What To Do When You're Unhappy With Your Real Estate Company

Coming to the realization that you and your real estate agent do not have the chemistry you hoped for can be disconcerting, to say the least. However, no one likes staying in a relationship where it is obvious that at least one party is dissatisfied. Because you have probably signed a contract with the real estate company, you should do things “decently and in order” to get out of the sour relationship. Below are some tips on how to handle the situation.

Open and honest communication

When there is a relationship breach, it is usually a result of a communications breakdown. Sit down and talk to your agent. If you do not like something the agent is or is not doing, let them know. Be honest, but remember that does not translate to brutal. Often, an open discussion can help turn the tide in a relationship, but if not, you have at least shared your perspective on the problem. Since this is a business relationship, keep your communication professional (translation: non-emotional).

Remember the saying, “You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” A similar philosophy might be appropriate here. Your agent can probably sense tension in the relationship. After talking, the two of you may mutually agree to void the contract.

Breaking the contract

While I am not advocating breaching a contract, it happens. This is not the preferred way of ending of the relationship, and it can open you up for possible legal action. If you have sufficient documentation that your agent has not been performing based on contractual guidelines, you should present this information to the real estate company. This includes services like marketing, taking property photos, etc.

Termination fees

Some companies include termination fees in their contracts. Some do not, or allow removal before signing on the dotted line. Termination fees may be more of an issue if the agent has incurred expenses they wish to recoup. The seller may have come to a consensus to settle with the real estate agent on any costs incurred.

Allow the contract to lapse

If near the end of a contract, some may decide to ride it out and let the contract lapse. However, there may be provisions that require payment  to the real estate agent if the property sells within a specified period following the end of the contract.

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