How to Switch Real Estate Agents

Buying or selling a house is a big deal, and the last thing you need is a real estate agent who isn’t doing their job well. Whether they're failing to market your house properly or not returning your calls, you might feel like you're permanently stuck.

Luckily, there are multiple ways out. Depending on your contract, you can wait for the agreement to expire, contact the broker, ask for a formal early release, and more.

Here, we’ll walk you through all your options, plus give you simple scripts and steps to take to professionally cancel your partnership with your real estate agent and get your move back on track.

How to switch real estate agents if you haven't signed a contract

If you’ve only talked with a realtor a few times and haven’t actually signed a buyer agency agreement or listing agreement yet, you are free to walk away at any time.

How do you tell a realtor you chose someone else?

Let them know as soon as you can so they don’t waste time trying to win your business when you’ve already moved on. The best way to break the news depends on how much you’ve interacted:

• Text message: Acceptable only if you’ve strictly communicated via text and have only met once (or not at all).
• Email: A good option if you want to keep things brief and professional while avoiding an awkward, real-time conversation.
• Phone call: This is the most respectful route, especially if they’ve spent a few hours answering your questions or giving you specific neighborhood advice.

When you reach out, try to be polite, clear, and firm. If you have a solid reason, like needing someone with more neighborhood expertise or a different work style, feel free to share it. Even if you don’t mention it up front, be prepared for them to ask you why you’re choosing someone else.

Here’s a quick script you can use:

Hi [Agent’s name], thank you so much for the time and expertise you’ve shared with me. I’m reaching out to let you know that I’ve decided to move forward with another realtor who’s a better fit for my needs right now. I really appreciate your help!

Remember that realtors are natural negotiators. They may try to change your mind or ask for another chance. To handle this well, hold your ground: I appreciate your time, but I’ve already made my decision. Thank you again.

How to switch real estate agents if you have signed a contract

If you have already signed a contract, things get more complicated. Now, you are legally bound to the terms of that agreement for a set time period.

For buyers, the rules officially changed after the 2024 NAR settlement. Buyers are now legally required to sign a representation agreement before they can even tour a home with a realtor. So, if an agent has physically shown you a house, you've most likely signed a contract with them.

The good news is it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re locked in long-term. Some agents use property-specific or non-exclusive agreements, which means you may be free to work with other agents.

Sellers typically have to sign an exclusive listing agreement the moment they partner with an agent to put their house on the market.

Regardless of whether you’re buying or selling, switching realtors at this stage is not as easy as sending a quick email. But don’t panic. Life happens, and agreements get canceled or modified all the time. Here is how to navigate the legal terms you agreed to.

First step: Review your contract

Before you send any emails or make any phone calls, pull out your contract and read the fine print. Your agreement will completely dictate your next steps.

If you want to change agents after signing a contract, look for these specific sections in the document:

• The expiration date: How long are you tied to this agent? Representation agreements for both buyers and sellers typically last 3–6 months. If the contract expires in just a few weeks, sometimes the easiest option is to simply wait it out.
• Early termination clause: Your contract should state whether you can walk away early and exactly how to do so.[1] Some agreements let you out for free with advanced written notice, while others charge you an early cancellation fee.
• The protection period: This clause aims to protect agents after a contract expires. “It ensures that if a seller sells their home to a buyer introduced by the original agent within a certain time frame after termination (e.g., 30–90 days), the original agent is still owed a commission,” shares Matt Brown, broker associate at William Raveis.
• Agent duties: This outlines the responsibilities your real estate agent has agreed to. If they are clearly failing to meet their contractual obligations (like never being available for showings), you have much stronger grounds to break a contract without a penalty.
• Who the contract is actually with: It’s common for contracts to be with the brokerage (like a specific Compass or RE/MAX office), not an individual agent. In this case, you may be able to swap agents within the same office without breaking the contract.

Option 1: Give your agent feedback and the opportunity to change

In some cases, talking to a real estate agent may be enough to fix the issue. Ask yourself, “Is this miscommunication and misaligned expectations, or a fundamental lack of skills?” A good agent can easily adjust their approach: for example, if you prefer to be more involved in the process.

