Switching real estate agents: it happens. Homeowners choose to switch agents for a plethora of reasons, ranging from inadequate services to personal differences. You may have signed an agreement, but are you capable of switching brokers? The answer is yes, but the transition isn’t as simple as a one-off email or text.
Many homeowners go back and forth on whether or not it's worth switching — but having that conversation near always means that it's necessary to find a new agent. Looking for a sign that's it time to find someone new? Here are a few. For one, if your agent does not possess the qualities you desire or you do not feel comfortable talking to them, definitely switch. It is imperative to have an agent you click with. Other scenarios for switching include worrying that an agent does not have your best interests in mind. You may also feel that your agent isn't performing nor following through on promises. Moreover, if an agent's marketing strategy seems ineffective or they're not responding promptly (if at all), it's time to switch. One last reason you may need to switch is if your agent has done something immoral or unethical. It's a rare instance, but anything that violates a contract or typically policy is grounds for contract cancellation. It is usually suggested to have an open and honest conversation with your agent about how they're not meeting your expectations. The warning should change their behavior or performance. If that conversation does not solve the problem, it is totally normal to want another agent.
Feeling stuck in a contract with an agent can be tricky and it is a challenging situation to navigate in an already challenging industry. However, there are ways to amicably end your contract. Whether you were referred to an agent you ended up not liking, or your personal choice of realtor simply isn’t working out, here are the steps for switching agents.
The first step in switching agents is to get familiar with your contract. Documenting the change of agents is essential, and step one is reviewing your existing agreements. Your contract may have language vital to switching that you’ll need to consider. Look for a cancellation clause, which would allow you to legally drop the agent before the contract expires.
As you begin encountering issues, document each of these instances. This will allow you solid grounds for termination. In most cases, a letter of termination is enough to cancel the contract — and the addition of listed issues seals the deal. Once the estate agent agrees, be sure to get a signed termination letter for your own accountability and records.
No matter the situation with your agent, it’s always best to stay professional. Sometimes you don’t click with an agent for personal reasons, and in other cases, you may just feel they’re not doing their best in selling your property. A situation like this near always results in some conflict, but staying level-headed and professional can ease the switch. While many agents take your letter as an opportunity to improve, and may even recommend other agents, it’s also okay to just thank them and say you’ve chosen a different agent without too many specifics.
There are expenses associated with switching agents sometimes. For this reason, it’s always best to change real estate agents as soon as possible should you decide the relationship isn’t working out. In some agreements, there are clauses present that give you time to cancel the contract within a certain time frame, usually 24 hours. Anything past this, and you may incur expenses that have been paid on your behalf by a broker or agent already.
For buyers, it’s usually quite simple to change agents. Your broker may even be able to recommend another estate agent in their firm to keep you as a customer, which keeps things simple.
As a seller, you’ll either need to wait for the listing date’s expiration or mutually dissolve the agreement. Luckily, you should not incur commission or agency fees unless your property has already sold, although states in some countries may have you pay a commission to your first agent. This is especially true if the final buyer was introduced to the property by the original listing agent.
It is expected that you or your agent will inform any potential buyers about the switch in agents, as it impacts their commission rate and work relationship. This refers to any buyers who have already expressed interest and likely have their agents working with yours, probably with the high intent of buying the property.
If an agent won’t cancel the listing through your demands directly, request a cancellation from the principal agent or broker of the agency you’re working with. As previously stated, some agencies will assign you another agent from within the same office if you’re open to it — which helps with de-escalating the situation. In rare cases, you may need to hire a lawyer, or possibly just consult with an attorney about what’s accepted in your particular listing agreement. Generally speaking though, most agents will cancel the listing upon request. This is in order to protect both their personal reputation and the reputation of the brokerage; no one wants to be known as the agency that’s difficult to work with.
While switching agents isn't the most pleasant of processes, it happens! There's no need to fret when it comes to choosing or switching agents though. taelah is a human-assisted artificial intelligence system designed to help homeowners connect with the agents right for them. taelah can help review your existing agreement to exit, and also help you enter into a better agreement next time — which is key. Plus, you can use taelah for going through the home buying or home selling process as a whole! Sign up for taelah today and make all things realty-related a breeze.
Switching real estate agents or brokers is something that happens to both home buyers and home sellers. Whether your agent isn’t performing to your standards or you simply aren’t clicking on a personal level, it is possible to change agents even if you’ve already signed a contract. The steps for switching involve having a conversation, writing a termination letter, informing buyers, and elevating the situation if and when necessary. While changing agents can be an arduous process, taelah makes it easier! Skip the hassle by finding your agent and reviewing agent contracts on our human-assisted artificial intelligence realty platform.