Can I Switch Realtors as a Buyer? What to Know Before You Do

How the new NAR rules affect buyers

The NAR’s 2024 settlement reshaped how buyers and agents work together. Here’s what those updates mean for you:

• Written agreements are now required: Buyers must sign a representation agreement before touring homes with an agent.
• Compensation is transparent: Your agent must clearly explain how they’ll be paid (and by whom) before you begin working together.
• Commission offers are no longer posted on the MLS: That means buyers and agents discuss compensation directly instead of relying on pre-set offers from sellers that used to be posted on the industry’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

These changes give homebuyers more clarity, but also more responsibility. You’re now expected to understand the terms of your agreement and take a more active role in deciding who represents you, and for how long.

Before you make a change, review your agreement

Before you part ways with your Realtor, pause and look over your buyer representation agreement. This document spells out the details of your working relationship. Knowing what’s in it will help you avoid surprises and decide your next move.

Here’s what to look for:

• Exclusivity: Are you committed to one specific agent or to the entire brokerage?
• Duration: Many agreements last 30, 60, or 90 days. You may be closer to the end than you realize.
• Termination clause: Some contracts let you cancel with written notice, while others may include a small fee.
• Compensation terms: Check if you could owe a commission if you buy a home that your current agent showed you.

If anything feels unclear, you can reach out to the brokerage for clarification. In more complex cases, you might want to consult with a real estate attorney before moving forward.

What to include (negotiate) in your buyer-broker agreement

If you’re reading this post because you’re making plans to hire an agent, or you’re switching Realtors and want more flexibility this time around, here are some things to consider.

Before you start touring homes, your agent will ask you to sign a buyer-broker or initial showing agreement, which is now required under the NAR settlement. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept every term as-is. You have a right to request the terms that make sense for you.

Many agents are being flexible, especially with new clients who want to test the waters first. In a HomeLight survey of top buyer’s agents across the country, many said they’re offering short-term agreements — such as 24-hour, weekend, or per-property contracts — before finalizing longer partnerships.

Here’s a look at the key parts of a buyer-broker agreement and what you can negotiate:

Agreement element	What it means	What buyers can request or negotiate
Exclusivity	States whether you’re working only with that agent (or their brokerage) during the term.	Start short: Request a non-exclusive or short-term version at first. You can agree to exclusivity once you’re comfortable.
Duration	The length of the buyer-broker agreement, often 30–90 days.	Test the waters: Ask for a 24-hour, weekend, or 2-week trial before a longer commitment.
Termination clause	Explains how you can end the relationship early and whether any notice or fee applies.	Stay flexible: Negotiate a no-penalty cancellation option with short notice (24–48 hours).
Compensation terms	Outlines how your agent is paid, whether by you, the seller, or through a shared commission.	Ask upfront: Request a clear breakdown and ensure your agent seeks seller-paid compensation first.

You don’t have to lock yourself into a long-term contract before you’re ready. In today’s post-NAR settlement market, most agents understand that they need to earn a client’s trust first, and are happy to begin with short-term agreements or limited showings.

Once you’ve confirmed the fit, you can sign a more traditional 30-, 60-, or 90-day buyer-broker agreement.

Steps to take if switching agents now isn’t an option

If your agreement is still active or your cancellation options are limited because of fees or other contract conditions, here are some steps you can take:

1. Be upfront: Tell your agent what’s not working. Vague frustration helps no one.
2. Set clear expectations: “Please text me updates twice a week” is clearer than “I need better communication.”
3. Request a different agent within the same brokerage: Sometimes chemistry just isn’t there.
4. Revisit your strategy: Change your price range or area to get new momentum.
5. Wait it out: If the agreement ends soon, you’re almost free to restart with a fresh perspective.

For many unsatisfied homebuyers, option 3 is a good solution. While the buyer-broker agreement may keep you tied to the brokerage for the duration of the contract, you may still be able to switch Realtors within that same office. If the issue is personality or communication style, this can be an easy fix.

How to part ways with your agent the right way

If you’ve reviewed your contract and decided that switching now is doable and the best move, you’ll want to take a professional, documented approach. Here are some recommended steps to follow:

1. Review your agreement one more time: Double-check the termination clause and any required notice period.
2. Communicate directly with your agent: Let them know you’ve decided to move in another direction. Keep the tone polite and brief.
3. Confirm in writing: Most brokerages require written notice to make the termination official.
4. Notify the brokerage if needed: Because your agreement may technically be with a brokerage, make sure the office is aware of your decision.
5. Avoid overlap: Don’t tour homes or make offers with a new agent until your termination is confirmed in writing.

It can feel awkward to switch agents, but remember, this is your home search, and you’re in control.

If you’re uncertain about your agreement terms, you may want to consult with a real estate attorney before sending notice. To learn more, see our post: How to Write a Buyer’s Agent Termination Letter.

Finding the right Realtor for your next move

Once you’ve officially ended your previous agreement, it’s time to find an agent who’s a better match for your needs and communication style. But what does “better fit” actually look like? Consider these attributes:

• Local experience: Choose someone who regularly works in your target neighborhoods and understands current pricing trends.
• Clear, proactive communication: Look for an agent who responds promptly, keeps you updated, and anticipates your questions.
• Transparency under the new rules: Your agent should clearly explain how their compensation works and what you can expect to pay — before you sign anything.
• Compatibility: The right agent listens to your goals and tailors their approach, whether you’re focused on timing, negotiation strength, or finding hidden gems.

If you’re not sure where to start, HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool can help you connect with top-performing Realtors in your area. We analyze more than 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to match you with agents who have proven experience helping buyers like you.

To help you with your fresh start, check out our post: Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Buyer’s Agent.

Conclusion: You can switch Realtors as a buyer

If your current Realtor partnership isn’t helping you move forward, take control. Review your agreement, talk things through, or, if needed, make a clean, professional switch. In some cases, you might find a better match within the same brokerage.

In closing, we offer this insight: HomeLight partners with nearly 30,000 of the nation’s top-rated real estate agents. If you hire an experienced, full-service Realtor and start to have concerns, an honest conversation and clear communication can, in most cases, resolve miscommunications or performance issues.

If you haven’t yet hired an agent and are researching your options before signing a contract, start by using HomeLight’s Agent Match tool to find your best fit. It’s designed to connect you with top-performing agents from day one.

To learn more, visit HomeLight’s Homebuyer Resource Center, where you can search for answers to any question that’s on your mind.

For more buyer resources, try our free online calculators:

• Home Affordability Calculator
• Down Payment Calculator
• Closing Costs Calculator
• Earnest Money Calculator
• Mortgage Payment Calculator
• Home Value Estimator

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