You sign up with an estate agent, put your house on the market and wait... Months go by without potential buyers, leaving you frustrated. Should you switch agents, or stick with the one you have and cross your fingers?

When should you change estate agents?

Changing estate agents — especially after your listing goes live — is a big decision. There’s an element of risk involved, and it’s never easy to say ‘you’re fired’ to anyone. Still, the benefits of switching away from an underperforming agent can’t be overstated.

Sellers tend to change agents for a range of different reasons. You should consider changing estate agents when:

• Your agents aren’t responsive — or don’t communicate to the standard upon which was agreed.
• You haven’t had many (or any) house viewings
• Their properties aren’t advertised on Zoopla or Rightmove

If the pros and cons of switching estate agents are making your head spin, you’re in the right place. We’ll begin this guide with the burning question: can you change estate agents? Then, we’ll talk about what to consider before moving from one agency to another. After that, we’ll show you how to switch agencies, step by step. Finally, we’ll explore common FAQs about changing estate agents.

If your property has been on the market for months with little to no interest, then the chances are you’ll be considering whether your estate agent is doing their job properly. You may even come to a point when you decide to stop working with them and look for another provider, either because you’re dissatisfied with their performance or they’re not responsive enough.

Unfortunately, though, switching or changing your estate agent isn’t always as simple as it may seem, with many homeowners tied into contracts with a particular agent for a minimum period - or worse still, tied into fixed-fee agreements that mean they’ll have to pay the agent, whatever happens.

Below, we share more information on how to switch successfully.

Can you change estate agents?

Many people wonder if they can change estate agents after listing their homes. Is changing estate agents even legally allowed? In short, yes, it is and you can change estate agents - but you might be subject to a minimum tie-in period.

In layman’s terms, a tie-in period is the minimum amount of time — usually measured in weeks — your estate agent has to market your house. Tie-in periods are usually included in agency contracts, and they typically range from 4 to 12 weeks.

Some agency agreements don’t stipulate tie-in periods. Others include tie-in agreements, but don’t charge sellers fees if they decide to exit early. Others contain strict fixed-term tie-ins and hefty fees for early termination. In short, check your contract for conditions before making solid plans to change agents.

Considerations when deciding if you should switch estate agents

Should you change estate agents, or is it better to stick with the one you have? Before bailing out, consider the following things:

• Are you on a fixed fee contract? If so, you might have to pay your current estate agent a fee to exit the contract.
• Do you have a sole agency agreement or a sole selling rights agreement? If you’re bound into a sole agency agreement, your agent will only receive a fee if they find a buyer. If you’ve signed a sole selling rights agreement, you’ll have to pay the fee, no matter what.

Before you switch, you should take a good look through your agreement with your estate agent to understand your position and rights. Most agents have an exclusivity agreement in place, which means you must stick with them for a minimum period.

This can vary depending on your agent and local competition, but it’s usually one to three months - and many estate agents also allow homeowners to pull out if they give a certain period of notice.

Look for this information in your contract and speak with a solicitor if you’re confused about your rights.

Selling a home is complex. If you’re confused about your rights or your obligations as a seller, consider speaking with a qualified solicitor.

Why do you want to switch?

Now we’ve got the legal stuff out of the way, a quick question: why do you want to switch to another estate agent?

It’s easy to make emotionally-charged decisions when you’re stressed about selling your home, so it makes sense to create a list of reasons why you’re unhappy with your current provider. Note down the positives too. Being balanced will encourage you to make a rational decision about whether to leave your current agent, and will help you understand what you require from your next one.

My agent has stopped communicating with me

It's important to keep in mind that most estate agents are handling the sales of several properties at once. While communication is key, it is common for some minor delays in correspondence.

However, if your estate agent doesn’t keep you in the loop or has stopped responding to messages or calls entirely, then that’s grounds for dismissal - they’re not doing their job and they’re not providing good customer service.

I’ve had no house viewings

Consider the reasons why you’ve had no viewings. Is it because of your agent's marketing efforts? Is it because your home isn't staged well? Are there other factors impacting your sale?

I can’t find my property online

Most estate agents include online listings on sites like Zoopla and Rightmove; if you were promised these and you can’t find your property online, then your agent isn't doing their job properly. Look to switch ASAP.

My agent wants me to significantly reduce my asking price

Some agents may pressure owners into significantly reducing their price to encourage a quick sale, or initially over-value your home to get your business. Ensure you get at least three valuations to make sure your asking price is right.

Now you have a list of reasons why you want to move, interview new estate agents and see who can provide the best service.Questions like “Why do you think my property hasn’t sold?” and “What would you do differently?” will help you find a replacement.

How to change estate agents

Sometimes, switching agents is inevitable — and taking a logical approach can make changing from one agency to another easier. Here’s how to change estate agents, broken down step by step:

1. Review your tie-in period: Check your contract for a tie-in period. Tie-in periods generally range between one and three months. Some agreements don’t include tie-in periods.
2. Give your estate agent notice: Many contracts stipulate a minimum notice period — two weeks, a month, or two months, for example. Give your agent notice before leaving to ensure you don’t breach the terms of your contract.
3. Create an estate agent shortlist: Review some of the most highly rated estate areas in your area, comparing and contrasting terms, conditions and perks. Write your top five contenders on a list.
4. Interview estate agents: Interview potential new estate agents to see which one provides the best service for the best price. Ask questions like ‘Why do you think my property hasn’t sold?’ and ‘What would you do differently?’
5. Choose a new estate agent and establish terms: Select a good estate agent and discuss terms — tie-in period, amount of commission, notice period and perks.
6. Sign your new contract: When you’re happy with the terms and conditions of your agreement, sign on the dotted line and set sail.

Important things to do when changing estate agents

Read your contract

Once you have decided to switch and you’re ready to instruct a new agent, you should read your contract and understand the next steps. Most agents have a minimum tie-in period, so check these dates and understand the potential withdrawal fee if you choose to leave early.

It’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of paying an exit fee or holding out for a buyer with your current agent; if you must go, then give your notice period and instruct a new agent.

Give the right notice period

Most estate agents require a notice period of around two weeks, which gives them a chance to have one last push and help you to find a buyer. Others may go in the opposite direction and remove your property from sale and cancel any upcoming viewings and appointments.

It’s important to note that if you’re in a sole agency contract, you must not allow another agent to start selling or marketing your property until your old agent stops working under your notice period. Get ready to launch beforehand, but be patient, and make sure your new agent is aware of the circumstances so that you and they do not breach existing contracts.

Get the old agent to pass on details

The good news is that all estate agents field queries, so if someone contacts your old agent about your home, they should pass their details on to you. We recommend requesting details of names of previous viewers, and then your new estate agent can chase these and ensure you don’t miss out on a sale or offer.

Again, read into the terms of your agreement and have a plan in place with your old agent; if they behave unprofessionally after you leave them, consider making a complaint both to the estate agency and to The Property Ombudsman.

Switching estate agents doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated: it’s just about knowing your rights under your agreement and choosing a replacement that fulfils your needs and helps you to sell your home fast.

At GetAgent, we help you see which agents will do the best job of selling your home, based on past performance. Click here to get started - it’s FREE.

Will switching estate agents cost me more money?

Many people worry about paying double estate agent fees when they switch estate agents. If you previously signed a fixed-price sole selling rights agreement, you may still need to pay your old agent after you move to a new agent. If you went with a fixed-price sole agency agreement, however, you can move to a new agent after your tie-in period ends.

Contracts vary from agency to agency, so make sure you examine your agreement carefully before switching.