Is the real estate agent you have when you started the process of buying or selling need to be the same one at the end of the process? Should you keep your agent or fire them if they are not doing their job?
Many real estate agents and brokers have their clients sign a non-compete agreement, meaning that their clients will stay with the one agent until the end of the process or at lease for a set amount of time. But it's not mandatory and is based on an agent by agent preference. It's an unspoken given that when you start with a real estate agent you're not going work with any other agent simultaneously. Typically if you're selling a property you might use that same agent to buy a property in the same area as it just keeps all of the parties on the same page and the client doesn’t need to start over.
One thing you need to remember whether you are buying or selling is that the agent you choose is working for you only. They are not trying to get you to buy a certain house nor should they give away the house you are trying to sell just to get the commission.
When should you fire your agent and when should hang onto them?
Read more: The Good, Bad and Ugly of Getting your house sold
I recently had a couple of buyers interested in a home that we put in an offer on and I met with the listing agent to let them know that my buyers were serious and to speak with the agent one-on-one. Because of this connection we were able to get our offer accepted. However, during the inspection process, the report came back that the home needed an entirely new roof and unless the sellers were willing to put on a new roof, my buyers were going to walk away. My buyers had already submitted an offer $20,000 higher than the listing price and they felt that if the sellers didn't add on a new roof they would need to walk away.
The sellers refused to add a new roof and so I personally met with the listing agent and explained our situation. I was cordial, understanding, and simply explained that for the increase in price we would need a new roof otherwise we would have to find another property. The listing agent completely understood and whether or not spoke highly of us behind our back, I feel that the rapport with the listing agent is solid.
We decided to look for a new property for my buyers because the buyers needs, budget and interests are my top priorities.
It really is possible to keep a cordial atmosphere with all parties involved even if the transaction needs to be dissolved. I feel that the connection with that listing agent will still be one of integrity and honesty should I come to them with another offer in the future.
4 Things you can do to help sell your home
If your agent continues to burn bridges, is incapable of communication or simply refuses to answer questions or work professionally with you or the sellers, buyers and other agents, it may be time to fire them and move on.
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