How and When to Switch Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents in general have an insanely high satisfaction rating. Nine in 10 buyers say they would work with their agent again or recommend them to others.

But there’s always the chance that you could be the one in 10 who ends up with a bad agent with problems far more troublesome than having to wait a day for a return phone call. We’re talking about some real deal-breakers:

• Dishonesty
• Failure to fulfill the obligations outlined in the contract
• Repeatedly lowering your asking price without comps to back up the change
• Lack of communication
• An overall bad or rude attitude—to you or to potential buyers

Don’t rip up your contract before you take the issue to the agent’s real estate firm. Real estate agents and the companies they work for depend on referrals from satisfied clients, so give them the opportunity to make things right.

The Sticking Point

If you have a signed contract, you can’t just start firing people like Donald Trump, no matter how badly you want to yell, “You’re fired!” Check your contract for a cancellation clause, which will allow you to terminate your listing agreement before the contract expires.

Without a cancellation clause, the agent is not obligated to end the agreement early. But again, no agent wants to be known for forcing unhappy clients to stick to their contracts. If you explain the situation and respectfully request to end the agreement, most agents will agree.

A Few Strings

Terminating a contract with your real estate agent is not always a clean break.

• You may owe the agent a termination fee to cover their up-front costs.
• You may have to wait out the remainder of the contract period before you can list your home with another agent.
• And, if you sell your home to a buyer who first viewed the home while the contract was in effect, you may still have to pay a commission to the original agent.

By the way, these are all important points to consider before you sign an agreement.

A Stickier Situation

If the agent did not perform the duties outlined in the contract and you can prove it, you can claim breach of contract. Examples of breach of contract include:

• failing to market your property
• failing to present all offers to purchase your property
• disclosing personal information about you, their client, to potential buyers

A word of warning: Accusing the agent of breach of contract could result in a lawsuit. That’s more drama than most homeowners want, so a better option may be to simply let the contract expire, especially if the term is almost over anyway.

Find an Agent You Can Trust

When you’re ready to find an agent you can count on to get your home sold, check out our nationwide network of RamseyTrusted^® real estate agents. These high-octane pros are experts in your local market whose dedication to top-quality service has earned our recommendation. 

Find a trusted real estate agent we recommend in your area.

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Frequently Asked Questions