Can You Switch Realtors as a Seller? Red Flags and Next Steps
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Richard Haddad Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
If you’ve been working on selling your home, it’s likely consumed the lion’s share of your thoughts and time. You’ve planned, prepared, and tried to hire a reliable real estate agent. But now you’re not so sure you have the right person on your team. Can you switch Realtors as a seller?
Maybe your house has been sitting on the market without much activity, or you’re frustrated by poor communication. In this post, we’ll break down when it makes sense to switch, what to check in your contract, and what alternatives you have if you don’t want to (or can’t) change agents right now.
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Can you switch Realtors as a seller?
Yes, sellers can switch Realtors, but it isn’t always as simple as walking away. When you hired your agent, you likely signed a listing agreement. This contract spells out the length of your agreement and what happens if you try to cancel early.
Most agreements last 3–6 months and are “exclusive,” which means you can’t just hire another agent to sell the same property while the contract is active. If you do, your first agent may still be entitled to a commission.
Switching is possible, but you’ll want to review your agreement carefully to avoid unexpected costs or legal headaches.
Signs it might be time to switch Realtors
Sometimes, it’s clear your current agent isn’t the right fit. Here are some red flags that may signal it’s time to explore your options:
- Lack of communication: You struggle to get updates, your questions go unanswered, or the agent doesn’t ask you any questions.
- Few or no showings: Your home isn’t being actively marketed to buyers and hasn’t received an offer, while other nearby homes are selling.
- Overpricing with no results: Your agent recommended a price that’s clearly too high, and they haven’t adjusted the strategy.
- Unprofessional behavior: Missed appointments, late arrivals, or dismissive treatment leave you feeling undervalued.
- The agent seems dishonest: You sense you’re getting misleading information, or that your agent is hiding things and not following the Realtor Code of Ethics.
- Real estate is their side gig: You’re only getting part-time or hobby effort, and your home sale doesn’t seem to be a priority.
- No clear plan: You don’t see a marketing strategy, and the agent fails to provide you with reliable and accurate data.
- Unfamiliar with the market: This red flag may not surface until later and often goes hand in hand with an inexperienced or side-gig agent.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth asking whether your agent is truly helping you move toward a successful sale.
What to check before you switch Realtors
Before you pull the plug, take a closer look at your listing agreement and be certain you fully understand the terms. The specific conditions you agreed to will determine whether you can move forward with a switch or if you must wait out your agreement or explore alternatives.
Some of the key details to check include:
- Contract length: Many last 3–6 months. You may be close to the end already.
- Termination clause: Some contracts allow you to cancel with written notice, while others may require a fee.
- Protection period: Even after ending the agreement, your agent could still earn a commission if you sell to a buyer they introduced.
- Brokerage flexibility: In some cases, you might be able to switch to a different agent within the same brokerage instead of canceling entirely.
If you’re not satisfied with your listing agent and they’re part of an established brokerage, the final contract item on our list above may be your best option, especially if you are early in the process.
Larger brokerages typically employ agents with a range of experience, skills, and certifications that might be a better fit for you. Sometimes, it’s a matter of finding a Realtor whose communication style better matches yours.
Alternatives if you don’t want to (or can’t) switch Realtors
Even if you’re unhappy, switching Realtors isn’t always possible. Your contract might still be active, or you may decide you’d rather try to make things work. In either case, here are some ways to proceed:
- Have a candid conversation: Sometimes, your agent doesn’t realize you’re frustrated. Share what isn’t working and set clearer expectations for communication, marketing, or pricing.
- Request a new agent within the brokerage: If your main issue is with your individual agent, not the company, the brokerage may assign someone else to your listing.
- Refresh your listing strategy: Adjusting price, updating photos, or staging your home can sometimes breathe new life into a stale listing.
- Wait out the agreement: If you’re close to the end of your contract, it may be simpler to finish the term and then hire someone new.
- Consider nontraditional options: If you’re under pressure to sell quickly, you might explore a direct cash buyer option like HomeLight’s Simple Sale, which lets you bypass the listing process entirely.
Even if switching isn’t possible right now, you can take steps to improve your situation or prepare to start fresh once your agreement ends.
How to switch Realtors the right way
If you’ve reviewed your agreement and decided switching is the best move, here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Communicate your concerns first: Give your current agent a chance to address your frustrations. You may find a solution without needing to cancel.
- Request termination in writing: If you still want out, send a written notice following the terms of your agreement. This helps protect you from disputes later.
- Stay professional: Even if you’re frustrated, avoid burning bridges. Your former agent may still be involved in some way, especially if they introduced buyers to your home.
- Confirm with the brokerage: In many cases, your listing agreement is technically with the brokerage, not just the individual agent. Make sure all parties sign off on the termination.
If you’re unsure, consider consulting a legal advisor before moving forward.
Choosing your next Realtor wisely
Once you’ve ended one relationship, you’ll want to avoid winding up in the same situation again. Here’s what to look for in your next agent:
- Proven experience in your area: Ask about recent sales in your neighborhood, average days on market, and sale-to-list price ratios.
- Fitting communication style: Find someone who matches your preferred way of staying in touch, whether that’s phone calls, texts, or emails.
- Solid marketing plan: Your next agent should be able to explain how they’ll market your home beyond just putting it on the MLS.
- Clear alignment with your goals: Whether speed or top dollar is more important to you, your agent should tailor their approach accordingly.
HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool can help you connect with top-performing agents in your city. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on real data, so you don’t have to rely on guesswork.
You can switch Realtors as a seller, but have a plan
If your Realtor isn’t meeting your expectations, you do have options, but it’s wise to know what steps to take first.
- Start by recognizing why you feel you need to switch Realtors. Make a list of the red flags, and consider whether they are complete walls or if there are ways to resolve your concerns with the agent or their brokerage. Decide whether to work things out, wait for your agreement to end, or make a clean switch.
- If you are certain you want to make a change, review your contract and weigh your alternatives. You may want to consult with a legal advisor.
- If you do move on, hire a new agent with a strong track record and communication style that fits your expectations. Have a list of questions you want to ask the agent before signing a new agreement.
To learn more, visit HomeLight’s Seller Resource Center, where you can search for answers to any question that’s on your mind.
Header Illustration Base Photo Source: (Ronnie George / Unsplash)
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
