No one likes to get stuck in a situation they don't like and we certainly hate the feeling that something isn’t right with a decision we've made. Sometimes though, it's not the fact that your agent is inefficient, it may be because you haven't agreed the right plan for you together, or that your values may not match?
The process of selling your property is a daunting task and you want to make sure you are in efficient hands that will make the process a lot easier for you. You want results and you deserve to get results. Here are things to do when you are unhappy with your agent…
Talk to your agent
Half of the time, we have issues with others due to lack of communication. Your agent should be talking to you regularly so if they're not, contact them and explain what is making you unhappy and what aspect of their services you would like them to improve on.
Make suggestions and take control
Having identified the aspects of your agent's services you are not happy with, you can go ahead to pitch your suggestions to them and how best they can incorporate it into their service to help create the right results you need. Most real estate agents are professionals who may have practiced for years, so they should be happy to receive feedback.
Escalate your complaints
Property agents in the UK are mandated to be members of these compulsory schemes: the property ombudsman and property redress scheme. Should you have a hard time dealing with your management agent, explore the option of filing a formal complaint with an appropriate scheme to which they belong.
Check your contract
If you have tried all means to get your agent to see things your way and it’s not working, it may be time to check the details of your contract on how you can terminate without incurring costs or legal liabilities. Most contracts have mutual obligations for parties where termination is concerned though it has to be done within the stated timeframe unless there is an express breach of a provision to perform an act. If you have 30 days termination notice in your contract, you will need to remember that you cannot make an on the spot decision terminating such a contract as you may be subjected to legal action.
Get another agent
If you are satisfied that you have fulfilled the conditions for the termination of your prior contract then you may need to get another agent. This time, look for an agent that can talk about their values as a company, that they have your needs in mind and they can come up with a plan that suits you and your timeframes.
As stated above, we certainly do not fancy getting stuck with professionals whose methods or performance do not align with our expectations. We hope these tips help with getting you the agent you want and need.