Whether you’re in the market to purchase a home or sell one, your best pathway toward success will always be working with a real estate agent.
However, finding the perfect agent is easier said than done. Particularly in Toronto – a city with over 70,000 registered real estate agents, both buyers and sellers alike are tasked with sorting through the seemingly endless options to find the right help for their unique needs.
Unfortunately, these searches don’t always end in a match made in heaven. While less common, some clients do find themselves stuck with a real estate agent who isn’t living up to expectations. In some cases, they may even stop hearing back from their agent altogether.
So what can you do if you’re unhappy with your real estate agent? It depends. Even if they’ve outright ghosted you, there could be certain regulatory or legal hurdles to be mindful of.
When seeking out the perfect real estate agent, listening to personal referrals can help you streamline your search. Click here to read our blog post on the topic.
Preventing Disappointment
The best way to ensure your agent holds true to their word is by doing your due diligence in the first place. It may seem obvious, but it’s one hundred percent true. When it comes to finding the best possible agent for your personal goals, you’ll want to research your options carefully ahead of time. In addition to exploring a potential agent’s website and social media pages, be sure to look at reviews and testimonials provided by past clients.
Want to know exactly how you can find the top real estate agent for you? Visit these blog posts for helpful tips.
- How to Read Between the Lines of Agent Reviews
- Why Choosing the Right Agent Matters For Sellers
- How Many Real Estate Agents Should You Interview Before Choosing One?
Step One
If you’re not happy with the service you’re receiving from your real estate agent, you may have an idea of how to fix the situation – whether it be filing a formal complaint, attempting to fire your agent, or simply hiring someone else. That being said, breaking a buying or listing agreement, can be a long and complex process. Therefore it’s better to try and make your concerns heard before you attempt to escalate the situation.
If you’re unable to get in touch with your agent directly, try contacting their brokerage. They may be able to connect you to another agent on the same team or help your existing agent reassess your needs. In some cases, they may even offer to void the contract themselves with certain stipulations.
Understanding Your Buying or Listing Agreement
When you work with a real estate agent to buy or sell a home they will ask you to sign a representation agreement which outlines (among other details) the terms of their services, applicable fees, and the degree of exclusivity applicable to their representation.
As these agreements are legally binding, you’ll need to take a close look at the document before considering any changes to your representation. If you’ve signed an agreement and it has not yet expired, you may have limited options with how you can proceed.
If your agent has not lived up to their responsibilities or promises outlined in the representation agreement and you have been unsuccessful in contacting them or their brokerage, you can contact the Real Estate Council of Ontario or your lawyer. They’ll help you make sense of your legal obligations and can provide the best possible guidance for setting things right.
While they will be the main partner in your real estate journey, your agent will also call on other industry professionals to support your goals. Check out these blog posts to learn more.
- How Toronto Real Estate Experts Collaborate (and Why it Matters!)
- Agent Connections When Buying or Selling Outside of Canada?
- REALM: Next-Level Luxury Real Estate Technology
Re-entering the Market With a New Agent
If you’re currently under a binding representation agreement with a real estate agent, you should not hire another agent until you’ve received confirmation that the contract is void or expired.
Once you’ve been able to move on from your previous agent, finding the right professional to work with next can feel even more daunting. After going through a very stressful situation, it’s completely natural to feel worried about repeating the process. However, even if you’ve had a bad experience with a real estate agent before, it’s important to not attempt to navigate the market on your own.
The reality is that there are plenty of great agents out there who are eager to help you make your dreams come true. With the right research and due diligence, you’ll be able to find a fantastic and compassionate agent who can ensure you accomplish your real estate goals.
Searching for a knowledgeable Toronto real estate agent who will make you their top priority? Silver Burtnick & Associates would love to work with you. Click here to get in touch with us.
