Thinking of Changing Real Estate Agents? Here’s What You Need to Know

Selling a home can test your patience. When weeks turn into months and your property is still sitting on the market, it’s natural to wonder if your agent is the problem, or if it’s just the market speaking. We’ve seen this scenario play out countless times through the lens of home insurance, real estate partnerships, and client feedback. If you're sitting on a listing that's gone stale, here's what you need to consider before making a move.

The Situation: Four Months on the Market, Few Offers

Let’s say you’ve had your home listed for over four months. Maybe it’s a dual occupancy property, attractive in theory, but not pulling in the type of offers you expected. You’ve gotten a few low offers, but nothing close to your asking price. Meanwhile, another agent, who also happens to be a mortgage broker, is telling you they could get the job done faster and closer to your number.

Do you jump ship? Or stay the course?

Before you make a move, slow down. There’s more to this decision than frustration and hope.

What Actually Changes When You Switch Agents?

Here’s the truth: changing your real estate agent doesn’t change your market.

If the house is staged, professionally photographed, priced reasonably, and advertised on the right platforms, a new agent isn’t going to magically pull a higher price out of thin air. The market doesn’t care how you feel,  it responds to perceived value.

On the other hand, if your current agent missed the mark, poor listing photos, weak marketing copy, bad pricing advice, then a switch could make a measurable difference. But that’s not the norm. More often than not, sellers ignore what the market is saying because the truth is hard to hear.

If all your offers are hovering around the same range, it’s not a coincidence. It’s the market talking.

The Second-Agent Syndrome

There’s a reason the second agent always seems more optimistic. They haven’t been through the grind. They haven’t taken the calls, hosted the showings, or managed your expectations for four months.

Of course they’re going to tell you they could sell it faster and for more. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. But what happens when you switch? Often, the script changes, and you end up hearing the same message your first agent was already telling you: the price is too high.

Don’t get caught in the loop.

Before You Switch, Ask the Right Questions

Instead of rushing to drop your current agent, take a beat and evaluate:

• Is the listing staged and photographed professionally?
• Is the listing description strong and tailored to the right buyer?
• Is your price based on real comps, or wishful thinking?
• What kind of traffic and feedback has the agent received so far?
• Has the agent adjusted the listing strategy in any way since going live?

Sometimes small tweaks, like rearranging photos, changing the headline, or temporarily removing and relisting with fresh momentum, can make more difference than swapping agents.

And if you do decide to move on, review your listing agreement first.

Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Contracts

This trips up a lot of sellers. If you signed an exclusive agency agreement, you’re legally bound to stay with that agent for the duration of the contract. Trying to switch mid-agreement can cause headaches, and potentially result in owing commission to both agents.

If you’re on a non-exclusive agreement, you may have more flexibility, but even then, there are usually clauses that require written notice and a waiting period before hiring a new agent.

Pro Tip: Always read the fine print, and look for any “get out” clauses that allow either party to terminate early with notice. If you’re unsure, ask your agent directly or consult a real estate attorney.

Not All Properties Appeal to the Same Crowd

One critical factor sellers often overlook is marketability. A dual occupancy property may sound appealing to you, but it’s not necessarily attractive to a broad buyer pool. If your home is highly specific in layout or zoning, it may take longer to find the right buyer, and the offers may reflect that limited demand.

A great agent will tell you that upfront. A good agent will help you adjust your expectations along the way. A weak agent will say whatever they think you want to hear.

So who do you trust?

Why We Recommend Ken Sisson of Coldwell Banker Realty

When it comes to real estate referrals, we don’t throw names around lightly. That’s why we partner with Ken Sisson, a veteran REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Realty in Studio City.

Ken has more than two decades of experience navigating the L.A. market, from everyday listings to luxury properties. He’s strategic, realistic, and fiercely client-focused. He won’t overpromise to win your listing. He’ll help you price it right, market it well, and get it sold without the fluff.

He also has a rare edge most agents don’t: deep finance experience. Before focusing exclusively on real estate, Ken worked with major banks and understands how homes are financed, evaluated, and negotiated. That gives his clients a serious advantage, especially in today’s competitive market.

If you’re serious about selling your home, not just listing it, reach out to Ken. You can trust that he’ll give it to you straight, and get the job done.

Contact Ken Sisson

Coldwell Banker Realty, Studio City - License #01292247

Don’t Forget: Your Home Insurance Matters, Too

If you’re selling or buying, your home insurance needs to be part of the conversation.

If your property has been sitting for several months, is vacant, or staged without anyone living there, you may need special coverage. Standard policies often don't cover vacant homes in full, and one small claim can cost you thousands if you're underinsured.

And if you’re purchasing a new property after selling, don’t wait until the last minute to shop for coverage.

At Farmers Insurance - Young Douglas, we specialize in:

• Homeowners Insurance
• Auto Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Business & Workers Comp
• Medicare & Health Plans

We’re based in Ontario, California, and we know how to match policies to your exact needs. No guesswork, no generic quotes,  just tailored coverage and fast service.

Need a home insurance quote? Give us a call today.

Emotions vs. Strategy

It's easy to get emotional when your property isn't moving. But don’t confuse movement with progress. A new agent might bring energy, but that doesn’t always lead to better offers. In many cases, it just resets the clock.

Instead, take a step back, look at the feedback, ask the hard questions, and decide what kind of professional you really need by your side.

With the right agent, and the right coverage, you’ll be in a better position to move forward, not in circles.