Can I fire my Realtor after signing a contract?

Asked by: Roscoe Maggio  |  Last update: October 26, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (70 votes)

If this contract wasn't required by your agent, then you may fire them at any time without penalty. However, if you signed a buyer-broker agreement, then the contract is legally binding and can be terminated only if both sides agree, or if there's a breach of the contract's conditions.

Can I fire my real estate agent after signing a contract?

Yes. You can terminate. There should be a termination clause but it really doesn't matter. You have cause - non performance. Just send an email.

How to end a relationship with a realtor?

Simply send them a letter or email stating that you are no longer working with them effective immediately. You are not obligated to work with any realtor you don't like. Cut contact after sending the message and contact the new realtor.

How to change realtor after signing a contract?

You have clearly decided to switch to a new Agent. The polite and proper thing to do is to contact your existing Agent and just say that you will be doing something different -- there is no need for either party to explain details. After the existing Agent is released, then contact the new Agent.

Can you get out of a real estate contract once signed?

Buyers who back out without cause typically forfeit their earnest money deposit, and the seller could bring legal action. If the seller cancels the contract without cause, the buyer could sue the seller to force them to complete the sale. They also could seek financial damages.

Can I change realtor after signing a contract?

37 related questions found

Can I break my contract with my realtor?

If you cancel early, chances are the agent might just let you off the hook for the remainder of the contract—at least most of us do—especially when the homeowner requests this cancellation,” says Maria Jeantet is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker C&C Properties in Redding, CA.

Can I back out after signing contract?

A buyer can back out of a home purchase even after signing a contract if all agreed-upon contingencies are not met. Common reasons for buyers to back out include issues revealed during a home inspection and problems with financing. Having a backup offer in place can help soften the blow in case a deal falls through.

How do you tactfully back out of a real estate contract?

These tips for terminating a real estate contract the right way can help you avoid hard feelings between buyer and seller and make the process much less stressful.
  1. Hire a real estate lawyer. ...
  2. Include a “kick-out” clause. ...
  3. Understand grounds for termination as the seller. ...
  4. If you need to back out, do so promptly.

Is it okay to change your Realtor?

If you have signed a contract, you can change agents if the contract terms permit it. If your contract does not allow a switch without penalty, you might be able to pay a cancellation fee to end the arrangement. The cancellation fee will vary depending on your contract terms and state laws.

Can you change your mind after signing a real estate contract?

How long do you have to back out of an offer on a house? The answer varies by state if you're hoping to keep your money. In California, for instance, the contingency period is for a total of 17 days, after which it's extremely difficult to pull out without losing money.

Can you back out of using a REALTOR?

In most cases, “you should be able to terminate the agreement with a letter of cancellation or termination,” says Beverley Hourlier, a Realtor with Hilltop Chateau Realty, in San Diego. “Usually either side can terminate this way.” But because this is a legal contract, don't just part ways with a handshake.

Can I cancel my estate agent contract?

The 14 day cooling off period

During the first 14 days after you have entered the contract you have the right to leave the contract without incurring a penalty.

What to do when you are not happy with your REALTOR?

Simply contact the agent to explain you no longer wish to work with them. If you signed a contract agreeing to work with the agent for a specific period of time, try explaining why you aren't satisfied with the relationship. Your agent might be willing to break the agreement early to maintain a good reputation.

Do you have to pay your Realtor if you fire them?

If the real estate agent helped you find the home you're buying, you will likely have to pay them a commission and fees even if you fire them. If you don't want to continue working with that agent, you could ask the broker they work under to assign you a different agent.

How do you tell a Realtor you no longer want to work with them?

Just let them know you've chosen to work with someone else or that you're no longer in need of their services. If asked for a reason, now is a good time to offer useful feedback. No matter what, be sure to thank them for their time and expertise.

When should I fire my Realtor?

An agent demonstrating a lack of professionalism, bad negotiating skills, or a breach of ethics are all reasons you may want to fire them. It's important to carefully follow the steps to fire your real estate agent so you can ensure you're doing so professionally and legally.

How do you tell a realtor you went with another realtor?

During your scheduled call, tell your real estate agent you've chosen to work with someone else and thank them for their time. They may ask if you've signed an exclusivity agreement with someone else. You don't need to disclose any other information if you don't want to.

Is it OK to talk to different realtors?

Working with more than one real estate agent is fine when you haven't signed an exclusive agreement with anyone, says Adam Aguilar, a real estate agent with Reliantra in West Toluca Lake, CA. “You can use as many as you wish, unless they stop to ask you to make a commitment to them, in writing,” Aguilar adds.

How do I know when to change my realtor?

We're talking about some real deal-breakers:
  1. Dishonesty.
  2. Failure to fulfill the obligations outlined in the contract.
  3. Repeatedly lowering your asking price without comps to back up the change.
  4. Lack of communication.
  5. An overall bad or rude attitude—to you or to potential buyers.

How do I legally get out of a real estate contract?

How to Cancel a Real Estate Contract
  1. Written Notice: Always provide cancellation in writing. ...
  2. Legal Forms: Use the appropriate legal forms for cancellation. ...
  3. Attorney Consultation: Consult with a real estate attorney to ensure that your cancellation adheres to local laws and contractual terms.

Can you walk away from a real estate contract?

What if you just change your mind? First, whether it's called an accepted offer or an executed contract (there's no substantive difference between these terms), you absolutely can walk away. But depending on the circumstances, you can face legal and/or financial consequences.

How do I write a letter to a realtor termination contract?

Dear [Realtor's Name], I am writing to formally terminate our contract for real estate services, dated [date of contract], which we entered into on [date of agreement]. After careful consideration, I have decided that it is in my best interest to terminate our agreement.

Can I terminate a contract after signing?

If a vitiating factor exists, you can legally cancel a signed contract in a process known as rescission. Both parties will be put back in the position they had been in prior to the contract's existence.

Do you have to pay a realtor if you decide not to sell?

Unless your contract says otherwise, you are typically not required to pay your selling agent if the contract expires and your home doesn't sell.

What happens if I change my mind after signing a contract?

Unless a contract contains a specific rescission clause that grants the right for a party to cancel the contract within a certain amount of time, a party cannot back out of a contract once they have agreed and signed it.