Chosen the Wrong Estate?
– What to Do Next
Expert advice from SA Property on how to take back control and get your move back on track.
Let’s be honest—moving home is stressful enough without feeling let down by the very people meant to be helping you.
You chose an estate agent to guide you, support your sale or let, and bring you the right buyer or tenant.
But what happens when weeks go by, and you’re left feeling forgotten, frustrated, and stuck?
You’re not alone. We hear it often:
“I wish I’d chosen differently.”
“I feel like I’m doing all the chasing.”
“They promised the world, but nothing’s happening.”
If this sounds familiar, this blog is for you. Let’s walk you through your options—calmly, clearly, and with expert insight.
1. Spotting the Red Flags – Is Your Agent Underperforming?
Not every property sells or rents overnight, but poor service shouldn’t be part of the journey. Look out for these signs:
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You're not getting regular updates or feedback
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Viewings are few and far between (or badly handled)
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Your listing looks poor (bad photos, vague description, no floorplan, where it's needed)
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The property was overpriced to win your instruction—but now sits unsold. Believe it or not, this is very common and for reasons that you wont believe!!
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Your concerns are being brushed off or ignored
Top Tip: Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
2. Know Your Rights – What Does the Contract Say?
Before making any big decisions, check the agreement you signed. Most estate agency contracts will include:
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A tie-in period (you may be locked in for 8, 12, or even 16+ weeks)
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A notice period (how much time you need to give to terminate the agreement)
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Clauses about commission or fees if the property sells soon after leaving that agent
Not sure what you’re looking at? Don’t worry—we’re happy to glance over it with you, no obligation.
3. What to Do If Things Aren’t Working
Communication is key.
Start by raising your concerns directly with the agent—they may genuinely be trying but haven’t communicated well. Give them the chance to improve.
But if the relationship feels broken or your trust is gone, you don’t have to sit back and wait.
Top Tip: Keep a record of conversations and any promises made—it helps if you decide to escalate later.
4. Switching Estate Agents – What You Need to Know
You can change agents—but you must follow the right steps to avoid unnecessary costs or disputes. Here's how:
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Check your current contract – Understand any restrictions or notice periods.
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Give formal notice in writing – Stay professional, even if you’re frustrated.
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Choose your next agent wisely – More on that in a moment…
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Refresh your marketing – New photos, fresh listing copy, maybe even a relaunch to hit the market with impact.
Top Tip: A switched-on agent will help you navigate the transition smoothly—including re-listing with minimal downtime.
5. Choosing Better – What to Look For in Your Next Agent
Once bitten, twice shy. This time, make sure you ask the right questions:
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What’s their marketing strategy beyond just listing on the portals?
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How often will they update you—and how?
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What are their recent results in your area?
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Can they provide testimonials or reviews from clients?
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Are they honest about pricing—or telling you what you want to hear?
Top Tip: At SA Property, we believe in transparency, great marketing, and real results. Our contracts have no long tie-in, and we’re always happy to offer a second opinion—no pressure.
Final Thought: You’re Not Stuck!!
If your move isn’t moving, or you’ve lost faith in your agent, it’s okay to pause, review, and take action. A fresh start can make all the difference.
Thinking of switching? Let’s talk.
We offer a free, honest consultation—and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll tell you that too. We can provide a FREE property healthcare check so you can see how your property listing stacks up or you can book a marketing appraisal.
REMEMBER: If you don't change something, then you can't really expect anything to change, can you?!?!
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