Can I Switch Realtors? Here’s What You Need to Know

Homeowners and buyers often consider changing real estate agents due to evolving needs, communication issues, or unmet expectations. While switching realtors is generally possible, it depends on the specific terms of your current agreement. Understanding these contractual obligations is the first step.

Reviewing Your Current Agreement

Before taking action, examine your current agency agreement. This document, whether a Buyer Broker Agreement or Listing Agreement, outlines the professional relationship and its terms. Exclusive agreements grant a single agent or brokerage sole representation for a specified period, while non-exclusive agreements allow working with multiple agents simultaneously.

Contract duration is a significant factor; agreements often span three to twelve months for listings and buyer representation. Termination clauses specify conditions for early ending, including required notice periods (typically 30 to 60 days) and any associated cancellation fees or penalties. These fees often compensate the agent for marketing expenses or time invested.

A protection period, sometimes called a “brokerage clause” or “safety clause,” is another important provision. This clause states that if the property sells to a buyer introduced by the original agent within a certain timeframe after termination, the original agent may still be entitled to a commission. This period can range from 90 to 180 days post-termination. If any contract terms remain unclear, seeking legal advice is a prudent step.

Steps to Terminate an Agreement

Once you understand your agreement, formally communicate your intent to terminate the relationship. Providing written notice is paramount, whether through email with a read receipt or certified mail, creating a documented record. Adhering to any notice periods stipulated in your contract, such as a 30-day advance notice, is essential to avoid potential breaches.

Arrange for the return of any materials belonging to the agent or brokerage, including property keys, “for sale” signs, and marketing materials. For exclusive agreements, formally request a release from the contract. This document officially severs ties and allows you to engage a new agent without potential legal complications. The release should confirm all parties are discharged, save for any specific clauses that survive termination, like protection periods.

Should disagreements arise or if the agent is uncooperative, attempt to communicate directly with the agent’s managing broker. If internal resolution fails, contact the state real estate commission or board. These regulatory bodies regulate real estate professionals and have established procedures for handling complaints.

Selecting a New Realtor

After terminating your previous agreement, select a new realtor by reflecting on your past experience. Consider what aspects of the previous agent’s service were unsatisfactory and what qualities or services you now prioritize. This introspection helps identify specific needs, such as improved communication, a different marketing strategy, or more specialized market knowledge.

Interview multiple agents to compare their experience, understanding of the local market, and proposed strategies. Inquire about their communication style, availability, and specific plans for achieving your real estate goals. Requesting references from previous clients and reviewing online testimonials or ratings can provide valuable insights into an agent’s reputation and service quality.

Before committing to a new professional relationship, thoroughly review the terms of any new agency agreement. Understand the duration of the new contract, the commission structure, and any clauses related to termination or protection periods. Ensuring complete clarity on these terms before signing helps establish a strong foundation.

Important Considerations After Switching

Once an agent has been successfully switched, several practical implications arise. For sellers, if the property was actively listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the previous agent will typically remove it upon termination. The new agent will then need to create a fresh listing, which may involve new photographs or updated descriptions. This re-listing process can take a few business days.

The transfer of information, such as property details, marketing data, or buyer inquiries, from the old agent to the new one is not automatic. Such transfers typically require your explicit consent and coordination. Maintaining professional communication with your previous agent and their brokerage, even after termination, can help ensure a smoother transition and prevent unnecessary complications.

Consider the potential for multiple commissions. If your previous agreement included a protection period, and the property sells to a buyer introduced by the first agent during the original contract term, you could still owe a commission to that former agent. This would be in addition to the commission owed to your new agent. While switching agents might temporarily extend the transaction timeline, it often leads to a more favorable outcome when the new agent’s approach better aligns with your objectives.