Working with a real estate agent should feel like a partnership. You should feel informed, supported, and confident in every step of the process. Sometimes that just doesn’t happen. And if things aren’t working, it’s important to know what you can do next.

We already shared our top realtor red flags to watch out for. Now let’s talk about how to handle it when you're ready to move on. This guide is for buyers and sellers who are feeling stuck, frustrated, or second-guessing the person they hired to guide them through a major financial decision.

Signs It’s Time to Fire Your Agent

Maybe you're the one doing all the follow-up. Maybe your questions go unanswered for days. Or maybe you just feel like your agent isn’t listening. These are common signs that your agent may not be the right fit. Buyers might notice their agent constantly sends listings that don’t match their budget or must-haves. You say you need a garage and they keep sending condos with no parking. That’s not just miscommunication. That’s a lack of attention.

Sellers might see their home sit on the market with no plan to adjust the price, photos, or marketing. Or maybe they hear nothing after showings and have no idea what buyers are saying. That lack of feedback can drag out your timeline and hurt your bottom line. If you feel ignored, confused, or pressured at any point, it’s worth taking a step back. You shouldn’t have to wonder if your agent is actually working for you.

Understanding Buyer and Seller Agreements

This is where things can get sticky. Before you switch agents, you need to know what you signed. Many buyers are asked to sign a buyer broker agreement, which is a contract that makes your relationship official. It usually says you’ll work with that agent exclusively for a certain time. If you buy a home during that time, your agent likely earns the commission.

Sellers sign a listing agreement, which gives the agent the right to market and sell your home. It typically has a start and end date and may include rules about canceling early. If you don’t want to continue, you may have to get a formal release or wait for the agreement to expire.

Ask your agent for a copy if you don’t remember the terms. You can also contact the broker directly for clarification. Some brokerages allow you to switch agents within the company, so you might not have to start from scratch.

Can You Switch Agents While Actively Buying or Selling

If you haven’t signed an agreement, you’re usually free to switch agents at any time. That could be after a few showings, one listing appointment, or even just an early consultation. You’re not locked into working with someone just because you’ve had a few conversations or spent a weekend touring homes.

If you have signed a buyer broker agreement or a listing agreement, read the terms closely. Many agreements include a cancellation policy or require written notice to terminate. Some allow for early cancellation with no penalty, while others may include conditions or timeframes. If you're unsure, ask your agent or their broker for clarification.

If you're under contract to buy or sell a specific property, switching agents may no longer be possible for that transaction. At that point, your current agent has likely earned the commission, and the brokerage may be entitled to compensation at closing. However, if you're having major issues, you can contact the broker directly. In some cases, a different agent within the same company may be able to step in and help you finish the deal.

You can still work with a different agent for your next purchase or listing. But for your current deal, the priority should be making it to the finish line with as little stress as possible.

How to Break Up With Your Realtor

If you’ve decided to move on, keep it respectful and professional. There’s no need to burn bridges. You can say something like:

"I appreciate your time, but I’ve decided to go in a different direction."

or

"Thank you for your help so far. I’m going to work with a different agent who’s a better fit for what I need right now."

Keep it short and sweet. You don’t have to justify every detail or argue about what went wrong. Avoid venting or blaming them in a long email. That almost always leads to more conflict and doesn’t get you out of the situation faster.

If you signed an agreement, ask them to review the cancellation terms with you. You can say:

"Can you let me know what I signed and what the process is to cancel our agreement?"

If they refuse or make things difficult, contact their broker. Most brokerages want to keep things professional and will help facilitate the exit.

What you shouldn’t say is anything that sounds unsure. Don’t say things like "I’m thinking about maybe switching" or "I might want to explore other options." That opens the door for pressure, guilt, and pushback. Be confident and clear in your message.

When It’s Too Late to Break Up With Your Realtor

Once you’re under contract and moving toward closing, the agent you worked with is legally tied to the deal. This applies on both the buyer and seller side. Even if you’re unhappy with their service, they’ve likely done the work to earn their commission.

That doesn’t mean you have to use them in the future. You can finish this deal, then move on.

If the issues are serious, like negligence or missing major deadlines, you should talk to their broker right away. You may also consider getting legal advice if it puts your transaction at risk.

You Deserve to Work With Someone Who Shows Up for You

Obviously, no one hires a real estate agent hoping for drama. But if you’re not getting the support, advice, or professionalism you expected, it’s okay to make a change.

At Vreeland Real Estate, our team serves Florida homebuyers and sellers across Tampa Bay, North Florida, and South Florida. We believe in straight answers, good communication, and guiding you through the process with care.

If your current agent isn’t working out, we’re ready to help you move forward. Get in touch with our team here and let’s make sure your next move feels like the right one.