Answers by Traci Bolen

Start by reviewing your listing agreement. Look for a performance clause or marketing addendum that outlines what the agent committed to do. If those deliverables are documented and haven't been fulfilled, you have a legitimate basis to request a release. Here's the approach I'd recommend: 1) Talk to the broker first. Your agent works under a supervising broker. A direct conversation often resolves this faster than people expect. Brokers don't want unhappy clients, and many will release you voluntarily rather than risk a formal complaint. 2) Put your concerns in writing. Email your agent outlining the unmet commitments. This creates a paper trail and sometimes prompts action. If they still don't perform, that documentation supports your case for release. 3) Request a mutual release. Most brokerages have a standard form for this. If both sides agree, you're free to move on. Check the cancellation terms. Some contracts include a fee or a protection period for buyers the agent introduced. Know what you're agreeing to before you sign a release. One month in with minimal showings and no open houses or ads is a real problem in this market. You deserve an agent who shows up for you.

You really have to be careful with this one. No. Federal fair housing law prohibits it. The Fair Housing Act bars discrimination based on familial status, which includes families with children under 18. A blanket restriction on children attending showings exposes both the seller and their agent to a serious fair housing complaint, regardless of the intent behind it.