When Is It Time to Find a New Real Estate Agent?
Selling your home is one of the most important financial transactions you’ll ever make. Your real estate agent should be your trusted guide—marketing your home aggressively, keeping you informed, and helping you get the best deal possible. But what happens when that isn’t the case? If you’re feeling let down or unsure about your current agent’s performance, it might be time to consider finding someone new.
Here are the most common signs that it’s time to make a change, and how to do it the right way.
Poor Communication
One of the most common complaints home sellers have about their agents is a lack of communication. If your texts or emails go unanswered for days, or you constantly have to chase your agent for updates, it’s a clear red flag.
Selling a home can be a stressful experience, and it’s your agent’s job to keep you in the loop. You should never feel like you’re in the dark. A good agent will check in with you regularly, provide feedback after showings, and be available to answer your questions quickly.
Weak Marketing Strategy
If your listing doesn’t stand out, it won’t sell. Period.
In today’s digital-first world, selling a home takes more than putting a sign in the yard and uploading a few blurry cell phone photos to the MLS. You need high-quality photos, possibly drone footage or video tours, well-written listing copy, and a strong online and social media presence.
If your agent isn’t leveraging the full marketing toolkit—or worse, if they seem to be phoning it in—it may be time to find someone who understands how to make your home shine in a crowded market.
No Showings, No Offers—and No Plan
If your home has been on the market for weeks or months with little interest, it’s easy to get frustrated. But what’s even more frustrating is when your agent can’t give you a solid explanation or strategy for how to turn things around.
Sometimes it’s the price. Sometimes it’s the photos, or the staging, or the timing. Your agent should be actively evaluating these variables and adjusting your game plan. If they don’t have answers—or worse, seem indifferent—it may be time to move on.
Lack of Local Market Knowledge
Selling real estate is hyperlocal. A great agent knows the ins and outs of your neighborhood, including comparable sales, school districts, buyer preferences, and emerging trends.
If your agent isn’t familiar with your area—or doesn’t seem to understand what makes your home unique—they may be missing the mark on pricing and marketing. You deserve someone who knows your market like the back of their hand and can use that knowledge to your advantage.
Unprofessional Behavior
Being late to meetings. Canceling showings at the last minute. Forgetting key details. Talking down to you or ignoring your input.
These aren’t just annoyances—they’re signs of unprofessionalism. Selling your home is too important to entrust to someone who isn’t taking their role seriously.
Trust your instincts. If your agent isn’t treating you or your home with respect and professionalism, they’re not the right person for the job.
You’re Doing All the Work
Are you the one researching market data, following up with buyers, or figuring out how to stage your home? That’s a problem.
Your agent is supposed to be the expert, not you. While collaboration is important, you shouldn’t feel like you’re managing the process alone. If your agent has become more of a passive bystander than a proactive partner, it may be time to take control—and find someone else.
Poor Negotiation Skills
Getting your home under contract is just one part of the process. Once offers come in, your agent needs to negotiate terms that work in your favor—from price and contingencies to timelines and closing costs.
If your agent seems to “go along” with buyer demands without pushback, or you get the sense they’re more interested in closing quickly than protecting your interests, it’s time to reassess.
Your Gut Is Telling You Something’s Off
Sometimes, the signs aren’t as obvious. You may just feel uneasy, frustrated, or unsure if your agent is truly doing everything they can. And that’s valid.
Your relationship with your real estate agent should be built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. If that trust is broken—or if you never had it to begin with—it’s okay to listen to your instincts.
✅ Kentucky Tom Pro Tip: What to Do Before Making a Switch
If you’re thinking about finding a new agent, don’t panic—but don’t ignore the signs either. Here’s how to make a thoughtful transition:
- Review your listing agreement.
Look for termination clauses. Most agreements have a set timeframe (commonly 3–6 months). You may be able to cancel early, but be aware of any fees or restrictions. - Have an honest conversation.
Before jumping ship, give your agent a chance to respond. Share your concerns. A professional agent will want to make it right—or may agree that it’s best to part ways. - Start interviewing new agents.
Look for someone with a strong local track record, great communication skills, and a marketing approach that fits your expectations. Ask for references and check their recent listings. - Protect yourself legally and financially.
If your home is still under contract with your current agent, don’t sign with another until you’re free and clear. You don’t want to get caught in a commission dispute.
For Your Consideration
Selling your home is a major life event. You deserve an agent who works as hard as you do—someone who will advocate for you, communicate openly, and guide you through every step of the process.
If your current agent isn’t delivering, don’t settle. The right agent can make all the difference, turning a stressful experience into a successful—and even enjoyable—one.
Trust your gut, know your rights, and don’t be afraid to put your needs first. After all, this is your home and your future. You should feel confident that the person representing you is up to the task.
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