When you get to the point of considering firing your real estate agent, it is a big decision. Most of the time, firing a real estate agent is due to a lack of performance or poor service, or sometimes a personality conflict.
For a personality conflict, a quick resolution can be to speak to the team leader or broker who the agent reports to. An easy solution in this case is to simply ask for another agent to be assigned to work with you. Just like in all relationships, sometimes personalities just don’t mix well.
For performance or service issues, it helps to know what a client should expect from their agent.
What Should I Expect from My Agent
A client should expect their real estate agent to be a full-time professional to ensure they are aware of the ever-changing market conditions. An agent who is associated with a team or brokerage who truly puts their clients’ needs ahead of their own is a plus!
Key skills to look for in an agent include:
- Understand the current market
- Explain relevant market insights
- Communicate on a regular basis
- Introduce solutions to challenges
- Recommend specific strategies
- Know how to navigate contingencies
- Advocate for YOUR best interests
A buyer agent should also be available for showings, including reliable coverage if the agent is sick or on vacation. A great Buyer’s Agent will search for off-market properties, as well as listed properties.
A Seller’s agent should provide a comprehensive marketing and media package, plus provide feedback after showings, including following up with showing agents to handle objections and turn them into opportunities.
5 Steps to Fire Your Agent
It is important to know that for ethical and legal reasons, a new agent you want to work with is not going to advise to fire your current broker/agent or review your current brokerage agreement. Your current brokerage agreement is a legal document between you and your current broker/agent. It is outside the scope of real estate services for any agent to give you legal advice. Only an attorney can provide legal advice. Here are some general tips to help you navigate:
- Review Your Brokerage Agreement
Review the terms in the brokerage agreement you signed to understand your options and any process you must follow if you are not satisfied with the agent’s service. Specifically look for consequences if you terminate your agreement.
- Talk With Your Agent
Express your concerns in detail in writing, and ask for the specific solution you want. You could ask for a commitment from your agent to provide better service and performance, or a request to work with another agent at the brokerage, or a termination of the written brokerage agreement.
- Speak With Your Agent’s Broker
If the agent isn’t able to resolve your concerns, the next step is a meeting with your agent’s broker. All broker agreements in GA are with the brokerage, not with the agent. The broker can make a final decision on termination of a brokerage agreement or recommend a different agent at the brokerage to work with you.
- Consult With An Attorney
Getting a real estate attorney requires you to provide documentation of any signed agreements, emails, and texts for an attorney to review your case. Legal representation can also be expensive.
- Terminate The Contract
A final option is to simply unilaterally terminate a brokerage agreement, including being willing to pay any costs or accept legal risks associated with terminating the agreement.
What Matters Most
The working relationship between an agent and client should be based on mutual trust and respect, with the agent and client united to achieve the client’s goals. With direct communication and the right real estate agent, your dream of homeownership can be achieved. Who you work with matters!
