Buying or selling property is rarely a straightforward process, and it can get even more complicated if you decide—or are forced—to switch real estate agents mid-way through the transaction. Whether it’s due to a lack of communication, unsatisfactory performance, or a sudden change in agency structure, changing agents can raise questions about what happens next, particularly around your legal and financial representation.
The good news is that your legal representation doesn’t need to change just because your agent does. Here’s what property buyers and sellers should know when navigating this kind of shift.
Understanding the Role of Each Party
It’s important to recognise the distinct roles that real estate agents and legal professionals (like conveyancers or property lawyers) play in a property transaction.
Real estate agents handle the marketing, inspections, and negotiation of the deal. They’re the public-facing professionals showing your home or helping you find one. Legal professionals, on the other hand, are responsible for ensuring the transaction is legally sound. They review or prepare contracts, conduct title searches, handle settlement, and protect your legal rights.
Because these services are independent, a change in one doesn’t automatically affect the other.
Why You Might Change Agents
There are several reasons why a seller or buyer might change their agent mid-process:
- Poor communication or lack of transparency
- Unmet expectations in terms of results or service
- Pressure tactics or misalignment on pricing strategies
- A breakdown in trust or professional rapport
For sellers, making a change might be necessary to get the sale across the line. For buyers, it could be about aligning with someone more in tune with your brief. Regardless of the reason, the key is understanding how to manage the transition smoothly.
What Happens to Your Legal Representation?
The short answer: nothing, unless you want it to. Your solicitor or conveyancer continues to act for you throughout the transaction. They are not tied to any specific agent or agency.
If a sale contract is already in place, your legal representative will continue to manage the legal process regardless of which agent introduced the buyer. Likewise, if you’re a buyer, switching agents doesn’t affect your existing legal arrangements—your lawyer or conveyancer remains focused on protecting your interests.
This continuity is critical. It means you don’t have to start over or worry about miscommunication between new professionals. Your lawyer will maintain all relevant documentation, timelines, and legal obligations, helping you move forward with confidence.
Communicating the Change
If you do change agents, it’s essential to notify your legal representative right away. This ensures that any documents referencing the previous agent can be updated, and that communications regarding the transaction are directed correctly.
In some cases, your solicitor may need to liaise with both the outgoing and incoming agent, especially if offers have been made or contracts drafted. Providing them with clear instructions helps avoid delays or duplicated efforts.
Understanding Your Existing Agreements
Before switching agents, it’s wise to review any agreements you’ve signed. Most sales agents operate under an exclusive agency agreement, which gives them the right to commission even if another agent sells the property within a certain period. Exiting early could involve a notice period or termination fees.
While your legal representative can review the contract and explain your rights, this is also a time to take a step back and seek broader advice. Depending on your financial arrangements, your mortgage broker may also need to be informed—particularly if your loan pre-approval is time-sensitive or nearing expiry.
This is where working with the best mortgage broker Sydney professionals can really help. They can assist in navigating timelines and making sure your finance aligns with the updated property timeline, especially if there are delays due to an agent switch.
Keeping Things Moving
Changing agents can create a temporary disruption, but it doesn’t have to throw your entire deal off course. Here are a few tips to keep things moving:
- Keep written records of communications with both old and new agents
- Loop in your legal representative immediately
- Ensure your mortgage broker is across any changes in settlement timeframes
- Continue meeting legal obligations regardless of agency updates
By staying organised and communicating clearly with your legal and financial advisors, you can keep the process smooth—even if your sales strategy is shifting behind the scenes.
Final Thoughts
Real estate transactions involve a lot of moving parts, but changing agents doesn’t have to mean starting over. Your legal representative remains your constant, and with clear communication and professional support, the transition can be managed without derailing your timeline or objectives.
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, surround yourself with professionals who put your interests first—your conveyancer, lawyer, and broker included. That kind of consistency matters more than who’s putting up the signboard.