When Your Real Estate Agent Ghosts You: What to Do Next
Selling your home is one of the largest financial transactions you will make in your lifetime. For most sellers, it is also one of the most emotionally charged experiences. You expect your real estate agent to be your advocate, keeping you informed every step of the way. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. They wanted to know what to do when an agent ghosts them.
Recently, a reader reached out to me after experiencing a complete breakdown in communication with their listing agent. They had moved from Florida to Colorado after putting their home on the market, but for over a month, their agent had not responded to any emails, phone calls, or texts. This was despite the fact that the home was still being shown to prospective buyers.
Step One: Contact the Broker
The first question I asked was whether they knew the broker or the name of the company their agent worked for. They knew the company name. Once I explained the importance of contacting the brokerage directly, they hesitated because they were worried about getting their agent in trouble. This is a common concern, but in situations like this, protecting your investment comes first.
When an agent ignores repeated attempts to communicate for weeks on end, it is not just unprofessional. It can directly impact your ability to sell your property at the best possible price. I advised them to call the brokerage and ask to speak with the broker or office manager immediately.
The Broker’s Response
After two days, they finally heard back. The broker was surprised to learn they had not been contacted for over a month. They explained that the agent was dealing with some personal issues, though they did not go into detail. The broker offered two options. They could be assigned to a different agent in the same office, or they could terminate the listing contract altogether.
Interview New Agents
The sellers decided to interview agents from outside the brokerage. I provided a few trusted recommendations, and those agents quickly visited the property. What they found was concerning.
The home had not been staged as promised by their previous agent. The lawn had not been maintained. Dust and dirt had accumulated inside from months of showings. The property was not being marketed in a way that made a strong first impression on buyers. Six months had passed, and it was clear the property had not been given the attention it deserved.
Take a Hands-On Approach
I recommended they fly back to Florida to see the home in person. When you are selling a property from out of state, there is no substitute for seeing the condition yourself. A visit allows you to hire contractors, oversee cleaning, staging, and landscaping, and make sure the home is presented at its best before relaunching on the market.
The Plan Moving Forward
They will now list with a new agent, lower the asking price based on current market feedback, and restart their marketing efforts. While this will not make up for lost time, it will give them a much stronger position moving forward.
The Lesson for All Home Sellers
When you hire an agent, set clear expectations for communication from the beginning. Agree on how often you will receive updates and how they will be delivered. If your agent stops responding, act quickly. Contact their broker, explore your options, and do not hesitate to make a change if you are not getting the service you deserve.
This is your investment. You have every right to demand it be treated with the highest level of professionalism.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself in a situation where you feel ignored or unsupported by your real estate agent, take action immediately. Protect your investment, insist on clear communication, and do not be afraid to switch agents if necessary. If you need help finding a trusted agent anywhere in the country, I can connect you with top professionals who will prioritize your sale and keep you informed every step of the way.
