How to Tell a Realtor You Chose Someone Else: A Guide to Honest Communication with Your Realtor
Buying or selling a home is an exciting, but sometimes stressful experience. If your realtor isn’t living up to your expectations it’s probably wise to choose a new agent.
Here are some helpful tips on how to tell your realtor you chose someone else.
Why it’s important to have honest communication with your realtor
A realtor’s job is to understand your wants, your needs, and your vision for the future. In order for them to garner a complete picture, you’ll have to be candid with them. Perhaps they are communicating poorly or are dismissive of your preferences. If you are unhappy with your realtor, the first step forward is honest communication about what isn’t working for you.
What you should be upfront about with your realtor
Sellers should be upfront about:
Timeline - how quickly do you need to sell your house?
Budget - what return are you looking for? Can you afford to make repairs if requested? Consider conducting a comparative market analysis (CMA).
Showing expectations - when can the realtor show your home? What times are off limits?
Buyers should be upfront about:
Must-haves - what are your non-negotiables when it comes to the right property?
Budget - what is your maximum all-in budget?
Number of properties - how many properties do you want to see? Must they check all the boxes or are you open to seeing some that require compromise?
Buyers agreement - what if you decide not to buy?
How to handle a miscommunication with your realtor
Good communication is key when it comes to building a relationship with your realtor. As with any high-stakes situation, occasional miscommunications are bound to happen. Perhaps you're struggling with how to tell your realtor you aren’t interested in the property.
It is best to address miscommunications clearly and quickly. It can be as simple as making a call or writing an email to your realtor to clear up any misunderstanding. While the process can be uncomfortable, just remember that you are the customer and your agent is working for you. If your realtor is good at their job they will respond to your concerns in a professional manner and your relationship will improve once you’re both on the same page.
How to ‘break up’ with your realtor
If you’ve thought it over and you’re ready to tell your realtor goodbye, set up some time to talk and tell them the truth.
If you’re struggling with how to tell a realtor friend you chose someone else, just tell them that you’ve decided not to mix business and personal relationships and return your focus to your friendship.
If you’ve signed a buyer’s agent agreement, firing your agent could be difficult but not hopeless. You can ask your agent to cancel the contract. In fact, they may agree that the relationship just isn’t working and that it is best to part ways. If they refuse, you may be stuck together until the contract expires.
If you don’t have a contract, parting ways early before they’re put in many hours of unpaid work is probably best for both of you so don’t feel bad! Just let them know you’ve chosen to work with someone else or that you’re no longer in need of their services. If asked for a reason, now is a good time to offer useful feedback. No matter what, be sure to thank them for their time and expertise.