How do I cancel a buyer's agreement?

To cancel a buyer’s agreement with a real estate agent, review the terms of the contract carefully. Most agreements explain the cancellation process and whether a notice period or fee applies. The best approach is to first have an open discussion with your agent and then follow up with written notice to protect your home buying process.

The first step is to pull out the buyer’s agency agreement you signed and read the termination clause. Most buyer’s agreements specify a start and end date and will outline how either party can terminate the relationship (often by giving written notice to the broker). You typically do not have to let the agreement “run out” if the brokerage is willing to release you, but until you are formally released you could still be obligated to that broker for a commission if you buy a property they introduced to you.

Reach out to the office manager or broker‑in‑charge and explain that you were expecting to work with a different agent and do not feel the assigned agent is a good fit. Most brokers would rather release a dissatisfied client than force a relationship that isn’t working. Ask for a written cancellation or release agreement so you are free to hire another company. If you are still interested in working with the original agent you met, see if they can be reassigned to you.

If the brokerage refuses to release you, you may need to honor the terms of the contract or negotiate a compromise (such as limiting the agreement to properties already shown). Some states also provide a short rescission period after signing in which you can cancel at no cost. If you feel the company is acting improperly, you can consult with your state’s real estate commission or an attorney to understand your rights. The key is to communicate in writing and make sure you have documentation of the termination so there is no dispute when you buy with your new agent.

You can cancel—check the agreement’s termination clause, give written notice to the brokerage (not just the agent), and request a signed Mutual Release. Watch for any protection period or fees (like reimbursement for reports). If the brokerage won’t cooperate, escalate to the office manager/broker, then your local REALTOR® association’s ombudsman/mediation. I can walk you through it and provide the exact email to send.”

Step-by-step (what to actually do)

Find the termination clause.
Look for: term dates, “at-will” termination rights, required notice method (email/certified mail), any termination fee or reimbursement language, and the protection/”tail” period.

Decide your timing.

If you plan to write on a home soon, it’s safer to cancel first, then tour/write with the new agent to avoid procuring-cause headaches (who “earned” the commission).

Send written notice to the brokerage.
Address it to the Broker of Record/Office Manager with your agent cc’d. Ask for:

Immediate termination,

A signed Mutual Cancellation/Release, and

Waiver or clear list of any homes covered by a protection period (so you don’t get billed later).

Get the paperwork back.
Don’t resume home shopping with a new agent until you have written confirmation (or at least a time-stamped notice plus delivery receipt).

Settle any small stuff.
If the contract says you’ll reimburse out-of-pocket costs (e.g., a paid report you asked for), square that and get the zero-balance in writing.

If they refuse or disappear:

Escalate to the broker/manager.

Ombudsman/mediation via your local REALTOR® association (fast, free/low-cost).

As a last resort, state real estate regulator complaint.

Copy-paste email template

Subject: Request to Terminate Buyer Representation Agreement

Hello [Broker’s Name] and [Agent’s Name],
I’m requesting to terminate my Buyer Representation Agreement effective immediately. Please send a Mutual Cancellation/Release confirming:

The agreement is terminated,

Any protection period is waived or limited to the attached list of properties (please provide that list), and

I owe no further fees other than any documented, pre-authorized out-of-pocket costs (if applicable, please itemize).
Please reply with the release for e-signature today.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Email] | [Phone]

Things to watch (so you don’t pay twice)

Protection period/tail: If you buy a home first shown by the old agent during this window, they may claim payment. Ask for a waiver or a narrow list of addresses.

Touring before canceling: Touring or negotiating with a new agent before termination can create procuring-cause disputes.

Text ≠ notice (sometimes): If the contract requires email or certified mail, follow that to the letter.

You should be able to cancel your buyer's agreement in writing with the original agent's brokerage. It is state by state dependant but you can always reach out to the Broker of the office or company, or the local Real Estate Board to find out what is possible.

Read the agreement. IF the agreement doesn't address canceling, contact a local attorney. Often you can get the answer for just the consult fee. Real Estate laws are handled at the state level, so the rules are different from state to state.

The best advice is simply to contact your attorney. I can only speak about CT here. Buyer representation agreements are legally binding and should be treated like any other similar agreement. Contact your attorney.