Expert: Jessica Bryan - 9/8/2007

Question
About a month ago my husband I started searching for our first home. We signed a buyer representation contract with a realtor. However, we have come to greatly dislike him and keep getting the feeling from him that we are wasting his time and that since our price range is low, we are somehow less important that his other clients. Every house we have looked at, WE have brought to his attention and not the other way around. The realtor also keeps telling us that on average people only look at 3-4 houses before buying one. We have looked at about 10 and have not found anything we like yet. We would like to terminate our contract with the realtor and find a new one. Is this ethical? And if so, how would we word it in a letter to the realtor? Our contract states that either party can terminate the contract in writing, stating cause. What would we say is our cause, other that not liking the guy?

Answer
Dear Heidi;
Of course you should terminate your relationship with this agent.  You should be able to feel comfortable with your REALTOR and feel that he/she is working in your best interests.  First time buyers need nurturing and care.  I would never dream of telling someone that the average buyer looks at 3-4 homes.  I don't know where you are looking or want to live, but in most markets there are abundant listings and more sellers than buyers right now.  That means buyers will look at lots of homes before making an offer.  There is lots to see and choose from.  

When you cancel your buyer agency agreement (which is entirely ethical, by the way)just state that you don't feel that the agent is working with your best interests in mind. You can thank that agent for his efforts saying something like "...We appreciate the time you have taken but feel like we  need the services of someone who might better understand our needs."  Most agents understand that they cannot please all clients.  There are always going to be good and bad fits and what works for one may not work for another.  Just like any business, we move on to the next client.  I can't imagine the agent being thrilled with having to show you too many homes anyway, and if he wanted to keep you as clients he would have to continue to show you more homes.  (Evidently he is a little too impatient for that.) When you choose a new agent, try to remain positive  and not go on and on about your previous agent and how bad he was.  Ask questions and interview carefully until you feel confident that this person is someone with whom you can work well.  It should be someone who is happy to help first time buyers knowing that it may take a little longer and involve more hand-holding.  Many of us love to do this since real estate is a multi-dimensional business not only of "service", but educating, consulting, mothering, care-giving, decorating, clerical, advice-giving, trouble-shooting and friendship-making.  Your REALTOR should become an important part of your business network.  (I still get calls from people to whom I sold homes years and years ago.  We keep in touch, sometimes see each other socially, and talk about the market from time to time.)You should strive to find someone like that.

Good luck and best wishes.

~Jessica Bryan