Why to Fire your Real Estate agent

When Should You Fire Your Agent?

Firing your agent isn't easy. But sometimes it's the only way to move forward with your deal.

The Main Reasons People End It

Here's what typically goes wrong:

• They don't respond. You can't reach them. Calls go unanswered. Emails sit in their inbox for days.
• They're unprofessional. Missed deadlines. Broken promises. Behavior that doesn't sit right with you.
• They're not doing the work. Your property sits on the market. They won't market it. They're not showing it to buyers.
• They don't know what they're doing. Bad pricing. Weak negotiations. Missing important dates.
• Your situation changed. You're moving. Your timeline shifted. What made sense before doesn't anymore.

Check Your Contract First

Before you write anything, dig into your contract. Read it. All of it. I know it's boring, but it matters.

What You're Looking For

• How to end the agreement (the "termination clause")
• How much notice you need to give
• If there are any penalties for leaving early
• What happens to deals that are already in the works
• Commission stuff you need to know about

The Termination Clause Matters

This is the part that tells you when and how you can end things. It'll say something like "you need to give 30 days notice" or "you can't leave during an active sale." Different states have different rules. Your contract might too.

Pay attention. It's the difference between a smooth exit and a messy legal fight.

Build Your Case

Collect proof. If things ever go to court, you'll be glad you did.

Keep Track of Everything

• Dates when you tried to reach them and got nothing back
• Emails, texts—anything they said or didn't say
• Specific moments they messed up. Names, dates, what happened
• Broken promises. When they said they'd do something and didn't

The Silent Agent Problem

This is probably the biggest complaint. You call. No answer. You text. Nothing. A week goes by. Write down every attempt. Save every message. If you talked to them about it and they still didn't improve? That's gold for your termination letter.

When They Act Unprofessional

Did they miss a deadline? Show up late to a showing? Make promises they didn't keep? Write it down. Be specific. "Agent missed the inspection deadline by 5 days on March 15th" is way better than "they're always late."

This stuff protects you later. Trust me on this.

Write Your Termination Letter

This is the official "we're done" moment. Make it count.

What Goes in the Letter

• Start by saying you're ending the agreement. Be clear about it.
• Say why. Use your notes from step 3.
• Include specific dates or incidents if you have them
• Give them a date when it's officially over
• Keep it brief. Don't write a novel.

Keep It Professional (Even Though You're Mad)

You might be frustrated. Angry, even. Don't let that show in the letter. Stick to facts. "You didn't respond to my calls on March 5th and March 10th" beats "You always ignore me." Facts are harder to argue with.

No personal attacks. No venting. Just the truth, presented calmly.

Pick Your End Date

Give them time to wrap things up. Don't make it next week if there are deals in progress. Usually 30 days is fair. Check your contract to see what it says about notice periods.

Send It Right

How you send this matters as much as what you write.

Why Certified Mail?

• You get proof they got it. In writing.
• There's a timestamp showing when they received it
• If they come after you legally, you're covered
• No "I never got it" excuses

How to Do It

Go to the post office. Tell them you want certified mail with a return receipt. It costs a few dollars. Worth every penny.

They'll give you a tracking number. Keep that. Also keep a copy of the letter you sent. And keep the receipt showing it was delivered.

Put it all in a folder somewhere safe. You might need it someday.

Keep Your Records Safe

Once you send that letter, hold onto everything.

What to Save

• The letter you sent
• The certified mail receipt and tracking number
• All the documentation you collected
• Your original contract

Why It Matters

Most agents accept termination without drama. They move on. But just in case there's a disagreement about commission or who owes what, you've got proof of everything. It's your protection.

Put it in a folder. Digital or physical. Something you can find easily if you need it.

Wrap It Up

Firing your agent isn't fun. But it's sometimes necessary.

Don't Forget These Things

• Read your contract. All of it.
• Follow what it says about how to quit
• Be professional in your letter. Keep emotions out of it.
• Say clearly why you're leaving
• Use certified mail. Get proof
• Talk to a lawyer. Really.
• Keep everything organized. Dates, copies, receipts.

The Bottom Line

This is a business transaction. You're paying them a lot of money. If they're not doing the job, you have every right to move on. Do it the right way—professionally, legally, and with documentation—and you'll sleep better at night.

Your real estate deal is too important to leave in the hands of someone you don't trust. Make the change. Need to sell your house fast in Austin, TX, call us today.