Some buyers and sellers wonder whether having more than one realtor might speed things up or solve issues their current agent can’t.
You can work with multiple realtors, but only when they’re collaborating — such as a co-listing or an agent team — or when they’re handling separate transactions (e.g., one agent sells your home while a different agent helps you buy a new one).
What you can’t do is hire multiple agents to compete for the same deal. In nearly every market, that’s a contract violation and often leads to confusion and legal disputes.
For most people, choosing one strong, experienced agent is the safest path.
An easy way to find one is through a free service like Clever Real Estate. Clever vets agents across the U.S. and can match you with top performers in your area. You can compare profiles, interview as many agents as you like, and only move forward if someone feels like the right fit. Just answer a few quick questions to get matched.
Can you have more than one realtor?
Whether you can work with multiple agents depends almost entirely on what you’ve signed or agreed to, and what type of transaction you’re in.
When it’s not legal or allowed
In many cases, you cannot hire multiple agents at the same time because your contract gives one agent exclusive rights to represent you.
These are common agreements that prevent hiring a second agent:
- Exclusive right-to-sell listing agreement (sellers): This is the standard listing agreement. Once you sign it, your listing agent has the exclusive right to market the property and earn a commission if it sells. Hiring another agent during this period violates the contract.
- Exclusive buyer agency agreement (buyers): Some buyers sign contracts giving one agent the exclusive right to represent them. Trying to work with a second buyer’s agent may breach the agreement.
- Verbal agreements may still matter (state-dependent): In some states, even a verbal promise to work exclusively with an agent can create enforceable obligations. Buyers and sellers should assume that once they’ve committed to someone, switching gets complicated.
Violating an agreement can lead to commission claims or legal disputes, liability for paying two agents, or difficulties closing a transaction if both agents claim to be the “procuring cause.”
Multiple listing service (MLS) restrictions also block dual representation. The MLS (database of listings) doesn't allow a property to be listed by two agents at the same time. If two agents try to enter the same listing into the database, the MLS can reject it or flag it for violation of local rules.
When it’s legal to have more than one realtor
Certain types of contracts don’t restrict you to a single agent, though finding agents who agree to this is often difficult.
Open listing agreements (sellers): An open listing allows the seller to work with multiple listing agents at the same time. Whoever finds the buyer earns the commission. However:
- Most agents avoid open listings because there's a high risk of not getting paid
- Agents who accept them typically invest far less time and money into marketing
- Service quality is usually lower
Co-listing arrangements (sellers): A co-listing involves two agents — usually from the same brokerage — who jointly market the home and split the commission. This is usually done when:
- Both agents bring different strengths (e.g., luxury or local neighborhood expertise)
- One agent is mentoring a new agent
- Sharing responsibilities allows agents more time to provide better service to their clients
Non-exclusive buyer agreements (buyers): Some buyer contracts are non-exclusive, allowing a buyer to work with multiple agents. This is more common:
- In competitive rental markets
- With relocation clients exploring multiple areas
- With buyers unsure about committing to one agent
Still, many agents decline non-exclusive buyers because they can invest hours into showings and never be paid if another agent writes the offer.
Working with an agent team: Large teams operate collaboratively. You may interact with multiple agents for showings, paperwork, and negotiations. This is allowed because they operate under one brokerage or group and under one contract.
Why having more than one realtor is usually a bad idea
Aside from co-listings and team settings, using multiple agents for the same deal nearly always backfires. Some reasons include:
- Inconsistent communication and guidance. Two agents who aren’t coordinating can give conflicting recommendations, send overlapping updates, or move at different speeds. This often results in duplicate showings, contradictory market reports, and uncertainty about whose guidance to trust.
- Lower agent motivation. Agents invest significant time, money, and effort into their clients. If they believe they’re competing with another agent for the same commission, they may deprioritize your listing or search because the odds of getting paid are low.
- Risk of commission disputes. If both agents feel they were the “procuring cause” of the sale, you may find yourself caught between competing claims, sometimes owing commission to both.
- Conflicting strategies. Agents may disagree on pricing, negotiation tactics, marketing plans, or timing. Instead of getting “double the expertise,” you get two competing playbooks that make it harder to move confidently.
- No added benefit for most people. Whether you’re buying or selling, one strong agent can provide all the strategic support you need. A second agent often just duplicates the same outreach, analyses, and recommendations, without offering any real advantage.
Situations where using multiple agents can make sense
Having two competing agents for one transaction (e.g., two listing agreements for the same property) is almost never workable. However, using multiple agents across different transactions, properties, or specialties is normal, and sometimes essential.
Here are situations where working with more than one agent makes sense:
- Using one agent to sell and another to buy. It’s common to use different agents for each side of your move. One may be a strong listing strategist, while another may specialize in buyer representation. If you’re staying in the same market, using the same agent for both can be an advantage — they already understand your needs and timeline — but it's not required.
- Managing multiple properties at once. Investors or homeowners with more than one property often use different agents so no single agent becomes overwhelmed, which can slow results.
- Handling different types of real estate. Residential agents, luxury specialists, investment-focused agents, and commercial brokers all work differently. If your transactions span categories, you may need distinct agents with expertise in each.
- Working across different geographic markets. If you're selling in one state and buying in another, you’ll usually need separate agents since agents are licensed by state. Even across counties or metro areas, local expertise can vary widely.
- When your current relationship is stalling (but you’re still under an exclusive contract). If you’re unhappy with your current agent, you can interview others while waiting for your agreement to expire or be formally terminated. You can't hire the new agent until the first contract is canceled.
- Co-listings and teams. These scenarios involve multiple agents, but under one contract and working collaboratively. They add value because the agents coordinate, rather than compete.
Alternatives to using two agents
If you're thinking about doubling up to get better results, consider these options instead:
- Interview multiple agents upfront. Compare strategies, reviews, references, communication styles, and experience before signing anything. This is the easiest way to avoid choosing the wrong agent.
- Ask your current agent for improvements. Great agents welcome feedback. If you’re not satisfied with your service, be direct. Ask for more frequent updates, clearer pricing strategies, adjusted marketing, or better communication.
- Terminate the contract (or wait it out). If you’re under contract and unhappy, request termination. If the agent won’t agree, you may need to wait for the agreement to expire. You can also contact the managing broker for help.
How to terminate a contract with an agent
Terminating depends on your contract type and state laws, but the general steps are simple:
- Review your agreement. Look for cancellation clauses or fees.
- Request termination in writing. Explain why you want to end the relationship.
- Wait for formal release paperwork. You can't start working with someone else until this is signed.
- Document communication. Keep records in case disputes arise.
Just be aware that some agreements include cancellation fees, especially for sellers.
For more in-depth info, read our guide on how to terminate a contract with your real estate agent.
Why your best bet is usually one great agent
Most buyers and sellers succeed with one strong, experienced agent because:
- You get consistent communication
- Your agent is fully motivated
- There’s no confusion over contracts or commission
- You avoid delays caused by disputes
- You receive clear, unified advice for your goals
So, how do you find the best real estate agent for your situation? Here are a few qualities to look for:
- Deep experience in your local market
- Strong negotiation and marketing skills
- A communication style that fits your needs
- Strong reviews, references, and proven results
- A strategy tailored to the type of home you’re buying or selling
If you want an easy, low-risk way to find the right agent, Clever Real Estate can match you with several vetted, top-performing local agents. You can interview as many as you’d like, with no obligation to sign. Just answer a few short questions to get connected with trustworthy realtors near you — for free.
