HOW TO KNOW WHEN TO SWITCH AGENTS?
Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make. Choosing the right REALTOR® is just as important as choosing the right home or accepting the right offer. While I believe every agent deserves the opportunity to build trust with their clients, there are situations where a client may need to consider different representation.
As a REALTOR®, I've had buyers come to me after working with another agent, and I've also had to tell prospective buyers that I couldn't represent them because another agent had already earned that opportunity. My philosophy has always been simple: do what's right, even when it doesn't benefit me.
So, how do you know when it's time to switch agents?
YOUR AGENT HAS BECOME COMPLACENT
One of the biggest warning signs is when your agent becomes complacent.
Real estate requires constant communication, problem-solving, and follow-through. If your agent consistently fails to return calls or text messages, doesn't schedule showings promptly, never follows up, or seems disengaged during conversations, it's reasonable to question whether you're receiving the level of representation you deserve.
Your agent should be proactive—not reactive.
That means they should be:
- Looking for solutions when challenges arise.
- Keeping you informed throughout the process.
- Following up with other agents, lenders, inspectors, and title companies.
- Helping move your transaction forward instead of waiting for someone else to do it.
Communication isn't an added bonus in real estate—it's part of the job.
YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE NAVIGATING THE PROCESS ALONE
One of the most common frustrations I hear from clients who switch to me is that they never really understood what was happening.
I've worked with buyers whose previous agent never sent them listings, never explained how the offer process worked, and never prepared them for what to expect once they found the right home.
Buying a home can feel overwhelming enough without wondering what comes next.
When those clients began working with me, I took a completely different approach.
I listened carefully to what frustrated them about their previous experience and made it my goal not to repeat those same mistakes.
Together we walked through:
- The home-buying process from start to finish.
- What happens before writing an offer.
- How offers are structured.
- What inspections and contingencies mean.
- What to expect after an offer is accepted.
By the time they found the home they fell in love with, they felt confident instead of overwhelmed. They successfully purchased that home, and throughout the process I continued checking in to make sure they were satisfied with the level of service they were receiving.
To me, educating clients isn't optional—it's part of my responsibility.
One of the best ways to feel more confident throughout the buying or selling process is to understand what happens before challenges arise. That's why I've created my Home Buying & Selling Resource Center, where you'll find trusted local lenders, inspectors, contractors, educational guides, and answers to many of the questions clients ask throughout their real estate journey.
HAVE AN HONEST CONVERSATION BEFORE WALKING AWAY
If you're already under an agency agreement with another REALTOR®, I believe the first step should be having an honest conversation.
Many issues can be resolved through communication.
Tell your agent:
- What's frustrating you.
- What expectations aren't being met.
- What you'd like to see improve.
Sometimes an agent simply doesn't realize how you're feeling, and giving them the opportunity to correct the issue is the respectful thing to do.
It's also important to understand that signing an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement or Listing Agreement is a legal contract. While you can certainly ask to be released from that agreement, your agent is not obligated to do so.
Most problems have solutions, and it's the agent's responsibility to work with you toward finding one whenever possible.
THERE IS ALSO A RIGHT WAY TO CHANGE AGENTS
Ethics matter in this business.
I've had buyers call me about one of my listings and ask me to show them the property. Initially, they'll tell me they aren't working with another agent.
However, when they become interested in writing an offer, I always ask again in a different way whether they've signed an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement or if another REALTOR® has been actively showing them homes.
Sometimes they'll admit another agent has been working with them for months and simply wasn't available that day.
When that happens, I won't write the offer.
Instead, I encourage them to contact the agent who has been investing their time and effort into helping them find a home.
That agent earned the opportunity to represent them.
I believe that's the right thing to do.
Changing agents because you're being neglected is very different than changing agents because it's convenient.
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR REALTOR®
Whether you hire me or someone else, you should expect a professional who is fully invested in your success.
Your REALTOR® should:
- Communicate consistently.
- Return your calls and messages promptly.
- Educate you throughout the process.
- Advocate for your best interests.
- Use data—not guesses—to help you make informed decisions.
- Be proactive when challenges arise.
- Make you feel like a priority.
If those things aren't happening, it's worth asking whether your representation is meeting your expectations.
If you're still in the early stages of your home search, learning how the buying process works before touring homes can help you ask better questions and avoid common mistakes.
Check out my other blog: First-Time Homebuyer? Your Guide to Buying A Home in Greater Lansing
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME
When someone hires me, they're getting a very hands-on, personal experience.
I make myself available to accommodate different schedules because I understand that life doesn't stop just because you're buying or selling a home.
My clients work directly with me—not an assistant or another team member.
My background in new construction gives me a unique perspective that many agents simply don't have. I understand how homes are built, what to look for during showings, and how to help clients evaluate vacant land and future building opportunities. When pricing a home or helping buyers determine value, I rely on comparable sales and market data—not assumptions.
Most importantly, I believe an educated client makes better decisions.
Whether you're buying your first home, relocating, downsizing, or building a custom home, choosing the right community is just as important as choosing the right REALTOR®. If you're still comparing neighborhoods, I invite you to explore my Greater Lansing Community Guides to learn more about the area's schools, parks, restaurants, housing options, and local lifestyle.
If you're wondering whether it's time to switch agents, ask yourself one simple question:
Do you feel supported, informed, and confident with the person representing one of the biggest financial decisions of your life?
If the answer is no, it may be time to have an honest conversation—and if nothing changes, it may be time to find someone who better aligns with your expectations.
At the end of the day, great representation isn't about closing transactions. It's about earning trust, providing expert guidance, and helping clients make informed decisions they can feel good about for years to come.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
Home Buying & Selling Resource Center
First-Time Homebuyer? Your Guide To Buying A Home In Greater Lansing
How Does Hiring a Real Estate Agent Work?
Browse Greater Lansing Communities
NICOLE GIGUERE
REALTOR® | Giguere Estates, PLLC
RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals – Seguin Sprague Team
📞 (517) 517-242-0619
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.nicolegiguere.com
