Selling a home is one of life’s most stressful experiences.
And when the Realtor you hired isn’t getting the job done?
It adds a whole new layer of frustration.
Whether it’s poor communication, ineffective marketing, or an inability to generate results, the outcome is the same:
Your home sits on the market longer and costs you more than expected.
At some point, you may decide it’s time to terminate the relationship with your agent.
But firing your Realtor can feel daunting.
What about the contract you signed?
The potential fees?
The awkward conversation?
And let’s not forget the resistance you might face.
Here’s the good news…
Firing your real estate agent doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
With the right approach, you can make a clean break and set yourself up for a fresh start.
This is your complete guide to firing your Realtor — without derailing your home sale.
Can I fire my real estate agent?
Yes, you can fire your Realtor while under contract, but it depends on the terms of your agreement.
While you have the right to end the relationship, there may be costs or fees associated with termination.
Those details will be spelled out in your listing agreement.
For instance, most agreements require you to pay the agreed-upon commission if you call it quits.
But that’s not always the case.
Some agents will add a clause in the agreement that states you only need to reimburse them for marketing expenses.
That’s why carefully reviewing your agent agreement is essential before taking action.
Another important thing to note?
The agreement isn’t really with your real estate agent — it’s with the brokerage firm they represent.
That means terminating a relationship with an agent may not automatically mean getting out of the listing contract (more on that in a moment).
Reasons to dismiss your Realtor
Before you sever ties with your agent, you should take some time to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.
Here are some of the top justifications for terminating a Realtor.
Overpromising
Some listing agents make a habit of overselling to help secure a new client.
They might promise a fast sale, top-notch marketing, or extreme buyer demand –– then fall short on effort when it matters.
Some agents will deliberately suggest an asking price above market value to win your business.
But once they’ve got you under contract, their urgency to hit that number evaporates.
The result?
Your house sits on the market longer than it should.
Overpricing is one of the most common games agents play with sellers — and a surefire sign you should consider ending the relationship.
Poor communication
Good real estate agents are masterful communicators.
They keep you in the loop about every detail and walk you step-by-step through the selling process.
And they respond promptly when you have a question or a concern.
Bad agents are the complete opposite.
They’re slow to pass along information.
They procrastinate when they need to contact important people, such as a buyer’s agent inquiring about your home.
Some are even downright rude, negligent, or unprepared.
Ultimately, they work harder to earn new clients than to close sales for their current ones.
Such lackadaisical correspondence can slow down the sale and leave you in the dark.
Termination isn’t the only choice you have when your Realtor ignores you or fails to communicate properly.
But if you can’t get timely responses?
Then there’s a good chance your real estate agent is lazy and you should fire them.
Ineffective marketing
Marketing is crucial for attracting buyers and landing a fast, top-dollar sale for your home.
That’s why your agent’s execution is so important when it comes to promoting your property.
Your Realtor should invest in high-quality photos to show off the best features of your house.
They must establish a robust online presence — pushing your listing on various real estate outlets and social media.
And they should highlight your home’s selling features and not promote its drawbacks.
Your property will not reach the right buyers without the right marketing plan.
The point?
Minimal effort in promoting a listing is a clear sign of a bad real estate agent.
Consider this a strong reason to find another real estate professional who will prioritize the sale of your home.
Attempting to represent both you and the buyer
Sometimes, a listing agent may try to bring you their own buyer.
This dual representation is a serious red flag and a clear sign it might be time to dismiss your Realtor.
Why?
Dual agency creates a significant conflict of interest.
The agent earns double the commission but can’t prioritize the interests of either the seller or the buyer — because they represent both.
And that means you won’t get the best offer for your home.
That’s why SoldNest only matches sellers with agents who have little to no history of acting as a dual agent.
Having a partner who truly represents your interests isn’t just a preference –– it’s essential.
What to know before breaking up with your Realtor
There are a few key points to consider before you end the relationship with your agent.
Understanding the following implications can ensure you approach the termination process with confidence.
You may be assigned to another agent in the brokerage
The brokerage — not your agent — owns the listing agreement and ultimately decides whether to release you from the contract.
In some cases, the brokerage’s policy may be to reassign you to another agent within the same company.
This swap preserves their financial interests while (in theory) giving you a fresh start with a new agent.
