Can I change real estate agents or REALTORS®?

If you’re not happy with your real estate agent or REALTOR®, you can change your representation. Be aware, though, that this could be more difficult if you signed a contract. If you signed a contract with either your seller’s or buyer’s agent, it might be more difficult to switch. Most contracts, though, will list a specific amount of time – often 6 months – before the contract expires.

What should I do before meeting with a REALTOR®?

Before meeting with a REALTOR® for the first time, compile a list of goals that you want out of the relationship. If you’re selling a home, you might want your agent to help you with staging your home, weeding out unserious offers, negotiating final sales prices, and marketing your home to a deep pool of potential buyers. Make sure you’re clear about which services you’d like your seller’s agent to provide. Come to your REALTOR® with a price that you hope to nab for your home, too. They might not agree with your assessment, but it’s important for you and your REALTOR® to agree on a target sales price and understand expectations beforehand. If you’re buying, make sure to come armed with information on the neighborhoods in which you’d like to buy, the budget you have for a new home, the type of home you’d prefer, and any deadlines you need to meet for your move.

Can I negotiate a real estate agent’s commission?

You can always try to negotiate a lower real estate agent commission . Remember, though, real estate professionals live on commission. Most are not eager to accept a lower commission structure. And if they do, they might not provide all the services that are provided when they’re working for the standard 6% commission – such as help with staging a home, negotiating final contracts, or recommending inspectors and real estate attorneys.