Changing estate agents: a step-by-step guide

Not had much buyer interest in your home? Or maybe you’re unhappy with your estate agent’s service? If you’re thinking about swapping estate agents to sell your home, then this guide is for you.

We take you through what to consider, how to change estate agents, the pros and cons of making the switch, and more.

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Yes, you can change estate agents. But the circumstances in which you swap depend on what you agreed with your original estate agent.

As a first step, it’s worth having an open conversation with your estate agent about your concerns. They may be able to put things right without the need to switch estate agents.

But if you’d still like to change the status quo? One option could be to bring in a new estate agent alongside your existing one. You may have to wait until your tie-in period has ended to change strategy. You can learn more about sole agency versus multi agency agreements in our comprehensive guide.

Alternatively, you could change estate agents. If you’re keen to go down this road, make sure you know where you stand before pressing ahead. Have a look at the small print in your contract for things such as:

• cooling off period

• lock-in period, also known as a tie-in period

• notice period

• early termination fees

• obligations once the contract has ended.

There’s no firm right or wrong answer to this question. The timing is often influenced by the seller's personal circumstances - and the terms of their contract.

There are various scenarios in which a seller might decide to switch estate agents. They could include:

• disappointing marketing of the property

• lack of buyer interest

• low offers from buyers

• unsatisfactory service from the estate agent

• lack of rapport with the estate agent.

It takes time and effort to choose an estate agent and market a home for sale. So, switching estate agents is not a decision that sellers tend to take lightly. It typically happens once the existing estate agent has had a fair chance to sell the property.

You may still need to pay your original estate agent in certain scenarios - it depends what the wording in your contract states. This is why it’s important that you are crystal clear about how the contract could impact you both during the term of the agreement and once it's terminated.

Here’s an example. Let’s say you successfully sell your home through the second estate agent. But the buyer was introduced by your original estate agent while they were marketing your home. Your first estate agent may reasonably state that their ‘introduction’ resulted in the sale and therefore they’re due a fee - depends on contract.

Contracts normally state how long you must stick with your estate agent for. A typical lock-in period is usually around 12 weeks, but you may find that your contract has another timescale. Shorter periods of six to eight weeks can also be negotiated, for example.

Remember that you are bound by the terms of the contract you signed. That said, if you’re unhappy with part(s) of the contract, speak to your estate agent to see if you can agree to a compromise.

If you’ve decided to switch estate agents, here are some steps you can take:

1. Study the terms of your contract: understand your position before you approach your estate agent

2. Hand in your notice in line with the terms of your contract: give your notice in writing, such as email, and ask for confirmation or a response

3. Sound out potential new estate agents to sell your home: make sure you are clear about how they are going to move the sale forward

4. Agree terms with a new estate agent (s)

5. Work with both your previous and new estate agents to ensure a smooth handover.

Switching estate agents could:

Pros

• Introduce a different strategy, such as new asking price and fresh marketing ideas

• Bring a renewed sense of enthusiasm and momentum to the selling process

• Provide a new pool of buyers

Cons

• Cost more money, if you end up paying two sets of estate agents fees

• Cause confusion and breach of contract, if you haven’t got to grips with the terms

• Delay a potential sale, if you’re bound by certain contract conditions.

• Read the terms of the contract with your original estate agent so you fully understand the implications. Pay close attention to things such as the tie-in or lock-in period, notice period, early termination fees, and commission.

• Keep records of all communication to avoid any confusion.

• Ensure open and transparent dialogue with both your original and second estate agent to boost your chances of a smooth handover - and an eventual sale.