That might do the trick…
Or it might not.
Sticking with the same brokerage may not provide the clean break you’re looking for.
Don’t worry — we’ll explore some ways to escalate further if you’re unhappy with the brokerage as a whole.
Firing your agent doesn’t always cancel their commission
Don’t assume that dismissing your Realtor will free you from the obligation to pay for their services.
That’s because some agreements include a “protection period clause.”
Typically, that means you still owe a commission if you sell to a buyer who viewed your property while you were under contract with your agent.
The clause usually specifies a certain period — 30 days is common — after which you’ll be free to sell to any buyer without paying your former agent.
Most agents can set their own time frame.
So be sure to read the fine print before moving forward with termination.
Switching agents can give your home a fresh start
Firing your Realtor does more than just give you a chance to reboot with a new agent.
The switch can also give your house a fresh start on the market.
Re-listing with a new agent can reset your home’s “days on market,” making it appear as a new listing.
But this doesn’t happen automatically.
Most MLS systems require a waiting period — typically 30 days or more — before the clock resets.
The exact waiting period depends on your local MLS.
To make the most of this opportunity, talk to your new agent about the best timing to re-list.
A well-timed fresh start can maximize your home’s appeal and attract renewed interest from buyers.
How to fire your real estate agent in 6 steps
Once you’ve decided to switch agents, it’s time to take the next steps.
Termination is relatively straightforward –– but you may encounter hurdles that require you to escalate the matter.
Here are the critical steps to ensure a smooth process when firing your real estate agent.
1. Review your agreement
Understanding your contract is key when firing your listing agent.
Listing agreements can vary by state, so carefully reviewing the details will help clarify your rights and options.
Focus on these key terms as you go through your agreement:
- Type of agreement: The type of agreement is typically listed on the first page and explained in the early sections of the document. The most common type is an exclusive right to sell agreement, which binds you to a single agent and brokerage. A non-exclusive arrangement allows you to work with multiple agents or move on at any time without penalty.
- Expiration date: Also usually found on the first page, the expiration date tells you how long your agreement lasts. If you’re in an exclusive arrangement, this date determines how long you’re bound to the agent and brokerage. The further out the expiration, the more pushback you should expect from your Realtor (we’ll cover how to handle this below).
- Cancellation terms and fees: Most listing agreements include a “termination clause” or cancellation section outlining the terms for ending the relationship between the agent and the seller. This section explains whether you’ll owe commissions, marketing costs, or other fees if you terminate early. These details may not be in one specific place, so review your agreement thoroughly to identify all relevant conditions.
2. Identify your reasons for firing your Realtor
Letting emotions take over is one of the most common mistakes when firing a real estate agent.
Frustration and financial stress can build up, leading to snap decisions or poorly thought-out communication.
But failing to explain your concerns clearly can complicate the termination process.
Take a moment to outline exactly why you’re dissatisfied.
Is it your agent’s lack of communication?
Their ineffective marketing efforts?
Or maybe the prolonged sales process?
Clearly identifying and articulating your reasons will help you communicate professionally and avoid making decisions in the heat of the moment.
3. Communicate your concerns
Once you’ve written down your concerns, your next step is to schedule a conversation with your agent to explain why the relationship isn’t working.
In other words, don’t just send them a text.
Meet in person or talk on the phone.
Be honest, respectful, and clear about your concerns.
Speaking honestly about your frustrations is never easy — especially if you’re firing a Realtor who is a friend.
But having a frank conversation ensures you’ve communicated your decision professionally and opens the door for a smooth transition.
Ideally, the agent will be understanding and cooperative so you can discuss the next steps to terminate the relationship peacefully.
However…
While you can fire your listing agent, some Realtors are skilled at persuading clients to stick with them.
They may use sales tactics or shift blame rather than accept responsibility.
Be prepared for this and stay firm in your decision.
Reiterate your concerns if needed and stick to your reasons for wanting to move on.
4. Handle pushback or escalate
Unfortunately, the Realtor may not respond so cordially.
That’s why you should be prepared to stand firm, reiterate your reasons, and take steps to escalate your complaints if needed.
Here’s what you can do:
- Leverage reviews: Professional reputation matters in real estate. Reminding the agent you may leave feedback on online real estate review platforms may be enough to encourage them to work with you on ending the relationship amicably.
