Not Happy With Your Estate Agent? Here Are Your Options
You've been working with your estate agent for a few weeks. But something isn't right. Maybe the marketing feels weak. Maybe you're not hearing from them. Maybe viewings are sparse. Maybe feedback is poor. Whatever the issue, you're wondering: what are my options? The truth is: you have more options than you
might think.
Assess the Situation Honestly
Before taking action, assess what's actually going wrong. Is the problem genuinely with your agent, or with
market conditions? Are your expectations realistic? Ask yourself: How long has the property been on market?
Two weeks is too early to judge. Two months might be reasonable. Four months suggests problems. Are you
receiving regular updates? Good agents communicate weekly without you asking. What's the quality of
viewings? Are serious, qualified buyers viewing or time-wasters? What feedback are you receiving? Is it
constructive or dismissive? Is the property priced correctly? Overpriced properties linger regardless of agent
quality. Is marketing visible? Can you see professional photos, video content, compelling descriptions online?
Be honest in this assessment. Sometimes poor results reflect market conditions or property issues, not agent
failure.
Have a Direct Conversation
Before making drastic changes, have direct conversation with your agent. Request a meeting. Tell them you're
concerned about progress and want to discuss strategy. Be specific about concerns. Don't just say unhappy.
Say you received only two enquiries in six weeks or haven't heard from them in three weeks. Ask for their
assessment. What do they think is happening? Why is progress slow? What's their plan to improve? Ask
specific questions. When will you update marketing? Will you commission video? Can you reconsider pricing?
What's your strategy for next four weeks? Listen to their response. Sometimes poor communication masks
good thinking. Sometimes you'll hear reasonable explanations. Sometimes you'll realise the partnership isn't
working. Many issues can be resolved with direct conversation. If your agent responds with improved effort, the
problem might be solved. If they're defensive or dismissive, that's telling.
Request Specific Improvements
If conversation reveals problems, request specific improvements. Request professional video marketing if not
already done. Request updated property descriptions and photography. Request weekly updates on viewings
and feedback. Request discussion of pricing strategy. Request increased digital advertising. Request access to
viewing analytics. Give them two weeks to implement improvements. Specific, measurable changes. Not vague
promises. At two-week mark, assess whether improvements were made and if they're working. Did viewings
increase? Did marketing improve? Did communication improve? Sometimes this request-and-reassess
approach fixes problems. Sometimes it becomes clear that change is needed.
Recognise When It's Time to Change
If direct conversation and requests for improvement don't work, it's time to consider changing agents. Signs it's
time: Agent made promises but didn't deliver improvements. Communication remains poor despite requests.
Viewings remain sparse after two weeks of improvements. Marketing remains unprofessional despite requests.
Agent seems uninterested in your concerns. You've lost confidence in their ability. Your gut tells you they're not
right. Trust these instincts. If you feel your agent doesn't genuinely care about your success, they probably
don't. Selling is too important for doubt.
Understanding Your Options
If you decide to change agents, understand your options. Option 1: Terminate Current Arrangement. Most
estate agent agreements allow termination with written notice (typically 28 days). Your agent cannot force you
to keep using them. However, check your specific agreement. Some have exclusivity clauses saying if they
introduce a buyer within certain timeframe after termination, they still get commission. Give formal written notice
to your agent. Keep copy for your records. Expect your agent might resist. They've invested marketing effort
and time. They might push back. Stand firm. You have right to change agents. Option 2: List With Multiple
Agents. Some areas allow concurrent agency agreements where multiple agents market your property
simultaneously. Each agent gets commission only if they bring the buyer. This increases exposure and creates
competition. Each agent works harder knowing others are marketing. Requires careful management though.
Moving Forward
Remember: you're in control. You chose your current agent. You can unchoose them. You're not locked in.
Your home is too valuable to accept poor service. If your current agent isn't delivering, find one who will. The
right agent partnership makes enormous difference. Better marketing. Better communication. Better support.
Better results. Trust yourself. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Make change with confidence. If Capital
can help, we're ready. We specialise in taking over properties that haven't performed with previous agents. We
analyse what went wrong. We develop better strategy. We deliver better results. Contact us to discuss your
situation.
