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.
*It’s important to note that all advice given is per WA state. I’m not a lawyer, however there are Neighborhood Legal Clinics available. These legal clinics are free to those who qualify and last 30 minutes which should be enough time to get all of your legal questions answered.
Here’s 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. We want you to know that we appreciate all of your time and efforts. You shouldn’t feel that this reflects negatively on you and we wish you the best in the future.
Sincerely,
Mr/Mrs Foundanot Heragent.
There you go. That’s it. Not mean, not angry…..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. HERE is an article on how to find a quality real estate agent.
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.
It’s awkward, I get it….however, it’s also hundreds of thousands of dollars, your future, your family. It should be very clear exactly where your loyalty is best given.
BUT WHAT IF I SIGNED A BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT???–
Buyer agency agreements are contracts between a buyer and a real estate agent. They spell out how long and in what areas a specific agent will be representing you for. If you’ve signed a buyer agency agreement with an agent, and wish to work with another agent, write an email like the one provided above and that should effectively terminate the agreement. It would be a good idea to 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!