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A Seller’s Guide to Firing Your Real Estate Agent

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The process of selling a home can be very stressful, especially if there’s tension between you and your listing agent. Maybe your house is taking a long time to sell. Or, perhaps your agent is pushing you to accept a lower offer than you’re willing to entertain. Or, maybe you just feel like the overall service is lacking.

  1. Identify the core issue:

    In many cases, tension and conflict surface when communication is poor. If you’re not getting regular updates from your agent on what they’re doing to help sell your home, it makes sense that you would get frustrated in a hurry. If communication is the problem, address it the next time you talk to your agent face to face. If there’s a more specific issue that you can pinpoint, note the conflict and the negative affects it has had on you and be prepared to discuss it. In some cases, the solution may be simple and the relationship can be salvaged. In other cases, it may be time to consider firing your real estate agent and moving on.

  2. Have a heart-to-heart:

    Once you’ve identified the issue, you need to schedule a time to meet with your agent and discuss what’s going on. Approach the conversation calmly and be prepared to hear out your agent. Maybe they have something going on you didn’t know about, or maybe they are unaware of how dire your situation has become. Also be ready to explain exactly what kind of impact the issue is having on you and your family. The more relatable and calm you are, the more likely you’ll be able to come to an amicable conclusion, even if that conclusion is to no longer work together.

  3. Provide solutions:

    Don’t make your agent guess what’s going to fix the issue. Tell them what you need in order to feel comfortable and confident in your working relationship. If you’ve already decided that the solution is to cut ties and nothing they say throughout the course of your conversation changes that, it’s time to relay that information.

    If this is the case, resist the urge to pull a Donald Trump. Yelling “You’re fired!” and storming off is not the most effective way to handle the situation. Instead, it’s always best to be cordial and professional. To avoid burning bridges and creating animosity, say something like this: “Based on the issues we discussed, I feel the best way to move forward is to end our business partnership. While I appreciate the time and effort you put in, I don’t believe it’s in either of our best interests to continue working together.”

    Once you’ve stated your position, discuss any contract implications or outstanding payments, agree to terms if necessary (it’s always best to get things in writing) and move forward.

    If you follow these steps, your agent will appreciate your straightforward approach to conflict resolution and, though the situation didn’t work out, you’ll both leave the table feeling better.

I fired my agent – now what?

Assuming you’re still planning to sell your home, you’re going to need help to get things moving quickly. You can hire another agent… or you can save the thousands you would have spent on a 3% commission by working with Home Bay. We offer A-Z services designed to simplify the process of selling your home, saving you time and minimizing your stress. Learn more about our free MLS listing offer or claim your listing today!

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