Own Luxury Homes®
My Real Estate Agent Isn't Communicating. What to Do.
Lack of communication is the No. 1 real estate agent complaint. Step 1: direct conversation setting expectations (update every 48-72 hours). Step 2: request written transaction timeline with every deadline marked. Step 3: escalate to broker of record if direct ask fails. Step 4: review termination rights — most agreements terminate with written notice. Missed deadlines can cost earnest money (1-3% of price) or legal protections. Own Luxury Homes® 12-Point Agent Integrity Audit™ — communication expectations in writing day one.
My Real Estate Agent Isn't Communicating. What to Do.
Lack of communication is the most common real estate agent complaint. Here is a practical escalation path.
Step 1: Set Explicit Expectations Directly
Before escalating, have a direct conversation: "I need updates every [X days]. Can you commit to that?" Many communication failures are mismatched expectations, not negligence. A good agent immediately adjusts. If they become defensive or dismissive, that is your answer.
Step 2: Request a Written Transaction Timeline
Every transaction has hard deadlines: inspection contingency expiration, loan commitment date, closing date. Ask your agent to send a written list of every deadline with your responsibilities. If they cannot produce this within 24 hours, you are at risk of missing a deadline and losing earnest money or your legal protections.
Step 3: Broker Escalation and Termination
Every agent works under a licensed broker. If direct communication fails repeatedly, contact the broker of record with a professional, specific complaint. For termination: review your agreement for the termination clause. Most agreements can be terminated with written notice if the agent has breached their obligations. Consult a real estate attorney if commission disputes are possible.
“The agents who create the most problems are not always the ones who do things actively wrong. They are often the ones who simply go quiet. A client who has not heard from their agent in 10 days is probably missing information that matters. My standard: proactive communication every 48-72 hours during an active transaction, whether or not there is news. "Nothing to report" is a report.”
— Ryan Brown, Principal Broker & CEO, Own Luxury Homes®
What should I do if my real estate agent stops communicating?
Step 1: direct conversation with explicit expectations. Step 2: request a written transaction timeline with all deadlines. Step 3: if communication fails after a direct ask, escalate to the broker of record. Step 4: review your agreement for termination rights. Persistent communication failure is a breach of fiduciary duty and grounds for termination in most agreements.
Can I switch real estate agents if I am unhappy?
Yes. Review your listing or buyer's agency agreement for termination procedures. Most can be terminated with written notice. If the agent has materially breached (failed to communicate, missed deadlines), most agreements allow immediate termination. If no clear termination clause exists, consult a real estate attorney to avoid creating a commission dispute.
Own Luxury Homes® — 12-Point Agent Integrity Audit™. Audit your agent ›
"The introduction Own Luxury Homes® makes is to a specialist with documented closing history in your specific market — not the county, not the metro, the submarket you're actually selling or buying in. That's the standard we verify before your name goes anywhere."
— Ryan Brown, Principal Broker & CEO, Own Luxury Homes® (FL License BK3626873)