How to Change Realtors When Selling Your Home

Changing real estate agents when selling a home is a decision many property owners consider. While transitioning to a new professional might seem daunting, understanding the steps involved can simplify the process. This shift is manageable when approached with an informed perspective, allowing sellers to navigate their home sale with confidence and find the right partnership.

Understanding Your Current Agreement

Before initiating any changes, property owners should review their existing real estate listing agreement. This document outlines the terms and conditions governing the relationship with the current agent and brokerage. Listing agreements often span three to six months, but this timeframe can vary. Understanding this commitment dictates the earliest natural conclusion of the agreement.

The agreement will contain termination clauses detailing conditions for early cancellation. These often specify notice periods and any associated financial penalties, such as withdrawal or cancellation fees. Such fees are generally intended to cover the agent’s upfront marketing expenses and invested time.

Identify the type of agreement, most commonly an “exclusive right-to-sell” agreement, which grants the agent commission regardless of who finds the buyer. This contrasts with an “exclusive agency” agreement, where the seller can avoid commission if they find the buyer independently. The commission structure is usually a percentage of the final sale price, split between the listing and buyer’s agents. Locating the signed original listing agreement is important, as it guides all contractual obligations and rights.

The Process of Termination

Formally ending a real estate agreement requires adhering to the terms outlined in the listing contract. Provide a formal written notice of termination to the current agent and their brokerage. This document should explicitly state the intent to terminate, the desired effective date, and reference the specific clauses permitting such action.

Follow any notice periods and methods of delivery stipulated in the contract, such as certified mail. After formal notice, arrange for the return of any property belonging to the agent, including lockboxes, yard signs, or keys. This ensures a clean break and avoids potential disputes regarding property access or security.

Confirm the termination is acknowledged and processed by the brokerage. This might involve obtaining a signed release form. Without this, the seller could remain obligated under the initial contract, potentially owing commission to the former agent even after engaging a new one. Direct communication with the brokerage’s managing broker can facilitate this formal release if issues persist.

Securing New Representation

Once the current agreement’s termination process is underway or completed, sellers can engage new representation. Ensure the previous agreement is fully terminated or will expire before the new listing agreement commences. This prevents potential disputes over commissions or dual representation. Careful timing in this transition is key to avoiding financial complications.

When reviewing a new listing agreement, pay close attention to the commission structure, the term, and the agent’s responsibilities. Understand how the new agent plans to market the property, the proposed listing price, and any conditions for early termination. Sellers might seek more flexible terms or clearer performance benchmarks in the new agreement.

Provide the new agent with full disclosure about the previous agent and agreement. This helps the new agent understand any historical context and address potential issues, such as a protected buyer list. A protected buyer clause means the original agent may still be entitled to a commission if a buyer they introduced purchases the home within a specified period after termination.

Transitioning Listing Details and Property Access

After securing new representation, transfer listing details and property access. The new agent will gather property information, including photographs, descriptions, and virtual tours. While some previous marketing materials might be usable, copyright for photos typically rests with the photographer. The new agent may need permission to use existing images or arrange new photography.

The property’s status on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) must be updated. The previous agent will change the listing status to “Terminated” or “Withdrawn.” The new agent will then create a new listing, ensuring all details are accurate and comply with MLS rules. This may include a reset of the “Days on Market” count if the property has been off-market for a sufficient period, often 60 days. This transition ensures that the property is visible to prospective buyers and their agents under the correct representation.

Manage physical access to the property. Coordinate the return of the old lockbox and keys, and install a new lockbox or alternative access method. Remove all signage and marketing materials from the previous agent, and install new signage. Redirect any inquiries from potential buyers or agents to the new agent.