Can I Change My Realtor After Signing a Contract?
Quick overview
Yes. You can change your realtor after signing a contract.
The process only takes a few steps and allows you to protect your interests moving forward
Once you’re free, we can offer a concierge service as your new real estate agent
It’s understandable: You signed the contract, dotted every “i” and crossed every “t”, but only now have you noticed a few red flags. Compared to other agents, you’re disappointed, and you want to switch to us after seeing what Schulte & Co. do for our clients.
When that happens, your next question is obvious: “Can I change my realtor after signing a contract?”
Well, luckily for you, the answer is a resounding yes!
Read on for tips and insights into how to get out of a contract with a realtor and how to engage with another real estate agent instead. Gain insights into the straightforward process from a team that lives and breathes good client relationships, and empower yourself with clear guidance on your next steps.
Please note: This article is informational only, not legal advice. Consult a legal professional for more information if you find yourself in this situation.
Can I Change My Realtor After Signing a Contract?
Here’s the good news. If you have not yet signed such a contract, you’re not bound by anything. You can switch, but it’s courteous to let your old broker know beforehand.
If you have already signed, it’s time to look for termination clauses. You can usually find these listed with words like:
Cancellation
Termination
Expiration
End
They will specify exactly how and when you can end the agreement.
At the same time, as of January 2024, realtors in WA are required to provide you with a written Buyer Broker Agreement when they begin working with you, which must clearly define your rights to terminate the contract. These must be signed before any agent services can legally begin.
As such, a clause is mandatory in WA, and triggering it can allow you to change from one realtor to another, so long as you follow the letter of the agreement.
These termination clauses often include notice periods, potential fees, and occasionally a requirement of certified mail.
Due diligence here will help you avoid any surprises further down the line. However, if the contract is not clear, then flag any ambiguous wording and take the document to a legal professional.
Writing and Sending a Formal Notice
Once you have found exactly how to trigger a termination, send a written letter or email, addressed to the managing broker (not just the agent). These will usually satisfy the legal requirements of a written notice and should include:
Your contract date
The specific buyer-broker agreement title
The specific clause you are invoking to start the termination process
An explicit intent to terminate the contract
You may wish to state that you are planning to switch to Paige’s team, effective on the notice delivery date, for transparency, but this is not required. Instead, request confirmation that the recipient has received the message. If they do not send one, follow up with a phone call ot the managing broker. If you have a clear record of having sent the message, either by recorded mail or email, then the clause is triggered, unless both of you mutually consent later.
Therefore, ensure that you document all subsequent communication, including every email and voicemail, related to the termination. Maintaining a simple spreadsheet can help streamline this process.
If I Sign a Contract With a Realtor, Can I Get Out of It If They Say No?
We are not legal experts ourselves and instead hire them when needed. However, so long as the contract’s requirements are fulfilled, you should be able to trigger the termination clause and leave on the agreed-upon date, no matter the reason.
If they continue to press you as though you are still under contract with them, however, we recommend that you speak with a lawyer to ensure you are taking all the right steps.
Can I Fire My Realtor and Sign Up With Paige’s Team
We’re flattered.
Honestly, yes. But, let’s not cause bad blood.
Before you make the switch, it is usually a good idea to ensure that the broker you wish to switch to has a good understanding of your situation and will work well for you.
Try scheduling a 15-minute call with us to give you the peace of mind you need. After all, if we didn’t recommend you ask us these questions, we’d be the biggest hypocrites…
How Can You Switch Realtors Without Burning Bridges?
It might be a good idea to make sure you’re switching for the right reasons. Some of the best examples of this might be:
Slow realtor responses that bottleneck the sale
Generic marketing that doesn’t encourage engagement
No local insight or knowledge that can help you sell
Sudden hidden fees and a lack of cost transparency
No proactive attempts to update you or the listing
Unprofessional behavior
If you experience any of these, we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to switch. If you decide to mention your experiences in the termination letter, however, be diplomatic. Keep the real rants private to avoid escalating the problem.
It’s due to stories like these that Schulte & Co. ensures we conduct ourselves in a way that suits what you deserve. Our local knowledge means we can give you expert advice and regular updates, ensuring you always know how the market is moving.
Make the Move to Paige Schulte & Co.
Join dozens of other unsatisfied customers who have asked the question: “Can I change my realtor after signing a contract?”, and then found a better experience when partnering with Schulte & Co.
Our concierge staging service ensures that you can expect a much better showing than with any other realtor in the area, and we can provide a deal that offers no nasty surprises.
Book a consultation with us today, and let’s talk about what you want out of a realtor relationship.
