One of the biggest decisions you can make when buying or selling a home is choosing the right real estate agent. You need a reliable person who you’re compatible with and who will help you achieve your goals. Unfortunately, sometimes the partnership that you once thought was great may no longer be working. Perhaps it’s due to a clash of personalities, or maybe you feel your agent is not holding up their end of the bargain. Whatever the reason may be, you need to know how to properly handle the situation. 
 
As you much as you may like, you can’t just pick up the phone and tell your agent it’s over, especially once a contractual agreement is signed. Keep in mind, if you signed a listing agreement that included termination fees, legally, you are still obliged to pay those. Here are some tips for how to break up with your real estate agent.
  
Second Chance?
First, take the opportunity to reflect on your role as a client. Have you made it difficult for them? Are you partial to blame? Take the next step and see if you can work things out with your agent. Once you’ve expressed your feelings, most agents will want the opportunity to see how or if they can fix the fractured relationship.
 
Terminate The Contract
If it doesn’t seem like a second chance is an option at this point, propose the idea of an amicable release from your real estate contract. Most agents will not want to keep a client trapped in a situation.
 
Book An Appointment With Their Brokerage
Was your agent unwilling to cooperate? Book an appointment with the owner or manager of the company they work for. Explain your reasons for wanting to terminate with concrete examples of why this partnership is no longer serving you. Let them know your plans. Are you wanting to terminate with the agent and work with another agent in the same company or are you looking to switch companies entirely? Although some brokerage may act as their agent, most will make the wise decision of cutting ties at this time because they know that negative experiences travel quickly by word of mouth and could reflect poorly on their business.
 
Let The Contract Expire
If all else fails, you could let it expire, at which point, you’ll be able to sign with another agent. This option creates little drama.
 
Breaching the contract is also an option. You should only choose this option if they have truly failed their duties because a breach of contract can lead to a lawsuit. Make smart moves.

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JOSHUA CAMPBELL (@knowledgebrkr)
Real Estate Broker
Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre, Brokerage
joshua@knowledgebroker.ca
249 Avenue Road • Newmarket, ON L3Y 1N8
289.231.0001