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What to do about a sick real estate agent?

I'm selling my house and my real estate agent has been sick for the past week. While I definitely understand sickness, I'm frustrated that showings have been rescheduled and delayed. This is a key time and having my house sit on the market while pushing away buyers is not okay. What can I do about this? I want to have compassion, but this is possibly affecting my house sale and profit.
Asked By Edward | Raleigh, NC | 377 views | Selling | Updated 4 months ago
Answer(11)
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Expert
348 Answers
Amanda Courtney

REP Realty Group

(13)

If your agent is ill and can’t perform duties, ask if they have a team or backup agent who can step in temporarily. A professional brokerage should always have coverage to protect clients’ timelines and contracts.
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Pro
128 Answers
Jason Craig

Coldwell Banker

I'm sorry to hear about the timing. Agents are human and do get sick, but a good listing agent should have a support plan in place so your property continues to be shown. My first suggestion would be to reach out to your agent and express your concerns; often they can arrange for a colleague in their office to host showings or even bring in a temporary co‑listing agent. If your agent works on a team, someone else may already be available to step in. If there is no contingency plan and the delays continue, you can speak with the broker/office manager about assigning someone else or, if necessary, terminate the listing agreement and hire another professional. The goal is to keep communication open and momentum going so your home doesn’t lose exposure, while still acknowledging that unexpected illnesses can happen.

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Novice
2 Answers
Geena Becker

William Raveis

(10)

First, you’re absolutely right to expect consistent, proactive representation — especially during the critical early days of a listing. Illness happens, and we’re all human, but your home sale shouldn’t come to a halt because one person is unavailable.

Here’s what you can (and should) do:

1. Have an honest but professional conversation

Let your agent know — kindly, but clearly — that delays in showings are unacceptable. Express that you appreciate their situation, but you need assurance that there is a backup system in place when they cannot personally handle showings.

2. Request a contingency plan — immediately

Every strong agent or team should have a system for handling showings, inquiries, and negotiations even if one person is out. That could be:

A co-agent who steps in seamlessly

Licensed team members or showing partners

A brokerage manager temporarily covering

If your agent doesn’t have that infrastructure, that’s a red flag.

3. If necessary — escalate or request reassignment

You hired a brokerage, not just an individual. You are well within your rights to request that someone else cover showings or even assume the listing altogether if momentum is being lost. Timing and consistency are everything — especially with today’s buyers who move quickly.

Bottom line: Compassion is appropriate — but so is advocacy for your financial interests. A great agent has both empathy and a plan. You shouldn’t have to choose between being understanding and getting results.

If this is happening to you, don’t wait — speak up now so you don’t lose valuable buyer activity.
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Novice
1 Answer
Valerie Howard

Berkshire Hathway HomeServices Georgia Properties

(48)

The listing agent’s primary role is to market your home effectively—coordinating professional photography, preparing marketing materials, managing online exposure, and ensuring all required documentation is ready for buyer agents. Once the property is listed, showings are typically scheduled and communicated through the agent.

It’s not uncommon for an agent to manage listings and communications even while temporarily away or recovering from illness. If your agent has maintained strong marketing efforts and you’ve been satisfied with her professionalism, it may be best to allow her time to recover. A short absence doesn’t necessarily mean your home’s marketing momentum has stalled, and consistency with a trusted agent can often yield the best long-term results.
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Novice
1 Answer
Bryan Tinajero

Bryan Tinajero, RE/MAX Advantage Plus

(43)

Bummer that their sick and that happens but market time is super important. The best plan is to have a conversation (if possible) ASAP. Your agent should call back up from another licensed colleague. The brokerage should have someone that can help.
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Rising Star
10 Answers
Rebecca Diamond

Berkshire Hathaway Fox Roach

(31)

Sickness is not an excuse for delayed or rescheduled showings. Your agent should have licensed colleagues that can cover in his/her stead. We as agents do this all the time when we go on vacation - someone is in place to co-pilot the ship in our absence. Your situation is no different. Have a compassionate conversation; "I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. I don't want to put added pressure on you, so I'm hoping we can find someone to take over showings until you recover. Is there someone in your office that could help?" After all, you hired an entire brokerage, not just one agent, so someone should be able to help out.
Best of luck with your home sale, hope you get top dollar!
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Novice
4 Answers
Christopher Raynor

Real Brokerage LLC

(22)

Have an honest conversation. If your agent is sick or unable to keep up with the listing, you deserve transparency and support. Let them know you appreciate their effort but you’re concerned about the level of service and ask them to bring in another licensed agent or team member to step in. Real estate doesn’t pause when someone gets sick, and you shouldn’t feel stuck waiting. A professional agent will make sure you’re taken care of, even if they can’t personally handle everything.
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Novice
4 Answers
Matthew Chapman

Matthew Chapman With Windermere

(72)

This one’s tough because compassion matters — but so does communication.
If your agent’s illness is short-term and they’re keeping you informed, a little patience can go a long way. But if showings are getting delayed or your home’s momentum is being lost, it’s fair to have a conversation about coverage.
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Novice
3 Answers
Cindy Jacobson

COMPASS

(1)

We are human and do get sick from time to time; compassion is always nice. Perhaps your agent has an associate that can show your home? They can also work from home, marketing, which is also key, and planning but I would think an associate would be able to help during this time.
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Novice
1 Answer
Courtney McCullough

Realty One Group Reside

(7)

I’m sorry your agent’s sick—that’s tough—and you’re right to worry about momentum. Your listing is with the brokerage, so ask the broker-in-charge or office manager to put a backup agent on your file today. The fix is simple: keep the lockbox and showing service on, route questions and offers to the backup, and keep marketing live. If coverage can’t start immediately, I would continue to reach out to the broker in charge/Managing Broker. You can care about your agent and still protect your sale. Both can be true.

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