How Do I Know If My Realtor Is Lazy or Underperforming?

Quick Answer: The clearest signs are measurable: few or no showings after the first two weeks, no specific feedback from the showings that did happen, a marketing plan that was promised but never executed, and updates that come only when you chase them. A slow market can explain low showing counts on its own. An underperforming agent is the one who has no explanation and no adjusted plan.

Showing Activity Is the First Signal

In a typical Calgary market, a well priced, well marketed listing should generate meaningful showing activity within the first two to three weeks. If that's not happening, it's worth asking directly what's being done to change it, and comparing your activity to similar listings in your community, not just your own expectations.

Marketing That Was Promised but Never Delivered

• Professional photography that was discussed but never scheduled or delivered
• No social media or MLS promotion beyond the basic listing
• An open house that was mentioned but never happened
• A listing description that reads like a generic template rather than something written for your home

Feedback You're Not Getting

After every showing, a good agent should be relaying buyer's agent feedback back to you: what buyers liked, what gave them pause, whether price came up. If showings are happening but you're hearing nothing specific back, that's a communication gap worth raising directly.

Is It the Market or the Agent?

Before concluding your agent is underperforming, check whether comparable listings in your community and price range are seeing similar activity. If the whole segment is slow, that's market conditions, not your agent. The distinguishing question is whether your agent has adjusted anything, such as price, photos, staging, or marketing, in response to the lack of activity, or is simply waiting it out.

What to Track So You Have Evidence

• A log of showing dates and counts
• Feedback received after each showing
• Marketing deliverables that were promised versus what was actually done
• How long it typically takes your agent to respond to your messages

Frequently Asked Questions

How many showings should I expect in the first few weeks?

It varies by community and property type, but a well priced, well marketed listing should generate meaningful activity in the first two to three weeks. Comparing to similar current listings in your area gives you a real benchmark.

Is it normal for a realtor to go quiet for a week?

Not if updates were agreed upon at a different cadence. Communication frequency should be set expectations, not something you have to chase.

How can I tell if it's the market or my realtor?

Check whether comparable listings in your community are seeing similar activity levels. If they are, it's likely market conditions; if similar listings are moving and yours isn't, that points to something specific to your listing or agent.