An indispensable partner in the successful execution of a real estate project, the real estate agent plays a determining role in the sale or purchase of a property. Their expertise and advice can help you sell quickly and at the best price.
Sometimes, the sale of your property may take too long or you may be dissatisfied with your real estate broker. Many people think about changing brokers, but it can be difficult knowing when to change realtors and what reasons should motivate you to make this decision.
If you’re thinking about changing your real estate agent, our realtors in Joliette share their advice on making the best choice.
Can you change realtors?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to change real estate brokers whenever you want. All you have to do is terminate the agreement with your broker. To do this, you’ll need to contact the brokerage company or the real estate broker themselves to inform them of your wish to change broker and terminate the mandate. Please note that most brokerage contracts involve a fee if you terminate before the established end date.
Many people are aware that their real estate broker isn’t right for them, but don’t dare change. They think it’s impossible to change real estate brokers once an agreement has been signed. But this is not true!
At Courtier Immobilier Lanaudière, all our contracts can be terminated at any time, and without penalty.
How to terminate a contract with a realtor
A real estate brokerage contract is a legal agreement between a real estate seller or buyer and a real estate agent or real estate agency. This contract defines the terms and conditions of the professional relationship between the two parties.
To terminate it, therefore, we need to look a little more closely at the legal aspects of the document.
The brokerage contract and its implications
The real estate brokerage contract, provided by the OACIQ, commits both the seller/buyer and the real estate agent/agency. The seller or buyer undertakes to use the services of the real estate agent to buy or sell a property, while the real estate agent undertakes to act in the best interests of his or her client.
The real estate brokerage contract generally specifies the duration of the commitment between the parties. During this period, the seller or buyer may be required to work exclusively with the real estate agent specified in the contract. This means that the seller or buyer cannot use the services of another real estate agent for the same transaction.
The contract also specifies, among other things, how the real estate agent is to be remunerated. This therefore represents the real estate broker’s commission based on the sale or purchase price of the property.
The right of withdrawal
Both valid for a revocable contract as well as an irrevocable one, the right of withdrawal allows you to withdraw from the contract within three days of signing it.
Calculating the three days is not straightforward, as certain days are excluded from the count: the day of contract termination does not count, public holidays do not count, and if the last day of the term is a public holiday or a Saturday or Sunday, the term is postponed to the next working day.
Send your cancellation request by registered mail, at least you’re protected.
Has the contract been made non-cancellable?
Here, you need to be reactive upstream and make sure that the broker or agency has not included the words “This contract is non-cancellable”, which would incur penalties. This is something you need to negotiate very early on, just as you need to check the duration of the contract. It’s often 6 months.
A brokerage contract terminable at any time and without penalty with our team
In fact, we strongly advise you to ask your broker for a terminable broker beforehand, as your relationship should be based on trust, not coercion. If the relationship is broken, you should be free.
Because our aim is to help you, to create a relationship of understanding and trust, we never want you to feel trapped, at any time. That’s why we offer brokerage contracts that can be cancelled at any time. RE/MAX broker Guillaume Tremblay tells you more (in French but you can activate the subtitles!).
Why changing realtors
The role of a real estate broker is to help you close your real estate project with the best conditions (best price, unique property, serious buyer, etc.) for your purchase or sale of a property. Their role is to help you close a serious deal quickly, although there is no science as to how long it takes to sell your house.
There are many factors that may make you think about changing real estate agents. Here are 3 reasons that you might consider changing your real estate broker:
1. You’re struggling to get showings
The goal of a real estate broker is to help you close a deal quickly. Whether it is a purchase or a sale, the number of visits and quality of showings are important markers of a successful home sale. In general, the fewer visits you receive, the lower the chances of closing a deal.
One of the roles of a broker is to help you prepare to sell your house. Whether it’s to schedule showings, market your property or even stage the exterior of your house, this work needs to be done.
If your broker is having trouble attracting sellers (for a sale) or your broker is not offering you many properties to visit (for a purchase), it may mean that they are not prioritizing you as a client.
2. Poor communication with your realtor
An agreement with a real estate broker is more than just a service. Communication plays an essential role in the success of your project. If communication is poor or absent and your project is feeling stalled, it may be time to change your real estate agent.
- Good communication with your real estate broker can be seen as:
- Good care and understanding of your needs
- Keeping you informed of the things to know before buying a first house
- Regular calls to discuss the progress of your projects or if the visits have suited you
- Proactive adjustments according to you and the development of the project (i.e. revising the selling price if the house does not sell).
If communication with your broker isn’t positive or constructive, then it might be time to think about changing real estate brokers.
3. Your broker isn’t involved enough
In the same vein, your broker should be invested in you. He should earn his commission by making all the visits, for example, and by asking the right questions. For you, so that you don’t have to! That’s what we always do, so you don’t have to be there all the time.
The same goes for the emotional aspect. Selling a home generates stress, and it’s important to be supervised by a professional willing to reassure you and accompany you every step of the way.
4. Your real estate broker acts without your best interest
Another reason that you may think about changing real estate agents is if the realtor appears to be acting without your best interest in mind.
If you’re selling, the broker’s commission consists of a percentage of the sale price of the house. It is possible that some ill-intentioned agents or brokers deliberately overestimate the market value of a property in order to get a better commission when selling it. A sale price that is too high generally leads to difficulties in selling the property.
If you’re buying and your broker isn’t organizing or scheduling appropriate visits on your behalf, this is also problematic.
If you think that your broker is acting without your needs in mind, you should consider changing real estate brokers. A good real estate broker must act in your best interest and only yours.
Change to a better broker or go it alone?
You may be tempted to go it alone after using the services of a professional who failed to live up to your trust and expectations. But selling without a realtor is not a good idea. Don’t lose faith in the profession if you have a bad experience! Dealing with a broker is very helpful in a real estate transaction, and most are dedicated to helping you. 😊
Trust Courtier Immobilier Lanaudière for your real estate project
A good real estate broker is essential to a successful purchase or sale. It is important that your realtor is invested and proactive towards your project. If they prove otherwise, it is important to know when to change real estate brokers so that you don’t waste any more time.
Finding a competent and trusted professional is not that simple. The REMAX team with Guillaume Tremblay will do everything they can to help you sell or find your house in Lanaudiere.
Contact us today! Our team will be happy to meet you and take charge of your project. Count on our experience and expertise for the purchase or sale of your property. Our realtors always put your best interest first! And if you need a free real estate appraisal in the region, we’re here for you too!
