What to do if your house is not selling (before you ask “how to fire my real estate agent”)
There are normally only two reasons why your home sale is not going as hoped: the first is the asking price and the lack of adequate marketing.
The best agents know that buyers compare similar homes on the market, and if the asking price is significantly higher than the rest of the market, it will simply receive fewer offers.
The second is exposure. It’s your agent’s job to give your property maximum marketing exposure on various channels: the big property portals (like Property24.com), social media and Google, as well as to their own buyer database.
A good real estate agent knows that getting these two factors right from the start give the home the best chance of selling sooner and while the market is still hot.
But if you are unhappy with your current real estate agent and you feel like you could be getting better results, should you just fire them and start from scratch? If so, you’re not alone. Many people feel this way at some point during their real estate transaction.
In this blog post, we will outline how to fire your listing agent in a way that is respectful and saves you money in the process.
1. Evaluate your relationship with your real estate professional
At some point, you may find yourself in the position of needing to fire your real estate agent. Maybe you’re not getting along, or maybe you’re just not happy with the level of service you’re receiving.
Whatever the reason, if you’re considering giving your agent the pink slip, there are a few things you should do first.
First, take a step back and evaluate your relationship with your agent. Are you communicating effectively? Are you on the same page when it comes to your goals? If not, sit down with your agent and see if you can iron out any differences.
It’s also important to consider whether or not your agent is still working in your best interests. Are they showing you houses that meet your needs, or are they trying to push you into something that’s not quite right? If you’re not sure, try talking to other agents in the area to get a second opinion.
Once you’ve weighed all the factors, if you still decide that it’s time to part ways, be sure to do so professionally. Thank your agent for their time and effort, and let them know that you appreciated their help in finding a new home or trying to sell your home.
2. If you’re not happy with the level of service or communication, talk to them about it
It’s not uncommon to feel like you made a mistake when hiring a real estate agent. Maybe they’re not great at returning your phone call or text messages promptly, or maybe you feel like they’re not doing enough to market your home.
If you’re not happy with the level of service you’re receiving, it’s important to talk to your agent about it. They may not be aware that there’s a problem or poor communication, and addressing it early on can help to prevent further frustration.
If the situation doesn’t improve, however, you may need to consider firing your real estate agent. While it may be uncomfortable, it’s important to remember that you’re the one in charge.
It’s in your best interest to expect a certain level of service, and if your agent isn’t meeting those expectations, it may be time to move on.
3. If things don’t improve, it might be time to find a new agent
It can be difficult to fire your real estate agent, especially if you’ve been working together for a while. However, if you’re not happy with the level of service you’re receiving, it might be time to make a change.
The first step is to sit down with your agent and express your concerns. If they’re not willing to make changes or address your concerns, it may be a good reason to start looking for other local agents. There are a few things to keep in mind when searching for a new agent.
The first thing to do is make sure they’re experienced and have a good track record.
Second, interview multiple agents and ask lots of questions.
And finally, trust your gut – go with the agent that you feel most comfortable with.
Making a switch can be daunting, but it’s often necessary in order to find the right fit.
4. Do your research and interview several agents before making a decision
If you are looking to sell your home, it is essential that you carefully select the right agent. This person will be responsible for marketing your property and negotiating offers with potential buyers, so it is crucial that you find someone who has the knowledge and expertise to successfully guide you through the selling process.
To start, you should do your research and identify a few agents who seem like a good fit for the job. This may mean looking online for positive reviews or asking for recommendations from a family member or friends in the area.
Once you have narrowed down your list, it’s a good idea to set up an interview with each of these agents and ask them a variety of questions about their experience, their strategies for selling homes, and how they plan to market your specific property to the local market and social media. Based on their responses, you can then choose the agent that seems like the best fit for your needs.
Of course, there are other factors to consider as well when deciding whether or not to fire your real estate agent.
For example, do they keep you updated regularly on open house showings or inquiries? Are they willing to go above and beyond in order to get results?
If features of your home need upgrades or repairs in order to attract home buyers and close a deal, does the agent offer guidance on which upgrades are worth your time and money?
These are just a few factors to keep in mind when making the decision to fire your real estate agent. Just remember, at the end of the day, you should feel confident and comfortable with the agent you’ve chosen to help sell your home. If that’s not the case, don’t be afraid to make a change.
5. Make sure to give your old agent enough notice so they can find a new client
When it comes time to fire your sales agent, the best thing you can do is to give them sufficient notice to find a new client. This will allow them as much time as possible to transition without feeling rushed or pressured.
To start, you should begin by giving your agent notice that you intend to move on (you could send them a formal letter of cancellation that fits your contractual obligations).
During this time, be sure to let them know if there are any particular attributes about the new agent that you are looking for. Additionally, stay in communication throughout the transition period so that they can ensure a smooth hand-off of clients and transactions. By following these simple steps, you can be sure to part ways with your previous agent in a respectful and thoughtful manner, while also putting yourself in position to choose the right new selling agent for your needs.
Red flags for sellers
When it comes to selling your home, you need to make sure that you’re working with a real estate agent who has your best interests at heart.
After all, this person will play a key role in guiding you through the process of putting your home on the market and closing the sale.
To help you determine whether or not it’s time to fire your real estate agent, keep an eye out for any of the following 4 red flags:
– Lack of communication skills: If your agent seems disorganised or isn’t responding promptly to your inquiries, this may indicate that they are unable to handle a high volume of clients. Communication is vital when it comes to selling your home, and if your agent can’t meet these basic requirements, it’s probably time to look for someone else.
– Misleading advertising tactics: You want an agent who is transparent and honest with their advertising techniques, even if it means diminishing their own chances of success.
If you see signs of hyperbole or exaggerated claims when looking at listings for other homes in the area, this might be a sign that your own listing is being pushed hard regardless of how accurate those claims may be. Be wary of any agent who engages in misleading advertising tactics such as inflating or deflating the list price as this could result in your house not selling at all or attracting low ball offers for your home.
-Your agent is consistently missing appointments or showing up late: your agent’s job is to service your needs and make it as easy as possible to get buyers to fall in love with your property and get you the best deal. A late or tardy practitioner is simply a bad real estate agent.
-Your agent isn’t providing feedback on showings: home sellers can often feel left in the dark with what is happening on their listing. A good agent will follow up in a timely manner and report on progress even if nothing is happening.
Now read: How to Sell Luxury Real Estate: 5 Insider Tips from the Pros