- Contact the broker: If the agent still refuses to cooperate, you can escalate the issue to their broker. They have the final say in whether you get assigned to a different agent or released from the contract. If the broker is adamant about keeping you as a client, you may have to push a little more. Again, reviews are a powerful motivator. Plus, if you think you’ve witnessed unethical Realtor behavior, you can mention that you’ll be filing a complaint with their state’s real estate licensing board or real estate commission.
- Document everything: Keep a written record of all communications throughout the process. Documentation is your best way to protect yourself if disputes arise.
These steps may be uncomfortable, and they don’t guarantee the results you want.
But addressing resistance with a clear plan can help move the process forward — even if the agent tries to delay or complicate the situation.
5. Request termination in writing
Speaking of documentation — it’s critical to put your termination request in writing.
A formal termination request establishes a clear record of communication and ensures all necessary steps are handled properly.
Even if you have a verbal agreement, you should send a written request for termination to your real estate agent (and their broker).
Make sure your letter of termination includes the following:
- A clear and polite statement of your intent to dismiss your Realtor.
- Property details, such as the address and contract date, to avoid any confusion.
- A request for a cancellation agreement. This is the legal document required to finalize the termination.
- Specific instructions, such as removing the listing from the MLS and social media or picking up their lockbox.
If you’re unsure what to write, use the template below as a starting point.
Example letter of how to fire a real estate agent
Subject: Request to Terminate Listing Agreement
Dear [Agent’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to formally request the termination of the listing agreement for my property at [property address]. To proceed, please send me the cancellation agreement for review and signature.
Additionally, I would appreciate confirmation once the property has been removed from the MLS and arrangements for picking up the lockbox have been made.
Thank you for your assistance, and please let me know if you require anything further from me to complete this process.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
6. Confirm the agent’s termination
The final step in firing a real estate agent is making sure the termination is fully complete.
This ensures you can move forward without any lingering obligations.
Here’s how to verify you’ve officially ended the relationship with your Realtor:
- Obtain a ratified cancellation agreement: Confirm you’ve received a signed cancellation agreement from the agent or their broker. Be sure to file this document for your records.
- Verify listing removal: Check that your property has been removed from the MLS and other online outlets. The sooner the listing is down, the sooner you can re-list your home with a fresh start.
- Return marketing materials and signs: Ensure the agent has retrieved all marketing materials, such as flyers, lockboxes, and property signs.
Finalizing these steps helps prevent issues like inquiries being directed to your former agent or disputes over contract terms.
It also ensures you’re fully clear to start fresh with a new Realtor.
What to look for in a new listing agent
Changing agents during a real estate transaction isn’t an easy decision.
But breaking free from a bad arrangement can lead to a much better outcome.
The key is making sure you don’t repeat the same mistake and end up with another underperforming agent.
So, how do you choose the right agent the second time around?
Look for a Realtor who has these four essential qualities:
- A strong track record: Choose someone with a proven sales history and consistently positive online reviews, especially from sellers in situations like yours.
- Relevant market experience: Your new agent should have experience closing deals on homes like yours — in terms of price range, type, and location.
- Low rates of dual representation: Avoid agents with a track record of prioritizing double commission over their clients’ best interests. A low rate of dual agency is a strong indicator of integrity.
- No contract commitment: The best agents earn their commissions through performance, not locked-in contracts. Be cautious of any agent who refuses to let you out of the agreement.
Finding the right Realtor ensures you can move forward with confidence and finally achieve the results you deserve.
Hire a better Realtor with SoldNest
Firing your real estate agent can feel like an emotional roller coaster.
You’ll need to review contract details, assess your reasons for termination, and communicate carefully to ensure a smooth process with minimal or no costs.
And you’ll want to move quickly to minimize delays in selling your home.
But perhaps most importantly?
You need to replace your Realtor with a trusted professional who truly understands your needs.
That’s where SoldNest comes in.
We make the process easy and stress-free by thoroughly vetting every agent before connecting them with sellers.
Even better?
Every agent we work with has low rates of dual agency and no binding contract requirements, ensuring confidence in your next professional relationship.
Learn more about how our process can help you find the right agent for your home sale.
