If you’ve ever sat across from your REALTOR® and thought, “I don’t think this person has my back,” you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck.
That’s exactly where one Lakeville family found themselves earlier this year. They had sold a home before, but it had been years, and a lot changes in the industry in that time. When they lost confidence in their previous brokerage, they weren’t sure what came next. Could they even switch agents mid-process? Would it slow everything down? Would it look bad?
Here’s what’s true: none of those fears had to stop them, and they usually don’t have to stop you either.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU SWITCH AGENTS
A few facts worth knowing if you’re in this spot right now:
- If you haven’t signed a listing agreement with a brokerage, you’re free to work with whoever you choose. There’s no waiting period and no penalty.
- If you have signed an agreement and things aren’t working, most brokerages will work with you on a release, especially early in the relationship. It’s a conversation worth having directly, and a good next agent can help you navigate it.
- Switching doesn’t mean starting over from zero. A good agent can move quickly to get up to speed on your situation, your home, and your goals, often within days, not weeks.
The bigger question isn’t whether you can switch. It’s whether the person you switch to will actually be there once you do.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO FIGURE THIS OUT ALONE
This is the part most agents don’t say out loud: buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions most people make, and most people are doing it without much recent experience. Laws change. Markets shift. The last time you sold a home may not look anything like this time.
That’s not a reason to feel behind. It’s the reason to have someone in your corner who does this every day and who will walk the whole thing with you, not just show up for the parts that are easy.
WHAT THIS LOOKED LIKE FOR ONE LAKEVILLE FAMILY
Here’s how a recent client, Leo Su, described it in his own words after working with me:
“Smart and savvy realtor with deep industry knowledge. Liz has been great from day 1! We found ourselves in need of a realtor after we dropped our previous brokerage for lack of confidence. We contacted Liz in the afternoon, explained our situation, and she was in our home that evening to speak with us about moving forward. She set a high bar for service and never let up.
We’ve sold a home before but it was years ago and laws and the industry change. She was gracious and knowledgeable in answering all of our questions, ensuring that we were fully comfortable in every situation.
Additionally, when it came to decision making, Liz always provided the latest and local data relevant to us with her recommendations so that we could have confidence in our decisions at every critical juncture.
Having Liz in our corner was having a trusted expert to help you navigate an area in which most people have little to no experience.”
That’s the whole point. Not just showing up once. Staying in it, with real local data behind every recommendation, until the decision is made and the family is confident in it.
You can read more reviews from past clients here: Google Reviews | Zillow | Realtor.com | RateMyAgent
IF YOU ARE WHERE THEY WERE
If you’re currently working with an agent and something doesn’t feel right, or if you’re just getting started and want someone who will walk the whole process with you from the first conversation to closing day and beyond, I’d be glad to talk it through with you. No pressure, no obligation. Just a conversation about where you’re at and what your options actually look like.
You don’t have to do this alone.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I switch real estate agents in the middle of selling my home?
Yes, in most cases. If you haven’t signed a listing agreement, you’re free to work with a different agent right away. If you have signed an agreement, most brokerages will discuss a release, especially early in the relationship, and a new agent can help you navigate that conversation.
Will switching agents slow down my sale or purchase?
Not usually. A good agent can get up to speed on your situation, your home, and your goals within days. The bigger risk is staying with an agent you don’t trust, not the short transition to a new one.
Is it awkward or unprofessional to leave my current REALTOR®?
No. Choosing who represents you in one of the biggest financial decisions of your life is completely normal, and any professional agent understands that. You’re allowed to prioritize your own confidence and comfort.
What should I look for in a new REALTOR® if I’ve had a bad experience?
Look for someone who is responsive from the first conversation, brings you local data and specifics rather than generic advice, and stays involved through the entire process, not just at the beginning and the closing table.
How quickly can a new agent start helping me?
Often the same day. In the story above, a Lakeville family reached out in the afternoon and had their new agent in their home discussing next steps that same evening.
Liz Sandwick
Coldwell Banker Realty
Lakeville, MN
952-491-3685 | liz@cbrealty.com
