modest overpricing can cost thousands in carrying costs or lost buyer interest.
Dual Agency & Self-Dealing Conflicts
Imagine this: your “trusted” agent represents both you and the seller. Whose interests come first? Exactly.
Dual agency is legal in North Carolina, but it’s a gray area ripe for exploitation. Agents often encourage it because it allows them to keep the full commission, both the buyer’s and seller’s side. But in practice, it means you lose a genuine advocate.
Under NC Real Estate Commission rules, agents must disclose dual agency in writing. Yet many buyers sign standard forms without fully understanding the implications.
Red Flags:
- Your agent hesitates to give clear pricing advice or discourages negotiation.
- They avoid discussing the other party’s motivation.
Avoid It:
Always insist on exclusive buyer representation. Ask your agent to confirm, in writing, that they represent only you. When in doubt, check the NC REALTORS® Buyer Advisory for official guidance.
Selective Disclosure: Holding Back Critical Information
Ever heard the phrase, “What you don’t know can’t hurt you”? In real estate, that’s a costly misconception.
Selective disclosure occurs when agents conveniently “forget” to mention defects, like water damage, outdated wiring, or zoning disputes. North Carolina’s Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement requires sellers (and by extension, their agents) to reveal known issues. But not everything must be disclosed, especially if the agent claims ignorance.
Common NC Example:
An agent might downplay a home’s “previous flooding” as “occasional water pooling.”
How to Spot It:
- Vague language in listing descriptions (“updated systems” instead of specific replacements).
- Avoidance when you ask direct questions about permits or repairs.
Protect Yourself:
Request a full inspection and verify permit history through your county’s online database. The NC REALTORS® Buyer Advisory outlines how to spot incomplete disclosures.
Pocketed Offers: The Hidden Game of Favoritism
Picture this: your dream home is on the market, you make a solid offer, and never hear back. Later, you learn the seller never saw it. Why? Because your agent withheld it.
“Pocketing offers” happens when an agent conceals bids that don’t serve their interests, perhaps because they want a deal with higher commissions or prefer working with a buyer they already know.
In competitive North Carolina markets like Raleigh or Durham, this unethical move can change the entire playing field.
Red Flags:
- Your agent discourages you from submitting a higher offer “because it’s already pending.”
- The seller’s agent seems unaware of your bid.
What to Do:
Ask your agent to confirm, in writing, when your offer was presented and to whom. Transparency is your weapon here. A quick call to the listing broker can also confirm if your offer was received.
Pressuring You to Use Their Affiliated Services
“Don’t worry, I’ve got a great mortgage broker for you.” Sounds helpful, right? Maybe not.
Many agents push buyers toward affiliated lenders, title companies, or inspectors who offer referral bonuses. While this isn’t inherently illegal, it creates a conflict of interest that can inflate your costs or compromise your inspection results.
North Carolina Law:
Affiliated Business Arrangements (AfBAs) must be disclosed under RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act). Yet not all disclosures are transparent, or even accurate.
Watch Out For:
- Pressure to use one particular lender.
- Sudden “bundled deals” that seem cheaper but aren’t.
Smart Move:
Shop independently. Get at least three quotes for mortgages and closing services. In cities like Greensboro or Wilmington, small local lenders often offer better rates without kickbacks.
Bait & Switch Listings
It’s a classic con: a stunning house online vanishes the moment you call. Suddenly, your agent says, “That one just sold, but I’ve got another you’ll love.”
Welcome to the bait-and-switch, a tactic where agents advertise homes they don’t actually have, just to reel in potential clients. In some NC cases, they list expired or withdrawn properties as “available” to generate leads.
Telltale Signs:
- Listings with identical photos under different addresses.
- Price changes that seem too good to be true.
- Agents who can’t immediately arrange a showing.
Avoid the Trap:
Always cross-check MLS numbers on NC Regional MLS or ask the listing agent directly if the property is active. Never sign a representation agreement based solely on “similar homes.”
Upfront Fees and Hidden Charges
A legitimate agent earns commission after closing, not before. If someone asks for marketing fees, photography charges, or exclusive listing retainers, it’s time to run.
In North Carolina, upfront fees are unusual outside of limited service agreements. Some agents exploit new sellers, promising premium marketing exposure for a “small upfront cost.” Once paid, motivation fades.
Spot the Scam:
- Requests for payment before services.
- Vague contracts lacking itemized deliverables.
Protect Yourself:
Only sign agreements approved by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. Ensure every cost is transparent, and avoid any “non-refundable” marketing fee unless it’s justified.
Unique North Carolina Buyer Pitfalls
Even honest agents can’t protect you from every rule quirk in North Carolina. The Due Diligence Fee, unique to NC, often blindsides first-time buyers. This non-refundable payment secures your right to inspect a property but is forfeited if you walk away.
Combine that with the caveat emptor principle, and buyers must be exceptionally proactive. The state’s laws assume you’ll do your homework, not rely solely on what an agent tells you.
Check the NC REALTORS® Buyer Advisory, the Hutchens Law Firm’s guide on buyer precautions, and buyer experiences on Reddit’s NC real estate threads. Knowledge here isn’t just power, it’s money saved.
Protecting Your Wallet and Your Sanity
The real estate market in North Carolina is fierce, fast-moving, and filled with professionals, some helpful, some opportunistic. Recognizing the warning signs is your first line of defense.
Remember: no matter how friendly or persuasive an agent seems, your financial security depends on due diligence. Research, ask pointed questions, and always get second opinions.
When in doubt, lean on data and documentation. Review every disclosure, read every clause, and never let urgency override caution.
Don’t Get Played , Outsmart the Tactics
Every real estate deal in North Carolina is a chess match, not a coin toss. Agents may know the board better, but you control the moves. If something feels off, it probably is.
Here’s the power move: demand transparency, trust verified information, not charisma, and learn the rules of the game better than the players. Your dream home shouldn’t come with hidden costs or regret.
Thinking about buying or selling in North Carolina? Download our free Homebuyer Checklist or reach out for personalized guidance before signing your next deal. Knowledge today can save you thousands tomorrow.
FAQs
- Can a real estate agent in North Carolina legally lie to me?
No. Agents are legally bound by the NC Real Estate Commission’s Code of Ethics. However, omissions and misleading statements can occur, so verify every claim independently. - What disclosures are required of sellers and agents in NC?
Sellers must complete the Residential Property Disclosure Statement, but it covers only known issues. Agents must disclose material facts they are aware of. - What is a due diligence fee in NC, and can I get it back?
The due diligence fee is a non-refundable payment giving you the right to inspect and back out. You usually won’t get it back unless the seller breaches the contract. - How can I verify all offers are being shown in NC?
Ask for written confirmation that your offer was presented to the seller. Contact the listing broker to ensure fairness. - Should I accept the agent’s recommended inspector or title company?
Not without comparison. Independent inspectors often provide more objective evaluations than affiliated ones.
References
- North Carolina REALTORS® Buyer Advisory
- MyBankTracker – “8 Sneaky Real Estate Agent Tricks to Watch Out for”
- Hutchens Law Firm – “5 Tips for Buyers Shopping Real Estate”