Sometimes, despite your best efforts to filter and choose a real estate agent, you find yourself working with someone who just isn’t cutting it and end up in a situation where you would rather work with someone else. You shouldn’t feel bad about this and trust me, it’s not your fault. No matter how many showings/offers/emails/phone calls you’ve shared with your agent, you must remember, THAT IS THEIR JOB! You don’t owe them anything, but you do owe yourself and your family the very best representation you can find.
Here is the easiest and most painless way to fire your real estate agent:
WRITE AN EMAIL
You may think that a phone call should suffice, however, it’s prudent to have proof of your intentions and your exact words. Email is the most professional way to do this. Again, I want to be very clear: You are not saying that your agent is a bad person or has been fraudulent(unless they are/have).
You are simply explaining that they’re not the BEST fit for YOU.
Here’s a sample email that you could copy/paste and edit to your specific situation:
(Agent),
We wanted to thank you for the work you’ve put in helping us look for a home. At this time we are going to stop working with you as our agent and move in another direction. Please let us know if there is anything else needed for us to terminate our buyer agreement with you. We want you to know that we appreciate all of your time and effort. You shouldn’t feel that this reflects negatively on you and we wish you the best in the future.
Sincerely,
Mr/Mrs Found Anotheragent.
There you go. Simple and to the point. You don’t need to talk to them in person or on the phone ever again.
YOU DON’T OWE THEM ANYTHING, BUT YOU DO OWE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY THE BEST!
After all, you most likely don’t hate this person or wish them ill, you just deserve the best and they’re not the best for you.
I have personally witnessed many home-buyers and sellers stick with a sub-par agent out of a false sense of loyalty. This can cost you big time in the form of money, time, lost offers, stress and possibly legal fees.
It’s awkward, I get it. However, it’s also hundreds of thousands of dollars, your future, and your family. It should be very clear exactly where your loyalty is.
BUT WHAT IF I SIGNED A BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT???–
Buyer agency agreements are contracts between a buyer and a real estate firm/agent. As of Jan. 1st 2024, these are required by law. They spell out how long the agreement is for, in what areas, and how commissions will be paid and how much they will be among other items. If you’ve signed a buyer agency agreement with an agent, and wish to cease having them represent you, write an email like the one provided above and tell them you wish to terminate the agreement. Most likely, the agent wouldn’t want to continue that relationship either…However, you should always consult with a real estate attorney to ensure you’re following the correct steps.
So there you go. Easy. Simple. Professional. There is absolutely no reason that you should continue working with an agent who is not performing up to the standard that you feel they should be.
You don’t owe any agent anything, but you do owe yourself and your family the very best!
*This is not legal advice and is only intended for WA state residents.