Switching Estate Agents
By: Matthew Biggin
Tags: Estate Agents, Property Management, Property, Property For Sale

Posted on 17th December 2021

If you are thinking about switching estate agents, this article will answer any and all questions. It will help you decide what to do next. There may be many reasons you want to change to a new estate agent; the most common ones are,

poor communication

Little or no viewings

Your agents are not advertising in the right places

Your property has been valued too high, and your current estate agent is pushing for a price reduction

You can switch to a new estate agent, it may not be easy, but it is possible! However, before you make such a big decision, make sure to think about all the pros and cons like estate agent fees, contract agreement and then choose based on what is best for you.

If your house has been on the market for a long time with your current agent, it can be frustrating. So this is an excellent time to think about whether you should switch estate agents.

You need to think about the contract that you have with your original agent. You might not be able to switch because of exclusivity agreements/contracts that say you will pay for their services for a certain amount of time.

CAN YOU CHANGE ESTATE AGENT?

Is changing estate agents after listing your home the right move? It may be legally allowed, but you might subject yourself to a minimum tie-in period.

You might worry that you are switching agents as it could affect your property sale and selling process.

But don’t worry! We have everything covered. We know about the legalities and practical steps, too. If there is anything left unknown, I’m happy to help you figure it out!

There are other agreements, contracts, notice periods and key clauses you can sign with an estate agent. It would be best to do your research before signing any contracts, or it could cost you money.

When deciding if changing estate agents are the best solution, a few factors to consider.

When deciding if you should switch from your current estate agent, think about whether it is time for a change. Ask yourself if getting the best service and support from your present estate agent is good enough.

If you answer “yes,” it means that you will probably change from your existing agent. If you answer “no,” it means that you are less likely to change estate agents.

Estate agents often work for fixed fees. You may pay a double commission if you want to change estate agents or work with two estate agents. But there are benefits to a multi-agency agreement,

Reach more prospective buyers

Multiple viewings

Double your chance of selling your property

Increase the chance of a quick sale

Achieve asking price

The Question Is, What Contract Does Your Agent Have You On?

There are no guarantees for success. Sometimes, even agents who want to help you might not be successful.

People usually change agents when they are looking to buy. Therefore, people must answer questions before changing their agents. It will help you not to make the same mistake as people have.

When you switch, you will be under a sole agency agreement for at least one month or three, depending on the area. Most estate agents will permit the other agent to switch if you give them notice in 30 days.

You should also review documents related to real estate transactions and seek advice where needed.

If you are unsure about your rights or responsibilities as a seller, you can get advice from a professional solicitor.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO SWITCH?

When you are looking for a new home or want to sell your property, it can be hard to find the motivation. When your current estate agent is not selling your old house, you should list why you switch agents. In addition, you will want to list any positives about the new agent if you decide to stay with them for now. Being balanced will help.

My agent doesn’t communicate: If your estate agent does not respond to emails or keep you informed, they are not doing their job, you will want to switch estate agents. They need to do this to provide excellent customer service.

I’ve had no house viewings: Think about why no one has shown interest in your home, and it’s not selling. Is it because your estate agent has not done an excellent marketing job? Or is it because you have not thought about some problems with the house?

I can’t find my property online: If your agent is not listing your property on Zoopla or Rightmove, they are not doing their job. It would help if you considered changing estate agents to an agent that will do this.

My agent is working to lower the price: Some agents pressure you to reduce your cost. They might say they are doing it to make the home sell faster, but this isn’t true. Be sure to get at least three property valuations for your property before deciding.

I am sure you have wondered why your property isn’t selling. Now is an excellent time to find out what is going on. First, talk to new estate agents and ask them what they would do if they were in your position.

HOW TO CHANGE ESTATE AGENTS

When you are looking for a new estate agent, think about the following before just randomly picking one,

1, Examine the time frame in which your company is tied: There might be a tie-in period in a contract, especially if you are on a sole agency agreement. For example, it means that you will have to keep your agent for 1–3 months during your house sale.

2, Give your estate agent written notice: If you are going to be away for a few days or weeks, tell your agent before you leave. They might need two weeks’ notice, one month’s notice, or two months’ notice.

3, Create a shortlist of estate agents: Examine the best areas in your town and see what they have. Then, make a list of the top five.

4, Interview local estate agents: Look at the price and service that other offices in your area have to offer. They might know why your home has not been sold yet.

5, Choose a new estate agent: You decide who the best agent will be for you. Then, you negotiate with them on how long they will work to sell your house, what commission they will get, and if you can back out of the deal if it doesn’t happen.

6, Sign your new contract: When you are happy with all of the parts of your agreement, then sign it. Then finish your contract.

When It Comes Time To Switch Estate Agent, You Should Remember A Few Things.

Read the contract your landlord gives you. You want to make sure that it is fair and legal. Pay attention to the length of the agreement, so you don’t lose any money when you leave early or pay a fee when necessary.

It is essential to think about what you are giving up if you want to leave your contract early or pay someone else. Think about how much money you agreed on the deal. Will it still be worth it?

Give the required notice period.

If you want to sell your house, tell the people who will be selling it that they need to give you a lot of time. But, they do not have enough time; they will take your house off sale and cancel appointments. Some agents don’t wait this long before taking your home off sale–they do it at two weeks.

Before you start negotiating with other agents, make sure you are ready. Tell them about any contracts already in place so they know what they can and cannot do.

Obtain a copy of the old agent’s information.

When you want to stop working with estate agent’s, make sure they have your contact information. The old agent will tell people about the house and show it. Then, if they are interested, the new agent will inspect the property before giving back all checks.

Some people want to buy your house before they make a new one. They might not be ready to buy right now, but you can still get their information. It is good to keep in touch with these people because they may believe it soon!

If you switch companies, it is hard to be a good agent. You have an easier time if the company is good and has done well in the past. GetAgent also provides free services for people who are switching agencies.

IS IT TRUE, THAT IF I SWITCH ESTATE AGENTS IT WILL COST ME MORE MONEY?

Unless you have an agreement with your agent, the new one might charge you money. It is essential to know how much they will set before you switch. The new agent could do good work even if they work for a different company.

If you do not spend all the money on your fixed-priced agreement, then it does not matter. But if you want to sign over complete control of your home before your time is up, then this will.

FRENQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is It Possible To Get Out Of An Estate Agent Agreement?

If you don’t want to work with an agent anymore, there is a way to get out of the contract. You can do this if they have not been doing their job. If they break the agreement’s rules, that’s a breach, and you can ask them to leave. If this happens, then talk to someone else.

Is It Legal To Have Two Estate Agents?

You can list your home with two agents. But it depends on the contract.

Some contracts say that one agent will be your only agent. You cannot record with another agent if this is true for both agents you want to use.

If someone asks an agent about a home not listed with them, they will pass on this inquiry to the agent listing that house.

How Do I Give Notice To An Estate Agent?

It would help if you told your agent that you are switching to another agency at least a week before you make the switch.

1, Read your contract to see how much time you have to give notice.

2, To be legally binding, you need to send a letter or email.

3, Ask them to take down their signs.

Can I Cancel My Estate Agent Contract Within 14 Days?

Many U.K. contracts have a 14-day cooling-off period, which means that if you want to cancel your contract with an estate agent, you can do this within 14 days after the agreement is signed.

If I switch estate agents, will I have to pay commission to my old one?

If you sign a contract with an agent to sell your home, they might charge you even if you don’t use them. So ensure that the terms say “No Commission” before signing the contract.

We hope you have found our blog post about switching estate agents useful! If you have any questions, we are always here to offer free advice.