Exposing Unethical and Unprofessional Behavior in Real Estate
What Your Agent Won’t Tell You; But You Deserve to Know
Real estate is a high-stakes game, and unfortunately, not everyone plays by the rules. Behind the glossy marketing and polished headshots lies an uncomfortable truth: unethical and unprofessional behavior is more common than most buyers and sellers realize.
At Smart AF Real Estate, we’re here to pull back the curtain on these shady practices and empower you with the knowledge to spot red flags early; before they cost you.
Failure to Disclose: The Hidden Danger
Your agent has a legal and ethical duty to disclose material facts about a property; things that could impact your decision to buy.
But time and again, we hear the same complaints:
“They didn’t mention the water damage.”
“No one told me the HVAC system was faulty.”
“Turns out that addition wasn’t even permitted.”
Why the silence?
Because full disclosure might kill the deal. And no deal = no commission.
Some agents deliberately downplay or hide defects, betting on your inexperience and the rush of a fast-moving market. This isn’t just unethical, it’s illegal. And yet, it happens every day.
"Steering" Clients: Discrimination in Disguise
Steering is one of the most unethical and illegal practices in the industry, and yet, it’s still happening.
This is when agents guide buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on race, religion, familial status, or other protected characteristics. They might say things like:
“This area isn’t great for kids.”
“You might not feel comfortable in that neighborhood.”
“Let’s look somewhere that’s more your vibe.”
Sounds subtle, right? That’s the problem. It’s not just unethical, it violates fair housing laws and reinforces systemic discrimination in housing.
If your agent ever makes comments like this, run. You deserve unbiased, fact-based guidance, not personal bias masquerading as “advice.”
The Bait-and-Switch: Clickbait for Commissions
Seen a gorgeous home online with an unbelievable price, only to be told it’s already sold?
Welcome to the bait-and-switch.
Some agents intentionally advertise properties that are no longer available or that never were to lure in leads. Once you call, they pivot:
“Oh, that one just went off the market, but I have others I can show you...”
It’s not just misleading, it’s manipulative. And it speaks volumes about how that agent conducts business.
Smart AF Real Estate calls this out for what it is: a trap built to waste your time and build their pipeline.
General Lack of Professionalism: The Silent Deal Killer
Sometimes, it’s not a single shady act, it’s the cumulative lack of professionalism that leaves clients frustrated and burned out:
Late to showings (if they show up at all)
Calls and emails going unanswered
Poor knowledge of the market or process
Rushed, impersonal service
Real estate is supposed to be about service, advocacy, and expert guidance; not ghosting clients or winging it with major financial decisions on the line.
You’re not being “difficult” for expecting basic communication and accountability. You’re being smart.
You Deserve Better.
We believe you deserve truth over tricks, transparency over tactics, and respect over sales pressure.
We are committed to:
Calling out unethical behavior in our industry
Educating buyers and sellers on what to watch for
Partnering with tech that verifies disclosures, tracks communication, and creates a better standard
Building a future of real estate that values honesty, integrity, and client empowerment
This Isn’t Just a Blog It’s a Wake-Up Call.
If you’ve ever felt like something was off in your last transaction, you’re not alone. And if you’ve ever felt too intimidated to question your agent you won’t feel that way here.
We’re not here to sugarcoat the process.
We’re here to give you the real story because that’s the only way real estate gets better.
Smart AF Real Estate
Where shady agents get exposed and clients get protected.
