Is Your Realtor Working for You?

I receive many questions about real estate every month, and I'm always happy to answer them. Sometimes, I'll get a question that bears special attention, and in those cases I like to share the answer with all of my readers and subscribers. Feel free to send your own questions! If I publish yours, you'll receive a gift card for Fleming's Steak House as my way of saying thanks!

Asking a question is easy. Just visit DaleRoss.com and click on “Contact Me” or call 281-599-6575. This month’s question was sent in by Jenni. Thank you, Jenni! Enjoy your steak!

Q: Hi Dale,

We listed our house with a real estate agent who was referred to us by a friend. She is not in the area but we thought that was okay. As it turns out, our home is not being marketed very well at all. The worst thing is that she will not return any of our calls or emails. We want to list with you. How can we end our agreement with her?

A: Hello Jenni,

Believe it or not, I hear a story similar to this one every month. I'm sorry that you're stuck in this situation, but let's see if I point you toward a resolution!

Unfortunately, the decision to end your relationship with the agent rests purely on their shoulders at this point. The agent may or may not let you out of your listing agreement. They may also charge you to let you out of the agreement. If the agent is not returning your calls then I suggest you go over her head; contact her Broker directly and make your request. If you cannot make contact with the Broker, then I suggest you contact the Texas Real Estate Commission and let them know what's going on.

It might seem a bit one-sided that the agent is in full control at this point, but such can be the nature of a contractual agreement. Rest assured that I will never keep you hostage in an agreement. In every full-service agreement that I write, I offer the right to terminate the agreement at no charge. That’s just the way I run my business.

Thank you again for contacting me, Jenni. I hope my advice helps you get things straightened out without too much further hassle!

Until next month,

Dale Ross