How to Change Realtors When You Are a Buyer

Changing real estate agents often stems from communication mismatches, differing expectations, or slow progress in the home search. A smooth transition requires understanding your initial agreement and the formal steps to conclude the professional engagement.

Understanding Your Buyer-Broker Agreement

Before changing real estate agents, review your existing buyer-broker agreement. These legally binding contracts define the terms of your professional relationship with a real estate broker. A crucial element is the specified duration, outlining how long you are exclusively committed to that agent or brokerage (typically a few months to a year).

Many buyer-broker agreements contain exclusivity clauses. These obligate the buyer to work solely with the named agent for property searches and transactions within a defined period and area. This prevents engaging other agents or directly approaching sellers during the agreement’s term. Understand this exclusivity before considering new representation.

Termination clauses detail the conditions for ending the agreement early. These often specify required notice periods, such as 30 days written notice, or potential penalties for early termination. Some agreements may allow termination for cause, like an agent’s breach of duty, or without cause, subject to specific terms.

Compensation clauses outline how the agent earns their commission. A common provision is a “protection period” or “procuring cause” clause. This means if you purchase a property shown by the original agent within a certain timeframe (e.g., 90 to 180 days) after termination, the original agent may still be entitled to commission. This clause protects the agent’s efforts.

Some agreements include dispute resolution clauses, dictating mediation or arbitration before legal action. Identifying these specific terms—duration, exclusivity, termination conditions, compensation obligations, and dispute resolution—provides the necessary framework to proceed thoughtfully.

Formally Ending the Relationship

After understanding your buyer-broker agreement, formally end the professional relationship. Provide written notification to your current real estate agent and their brokerage. This communication should state your intent to terminate the agreement, referencing the contract and its effective termination date.

Send this formal notification via a method that provides proof of delivery, such as certified mail or email with confirmation. The written correspondence should be concise, professional, and adhere to any specific notice periods outlined in the agreement’s termination clause, which commonly ranges from 15 to 30 days. Failing to provide adequate notice could delay termination or lead to disputes.

Document all communications related to the termination. This includes copies of the written notice, delivery confirmations, and responses from the agent or brokerage. Maintaining a detailed record provides a clear timeline and evidence if misunderstandings or disputes arise later.

Return any materials provided by the agent, such as property keys or informational documents. This is a necessary procedural step to ensure a clean break. Confirming the return of these items can prevent future issues.

Maintain professional communication throughout this process, even if dissatisfied. A respectful tone helps ensure a smoother transition and avoids unnecessary antagonism. This approach can also facilitate a more cooperative process, especially if lingering aspects of the agreement, such as a protection period, need addressing.

Moving Forward with a New Realtor

After formally ending the relationship with your previous agent, you can engage a new real estate professional. Select a new agent by considering their experience in your desired market, communication style, and any specializations that align with your needs, such as expertise in a particular property type or neighborhood. A new agent should demonstrate a clear understanding of your preferences and a proactive approach to the home search.

Communicate past interactions and any lingering obligations from the previous buyer-broker agreement to your new realtor. This includes disclosing properties viewed with the former agent or any offers previously made. Providing this information helps the new agent avoid showing properties that might still fall under the previous agent’s “protection period” clause, preventing potential commission disputes between brokerages.

Communicate clearly with the new agent to avoid potential dual agency issues, where both the old and new realtors might claim commission on the same property. This situation typically arises if a property seen with the previous agent is purchased with the new agent during the former’s protection period. Discussing such scenarios proactively allows the new agent to navigate these complexities and ensures transparency.

Before committing to a new partnership, review the new buyer-broker agreement with the prospective realtor. Ensure you understand all terms, including duration, exclusivity, termination clauses, and compensation. Ask questions and seek clarification on any ambiguous clauses before signing to establish a clear understanding of the new professional relationship.