If you decide to go this route, here’s a short action plan:

1. Prepare for the conversation in advance. It’s a good idea to write down your talking points, so you stay on track and keep things professional.
2. Have the conversation. Be polite and clear about your expectations going forward. Make sure you are on the same page and that your agent understands exactly what needs to change.
3. Get it in writing. To be safe, always back up your conversations with a paper trail. Send a short email that describes what you discussed and what you agreed to. If you end up having to escalate the issue later, you will need this evidence to prove you gave them a chance to fix things.

✅ When it makes sense: If the issue is easily fixable. For example, if they show you homes somewhat above your budget, and they need a reminder about your preferences. Or, if you prefer more frequent phone updates after showings instead of short text messages.

❌ When it doesn’t make sense: If the problem is fundamental. If you are not happy with your agent’s negotiation skills or professionalism, or if there’s been a major legal issue (like missing an important deadline), it may be safer to move straight to breaking the contract.

Taking this route will help you avoid all the hassle of breaking the contract and will keep your home search or sale on track. However, your work relationship may feel awkward for a bit afterward, and you risk wasting more time if your agent still doesn’t improve.

Option 2: Wait out the contract

Did you look at your agreement and notice that you only have a couple of weeks left? If so, simply letting the clock run out might be your easiest option.

Weigh some pros and cons:

• The pros: Going this route means you don’t have to pay early cancellation fees, and you get a guaranteed clean break without any legal issues.
• The cons: It can delay your entire timeline. If you’re a seller, your house will simply sit on the market. If you’re a buyer, you risk missing out on your dream home while you wait.

Even if you choose this option, you can’t just sit back and do nothing. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

1. Check the exact expiration date (and exclusivity). Confirm the exact date your contract ends. If you’re a buyer, double-check whether your contract is exclusive or non-exclusive. If it’s non-exclusive, you may be free to tour other homes with a different agent right now, as long as it’s not a house your first agent already showed you.
2. Notify your realtor. It is highly recommended to let them know you will not be continuing your partnership. Ideally, have a quick phone conversation first, and then send a brief email stating that you won’t be renewing the agreement and would like to pause all active home searching or marketing efforts until it expires.
3. Prep your next move. You can start interviewing new realtors, but do not sign a new agreement before your previous one officially runs out. “This can cause the homeowner to owe commissions to both agents if the property sells,” warns Brown.

✅ When it makes sense: Your contract expires very soon, and you have no urgent timeline to move.

❌ When it doesn’t make sense: You still have plenty of time left on the agreement (e.g., two months), or you're on a strict deadline and need to move quickly.

Even if you allow the contract to expire, remember the protection period. If your agent found the buyer (or introduced you to the home you eventually buy) before the contract expired, you may still owe them a commission even if the transaction happens after the contract ends.

Option 3: Ask your agent to release you from the contract early

Is it time for a hard conversation? Before you pick up the phone, look at the cancellation clause and see if there’s a fee. “Many agents will let you walk to avoid a bad reputation,” mentions John Gluch, founder of Gluch Group at eXp Realty, “but some may try to charge a cancellation fee or a protection period commission.”

If an agent charges a fee, it’s usually to recoup some out-of-pocket marketing expenses like listing fees or photography, which typically range from $200 to $500. Generally, it’s best to let them know as soon as possible. The more time and money they invest, the more reluctant they may be to let you go.

Here’s how to talk to your agent:

1. Prepare for the conversation. Double-check your contract so you aren’t caught off guard by cancellation fees or other terms.
2. Make the call. Keep it polite and professional. Look at the script below if you need some help.
3. Send a follow-up email. Write a quick note that requests an early termination of the agreement in writing.
4. Sign the paperwork. According to Brown, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is “not having a signed, written termination agreement” and thinking that you’re off the hook. You are not officially released until you and a managing broker have signed a formal cancellation.

Here’s a quick script you can use:

Hi [Agent’s name], I’m calling to let you know that I’ve decided to go in a different direction. I really appreciate all your time and effort, but I don’t think our partnership is working for me. [Give a reason or two.] I’d like to formally request to be released from our agreement early. Can we get the termination paperwork started?

