Can I Change Realtors in Ontario? What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

by Ana Bastas

Thinking About Changing Realtors in Ontario? Read This First

Maybe your Realtor isn't communicating.

Maybe your home isn't selling and you've lost confidence in the strategy.

Maybe you're buying and don't feel like you're receiving the guidance you expected.

Or perhaps nothing dramatic happened.

You've simply realized:

This relationship isn't working for me.

So now you're wondering:

Can I change Realtors in Ontario?

Potentially, yes—but don't simply stop communicating with your current Realtor and start working with someone else.

If you've entered into a representation agreement, you may have contractual obligations that need to be understood first.

Here's what Ontario buyers and sellers should know before making a change.

First: Did You Sign a Representation Agreement?

Start here.

When you become a client of an Ontario real estate brokerage, you enter into a representation agreement.

It may be called a:

Buyer Representation Agreement

Seller Representation Agreement

or Listing Agreement.

RECO explains that a representation agreement is a contract between you and the brokerage for real estate services and representation.

That's an important distinction.

You may think:

“I hired Sarah.”

Contractually, however, the agreement is with the brokerage Sarah works for, with the type of representation and designated representative(s), if applicable, set out in the agreement.

So changing Realtors isn't always as simple as saying:

“I'm going to work with someone else tomorrow.”

First, understand the agreement you're already in.

Step 1: Check the Expiry Date

Your representation agreement should identify when it begins and when it ends.

RECO requires representation agreements to address their effective date and expiry date, along with termination terms and the parties' rights and obligations upon termination.

Look for:

Effective Date

and

Expiry Date

If the agreement is approaching expiry, your options may be different than if you recently signed a longer-term agreement.

Don't assume the relationship has ended simply because you haven't spoken with your Realtor recently.

Check the contract.

Step 2: Read the Termination Provisions

This is critical.

Your agreement should explain the circumstances under which it can be terminated.

RECO's Information Guide specifically tells consumers to review when an agreement can be terminated and whether penalties or costs may apply.

Look for language dealing with:

termination;

cancellation;

mutual release;

rights and obligations following termination;

and any costs or penalties that may apply.

Do not assume that telling your Realtor:

“I don't want to work with you anymore.”

automatically ends your contractual obligations.

You need to understand what the agreement says.

Step 3: Remember That Your Agreement Is With the Brokerage

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of representation.

Your agreement is with the brokerage.

Under a designated representation agreement, the brokerage designates one or more specific agents to represent you.

The designated representative promotes and protects your interests, while the brokerage and its other agents do not represent you.

That creates an important question:

Are you unhappy with your individual Realtor—or with the brokerage relationship altogether?

Those aren't necessarily the same thing.

Can My Brokerage Just Assign Me Another Realtor?

Not automatically if you're under designated representation.

RECO specifically says that where a client has entered a designated representation agreement, the brokerage cannot appoint a different designated representative unless the client agrees.

For example, a brokerage might propose another designated representative if your current representative:

leaves the brokerage;

becomes unavailable;

or can no longer provide the agreed services.

But the change requires your agreement.

That's another reason understanding whether you have brokerage representation or designated representation matters.

Step 4: Check the Holdover Clause

This is the part consumers sometimes overlook.

Ending or allowing a representation agreement to expire doesn't necessarily mean every potential financial obligation disappears immediately.

Your agreement may contain a holdover provision.

The exact wording matters.

A holdover clause can potentially create remuneration obligations relating to certain properties during a period after the representation agreement ends.

So before signing with another brokerage, understand:

How long is my holdover period?

Which properties does it apply to?

Under what circumstances could remuneration still be payable?

What happens if another brokerage becomes involved?

This is particularly important for buyers who have already been introduced to or shown properties during the original representation period.

If you're unsure what the clause means in your particular agreement, obtain legal advice.

Can I Change Realtors If I'm a Buyer?

Possibly.

But review the scope of your buyer representation agreement carefully.

RECO's Information Guide explains that buyer agreements can be scoped in different ways—for example, by geographic area, property type or other requirements.

Suppose your agreement applies to:

Residential properties in Halton Region

until December 31.

You shouldn't simply assume you're free to hire another brokerage tomorrow to help you purchase a house in Oakville.

Your existing agreement may still apply.

On the other hand, an agreement might have a much narrower scope.

Read the actual agreement.

Can I Change Realtors If I'm Selling My House?

Again, potentially—but your listing agreement matters.

If your home is currently listed with a brokerage, simply deciding you want another Realtor doesn't automatically transfer the listing.

Start by speaking with your current representative and, if necessary, the brokerage.

Ask:

What does my agreement say about termination?

Will the brokerage agree to release me?

Are there outstanding obligations?

Are there expenses or other contractual consequences?

Does a holdover provision apply?

Get the outcome documented properly before assuming you're free to relist with someone else.

Do I Need a “Mutual Release”?

That depends on the agreement and circumstances.

Don't assume a particular form or document is automatically required in every situation.

The important point is that if you and the brokerage agree to end or alter the relationship, you should have clear written documentation confirming what has been agreed to and what obligations, if any, survive.

If the brokerage won't agree to the termination you want—or you disagree about the legal effect of the contract—this moves beyond a simple Realtor-service question.

Speak with an Ontario real estate lawyer.

What About Properties My Current Realtor Already Showed Me?

