Bait and switch agents?

The key detail missing from this story is whether or not you signed a buyers agency representation agreement with this agent. That is going to determine your next move.

You’re right to move on. That’s not what you agreed to. Check one thing first. Did you sign a buyer agreement? If not, just stop working with them and find a new agent. Done. If you did sign, call the broker directly and ask to be released. Keep it simple. “We chose a specific agent and were handed off. This isn’t working.” Most will let you out, especially this early. If they don’t, ask for a different experienced agent immediately or request termination. Don’t wait. Find someone you trust and keep moving. You don’t need to stay in a setup that already feels off.

That's not ok, and you're right to be frustrated. You interviewed agents, made a decision, and then got switched to someone you didn't choose. That's a bait and switch and it happens more than it should in this industry. Here's what to do right now. Check if you signed a buyer representation agreement. If you did, read it carefully. Look for the agent's name on it. If the agreement is with the specific agent you chose and not just the brokerage, you have a strong case to terminate because they didn't hold up their end. If it's with the brokerage, you may need to request a release in writing. Send a short, direct email or text to the original agent and her broker. Something like "we entered this relationship to work with you specifically. Being handed off to another agent without our consent isn't what we agreed to. We're requesting an immediate release from any agreement so we can move forward with a different agent." Keep it professional but firm. Most brokerages will release you because holding an unhappy client hostage is bad business and a potential ethics complaint. If they push back or stall, contact your state's real estate commission. In most states, you can also file a complaint with the local REALTOR association if the agent is a member. That usually speeds things up. For your next agent, ask upfront "will you personally be showing us homes and handling our transaction, or will it be handed off to someone else?" Any good agent will say yes without hesitating. If they dodge that question, move on. Don't let this experience sour you on the process. There are plenty of agents who do exactly what they say they're going to do. You just need to find one. Barrett Henry Broker Associate | REALTOR® RE/MAX Collective · The NOW Team Tampa Bay, Florida nowtb.com

You can absolutely move on, but the first question is: did you sign a buyer representation agreement with them? If you did not sign anything, this is fairly simple. I would just send a clear, professional note that says you have decided to work with someone else and ask them to cancel any ongoing showings or communication on your behalf. If you did sign a buyer agreement, then you need to read the terms right away and look for: • the length of the agreement • whether it is exclusive • how termination is handled • whether there is any protection period tied to homes they already showed you In most cases, I would address it directly and quickly. Something along the lines of: “I wanted to let you know we’ve decided not to move forward. We chose your team expecting to work with the agent we originally met, and we were uncomfortable being handed off without a clear conversation. Given our timeline, we need to move in a different direction. Please confirm in writing that our agreement is canceled effective immediately.” That keeps it calm, direct, and documented. A few important things: • Do this in writing by email or text so there is a record. • Do not keep touring homes with them while trying to exit. • If they resist and you signed with a brokerage, ask to speak directly with the broker/manager and request an immediate release. • Before seeing any homes with a new agent, make sure the first agreement is fully resolved. And candidly, your frustration makes sense. If you chose one agent and were handed to someone inexperienced without a real discussion, that would feel off to most buyers. I hope this helps you, Nancy Moore Gibson Sotheby's Intl Realty Needham, MA Vice President, CBR, CRP, GRI, SRES (781) 424- 3527

Hi there, I’m sorry you had that experience—that’s definitely frustrating, especially when you’re on a tight timeline. The first thing I would recommend is reviewing any buyer broker agreement you may have signed with the brokerage or agent. In most cases, buyers are under a representation agreement, which could outline how to cancel or make changes. If you’re unsure, you can always ask the agent or their broker for clarification. Before making a full switch, it may be worth reaching out to the agent you originally connected with and sharing your concerns. Let them know you were expecting to work directly with them and how the experience felt. In many cases, this can be resolved quickly by ensuring you’re paired with the right person moving forward. If that doesn’t feel like a good fit, you can request to be released from the agreement or ask about reassignment within the same brokerage. Most professionals want you to feel comfortable and confident, and will work toward a solution—especially given your timeline. At the end of the day, you should feel supported and well-represented throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to advocate for that. Best of luck with your home search!

You’re not overreacting. If the agent you selected handed you off without a clear explanation, agreement, and the replacement added little value, it’s fair to reconsider. Start by checking whether you signed a buyer representation agreement. If not, you can usually move on. If yes, ask the broker for a written release or reassignment, and if needed, get legal advice for your specific contract. In MA, consumers should be clearly informed about agency relationships. The right agent should be advising you, not just opening doors. We often get clients who experience the same thing, and share sub-par experiences and are glad they met us. It is important to know who you are working with and feel confident they will take care of you - after all this is the biggest and most valuable investment most people make in their lives! Reach out if you have more questions ~ Tricia Coury