9 Steps to Take Before Switching Real Estate Agents

Every relationship has its ups and downs, but when buying or selling your home, the last thing you want is drama with your real estate agent. Whether the issue is a minor lapse in communication or a significant misunderstanding, here are nine steps to take before switching real estate agents.

When to consider switching agents?

Sometimes it’s obvious when to switch real estate agents. Lying or misrepresenting themselves are two ways agents can immediately get shown the door. But if your agent struggles to communicate in a timely manner, isn’t marketing your home as promised, or makes changes to the listing without telling you, it may be time to make a change.

How to switch real estate agents

1. Review your contract

Take a look at your contract. Is there an exclusivity clause or other cancellation terms you must consider? Many people sign on the dotted line without actually reading their contracts, but if you’re thinking about terminating your relationship with your real estate agent, it’s not the time to guess.

It’s rare, but sometimes agents charge fees for their services, especially if the home search was extensive or their marketing efforts were extensive. Even if there are fees or restrictions in place, you may find an exit clause in your contract that allows you to terminate the partnership before the end of the contract.

Know your rights to make sure you won’t be hit with any restrictions or penalties.

2. Identify the problem

What’s the specific reason you are looking for a new real estate agent? Are their Realtor fees too high? If so, the problem may be fixable or negotiable. Other times, the problem may be something out of your agent’s control.

If you are impatient because your house isn’t selling in a down market, that’s not necessarily a problem that a Realtor can fix. But poor communication and marketing efforts might be solved with a quick conversation that can get the relationship back on track.

3. Communicate your concern

Real estate agents are people with busy lives and other clients. They may be unaware that you are unhappy or that you have problems with the way they handled your home buying or selling experience. Before you make a move, give your agent a chance to address your concerns. A direct conversation may help resolve misunderstandings. However, if your agent dismisses your concerns or can’t be bothered to listen, it’s time to terminate the relationship.

4. Document everything

Keep records of every communication, agreement, and issue that has come up with your agent. When possible, communicate in writing. If you have a phone call, send a quick email to outline the points you discussed and get a record of the discussion in writing.

This may sound sneaky, but keeping written records of your communication with your real estate agent serves two purposes. Not only does it track your efforts to resolve the conflict, but it also keeps your memory of events clear and accurate. You don’t want to accuse your agent of not following through on something you never asked them to do.

5. Be professional and polite

It’s easy to take a lack of time or attention personally. It’s what gets us in trouble in our private relationships. However, when it comes to real estate, a poor working relationship is not generally because your Realtor doesn’t like you. Take a deep breath and always be professional and polite in your dealings.

This means maintaining a courteous tone during all conversations. Explain that you’re leaving because the fit’s not quite working, not a personality conflict. Whatever they think afterward is not your concern. Keep everything impersonal, and you may salvage the relationship. This is especially important in a small market where real estate agents communicate closely with each other.

6. Verify the removal of your listing

When you’ve tried everything, and it’s clear that a separation is best for everyone involved, make sure the break is clean. Verify that your listing has been removed from the multiple listing services and other platforms before putting your home back on the market with a new agent.

7. Carefully research new agents

Don’t jump from one hasty relationship into the next. Vet prospective agents carefully before you hire one. Do they have experience in the neighborhood or local market? What is their sales record? Are they recommended by former clients, such as family or friends who have used their services?

8. Interview prospective Realtors

It may take extra time but don’t skip the interview process. It doesn’t need to be time-consuming or laborious. A quick 15-minute conversation with two or three agents can give you a feel for their communication style and openness to taking you on as a client.

9. Read your new agreement

Before you commit again, take the time to read your new contract thoroughly. The contract will outline the agent’s expectations for you and include what you can expect from them. This is where commission rates and your obligations are spelled out, along with the length of the contract and how to renew or terminate it if that becomes necessary,

It’s not you. It’s me

Buying and selling a home is a big deal, and many people don’t understand how it can impact them emotionally. Selling the family home or downsizing after your kids are grown can be stressful and highly charged.

If you find yourself firing and hiring multiple agents, it may be time for some self-reflection. Before swapping out another agent, take a step back and think about what’s really going on. There may be real issues present, but perhaps the transition is causing heightened emotions.

After a pause, you may find your agent is working out just fine. If not, following the steps outlined above will help minimize the risks as you seek a new agent.

Written by Billy Guteng. January 21, 2025

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.