This is exactly why you need to understand your holdover provisions before switching agents.

Imagine:

Your Realtor shows you a house.

You decide not to offer.

Your representation agreement ends.

Thirty days later, the seller reduces the price.

You hire another Realtor and decide you now want the property.

You should not assume your previous representation agreement is irrelevant.

Depending on the wording of your agreement and the circumstances, the holdover provisions may matter.

Before proceeding, disclose the previous involvement to your new brokerage and obtain appropriate advice regarding your obligations.

Should I Tell My New Realtor About My Existing Agreement?

Absolutely.

Be transparent.

Tell the prospective Realtor:

I have an existing representation agreement.

Give them the relevant information about:

the brokerage;

expiry date;

scope;

termination status;

and any properties you've already been shown or introduced to.

A reputable Realtor shouldn't encourage you to ignore an existing contract.

They need to understand whether they're actually in a position to represent you.

Don't Sign Two Overlapping Agreements Without Understanding the Consequences

This is where consumers can create unnecessary complications.

Suppose you've signed one buyer representation agreement covering:

Oakville, Burlington and Milton

and then sign another agreement with another brokerage covering:

Oakville and Burlington

during the same period.

Now you potentially have overlapping contractual obligations.

That's exactly what you want to avoid.

RECO advises consumers to consider the scope of buyer representation agreements carefully so there is clarity around which brokerage is providing representation and potential remuneration obligations.

Before signing another agreement:

Understand the one you already have.

What If I Never Signed Anything?

Don't automatically assume that means no representation relationship exists.

Ontario recognizes written, oral and implied representation agreements.

RECO warns that representation can potentially arise when an agent provides services, professional opinions, advice, judgment or advocacy even where a written agreement hasn't yet been signed.

That's another reason both consumers and Realtors should clarify the relationship early.

If you're unsure whether you're represented, ask the brokerage directly.

Should I Talk to My Current Realtor Before Leaving?

In many cases, yes.

Sometimes the problem is fixable.

Perhaps you expected weekly updates and your Realtor thought you only wanted communication when something significant happened.

Perhaps you're unhappy with marketing and there are strategies that haven't yet been discussed.

Perhaps you're a buyer and your search criteria need to be changed.

Perhaps you're unhappy with one aspect of the service that can be corrected immediately.

Try saying:

“I'm concerned that the relationship isn't working the way I expected. Before I make any decisions, I'd like to review our agreement, the services we're receiving and what options we have moving forward.”

Then listen to the response.

What If I Still Want to Leave?

Then make it about the contract—not emotion.

Ask the brokerage to confirm:

Whether it will agree to termination

The effective date of termination

Any continuing obligations

Any applicable holdover provisions

Any financial obligations or costs

Whether anything else must be completed

Get important terms in writing.

If there's disagreement about what the contract requires, consult a lawyer.

Can Another Realtor Tell Me How to Get Out of My Contract?

Be careful here.

A prospective Realtor can provide general information about representation and explain their own services.

But your existing agreement is a contract.

If you need an interpretation of your legal rights or advice about how to terminate a specific contract, that's a matter for a lawyer.

There's another important issue too.

RECO warns agents about inadvertently creating implied representation when they start providing opinions, advice, judgment or advocacy to someone who hasn't entered a written agreement with their brokerage.

So a professional Realtor should be careful about crossing the line from:

“Here's general information about how representation works.”

to:

“Here's how you should get out of your contract with Brokerage X.”

Changing Realtors Doesn't Necessarily Mean Someone Did Something Wrong

This deserves to be said.

Sometimes it's simply not a fit.

Communication styles differ.

Expectations differ.

Personalities differ.

Marketing approaches differ.

Some Realtors specialize in certain property types or markets.

Some clients want frequent communication.

Others want minimal contact unless something important happens.

Changing Realtors doesn't necessarily require someone to be the villain.

The important thing is handling the transition professionally and contractually correctly.

Questions to Ask Before Switching Realtors

Before making the change, make sure you can answer:

Am I currently under a representation agreement?
Which brokerage is the agreement with?
Am I under designated or brokerage representation?
When does the agreement expire?
What is the scope of the agreement?
What does it say about termination?
Is there a holdover period?
Could I still have financial obligations after termination?
Which properties have already been introduced or shown to me?
Has the termination or release actually been confirmed in writing?

Only after you understand those answers should you move forward with another representation agreement.

Can you change Realtors in Ontario?

Potentially.

But the better question is:

What does your existing representation agreement allow and require?

Don't simply disappear from one Realtor and start working with another.

Review:

your agreement;

its expiry date;

its scope;

termination provisions;

holdover provisions;

and

any continuing financial obligations.

Speak with the brokerage.

Document any agreed termination.

And if there's uncertainty about your contractual rights, speak with a lawyer.

Changing Realtors can be straightforward.

But it should be done properly.

Considering Your Next Real Estate Move?

If you're not currently under an active representation agreement and you're considering buying, selling or investing in Ontario, the Ana Bastas Real Estate Team would be happy to explain our approach to representation, strategy and client service.

If you're currently represented, we'll respect that relationship. We can provide general information, but we won't interfere with an existing representation agreement or provide legal advice about terminating your contract.

Once you're legally able to engage another brokerage, we'd be happy to discuss whether our team is the right fit.

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