✅ When it makes sense: You’ve clearly communicated your issues, but things haven’t improved. The relationship is still respectful, and you're willing to pay a small fee to walk away.

❌ When it doesn’t make sense: You only have a few days left in your contract, or your agent is difficult and likely to refuse (though it’s still worth trying first).

“My best piece of advice for anyone feeling ignored is to stop waiting for things to change and have the conversation right away. A lot of people make the mistake of ignoring their agent while looking at houses with someone else, which is a recipe for a massive legal headache later on,” says Gluch.

Option 4: Contact the broker

Buyer and seller agreements are typically signed between the client and the brokerage, not an individual agent. So, if you like the brokerage in general, “ask the managing broker to reassign you to a higher-performing agent within the same firm,” advises Gluch. “This is often the smoothest path because the brokerage stays happy, and you get the upgrade in service you need without a legal dispute.”

Choosing this path means you don’t have to wait out the clock, worry about the protection period, or pay early cancellation fees.

If you think talking with a broker is your best bet, here’s what to do:

1. Look up the managing broker. Search the agency’s website for your specific local office.
2. Prepare for the conversation. Put together emails, texts, the timeline of events, and any other proof you have.
3. Make the pitch. Call the broker and state clearly whether you want to be reassigned to a different agent or if you want a complete release from your contract.

If you contact the brokerage asking for reassignment or termination, they will likely ask for proof that your current agent isn’t fulfilling their duties. This is where your paper trail comes in handy. Be ready to show:

• Unanswered calls or text messages
• The feedback you gave your agent that they ignored
• Failure to schedule requested viewings

✅ When it makes sense: You have differences with your agent, but you otherwise like the brokerage. It could also work if the agent has completely ignored their duties, you want to leave, and you need higher-up intervention to get the contract canceled.

❌ When it doesn’t make sense: Your agent is the managing broker and owns the individual firm.

Option 5: Take legal action

As a true last resort, you may consider taking your agent to court. However, this is rarely worth the hassle.

Lawsuits are expensive, stressful, and time-consuming. In almost all cases, your hourly legal fees will far exceed whatever early cancellation fee the brokerage is trying to charge. Plus, your contract likely has a dispute resolution clause that legally requires you to go through formal mediation and arbitration before you can even file a lawsuit.

So when is it actually worth it? Legal action is on the table for illegal activity or severe violations of the NAR Code of Ethics,[2] not just because your agent was bad at returning phone calls or negotiating the right price. Valid reasons to proceed can include:

• Fair Housing violations: If the agent discriminated against you or another party.
• Gross negligence or fraud: If they lied about a significant property defect or mishandled your earnest money deposit.
• Breach of fiduciary duty: If they secretly represented both the buyer and the seller without your consent.

If you believe your agent crossed a serious legal or ethical line, your best next step is to talk to a real estate attorney to see if you have a case and it’s worth proceeding. You can also file a complaint with your local real estate board, state licensing department, or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.[3]

How to find a great new agent

Take time to thoroughly vet and interview potential candidates before signing another agreement.

Here's what to look for to find the right agent:

• Deep local knowledge: They know your specific area and have a network of trusted professionals who can help in the buying or selling process. These could include home inspectors, painters, photographers, and landscapers.
• Relevant experience: For example, some agents specialize in luxury homes. Others work mostly with first-time buyers.
• Full-time availability: Look for an agent whose career lies in real estate. Part-time agents often have less experience and limited availability.
• Proactive communication: During your interview, ask how and when they will keep you updated. Ensure their style matches your expectations.
• A proven track record: Ask them to provide references from past clients and do your due diligence by checking reviews on third-party sites.
• Professionalism and trustworthiness: Trust your gut. A good realtor will listen to your needs, answer your questions honestly, and prioritize your goals over a quick commission check.

If you want to find the best real estate agent, Clever Real Estate can do the heavy lifting for you. We can connect you with highly rated, experienced professionals in your area. We also pre-negotiate commission rates, so you could save thousands when you sell or get cash back when you buy.

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