What to Do if You Want to End Your Contract With a Real Estate Agent
One of my readers, Thomas, recently wrote to me with a situation that I think others may find familiar. Thomas was introduced to their current real estate agent through friends. The appeal was that the real estate agent was local, part of the same church, and even offered a hefty cash back incentive of around 50%. Thomas signed the contract with the real estate agent and started their search. At first, the insights seemed useful, but Thomas quickly noticed a troubling pattern.
The real estate agent was pushing homes almost exclusively from a national mass builder. There were no recommendations for other homes in the past month, no comps provided, and they were simply going along with seller prices as is. Thomas is now 2 months into a 6 month agreement and wondering how best to end it.
Why This Happens
Unfortunately, this is a classic example of “you get what you pay for.” While a cashback or commission rebate sounds enticing, it often comes at the cost of quality service. Builders make an agent’s job easy. They handle their own paperwork, have their own title company, and control much of the process. For an agent who has already given away half of their commission, steering clients toward new construction means less effort on their part.
Often, these kinds of arrangements suggest that the agent may not be working full time in the business. If someone is willing to give up a large portion of their compensation, it raises questions about how motivated they are to go the extra mile for their clients.
What to Do If You Want Out
My advice to Thomas, and to anyone in this situation, is to first have an honest and upfront conversation with the real estate agent. Let them know that you want to go in a different direction and that you would like to terminate the agreement.
If the agent refuses or makes it difficult, the next step is to contact the broker or manager of the company they work for. Explain the situation and request to be released from the agreement. Most brokers will allow you to move on rather than force you into a relationship that is clearly not working.
How to Move Forward
This is the perfect time to pause and reassess what you truly want in an agent. Rebates and discounts might sound appealing, but what you need most is someone who will represent your best interests, provide comps, negotiate on your behalf, and explore the full market with you. That comes from skill, effort, and dedication, not from gimmicks.
Take time to interview several agents. Ask them about their experience, their approach, how they find and evaluate homes, and how they negotiate for clients. The right agent is out there, and the difference in service will be clear.
Final Thought
The best real estate relationships are built on trust, advocacy, and service. If you feel like your agent is not meeting those standards, it is better to move on than to stay stuck. And if you are in the process of choosing an agent, remember that a rebate may save you money on the surface, but it could cost you much more in missed opportunities and lack of representation.
If you are thinking about buying or selling and want advice on how to find the right agent, I am happy to share my insights and connect you with trusted professionals in your market.
