What to do about a sick real estate agent?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

If your agent is dealing with an illness that is affecting their availability or performance, the right approach is a direct, professional conversation before you consider any other steps. In Hernando County and throughout Florida, agents work under managing brokers who are responsible for the supervision of their licensees. If your agent is unable to fulfill their obligations due to health reasons, the brokerage has a responsibility to ensure your transaction is covered. Ask the agent directly whether they can continue handling your transaction or whether they need to transition you to another agent within the brokerage. If the agent is not responsive or the situation is affecting your closing timeline or your contract deadlines, contact the brokerages managing broker directly and explain the situation. Most brokerages will assign a covering agent to protect the client relationship and the transaction. You should not be left without representation during an active contract. The managing broker is the right point of escalation before you consider more formal steps. Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells

Hi Edward, I'm sorry to hear about the delays you're experiencing. Agents are human and sometimes health issues come up unexpectedly, but you still deserve consistent service while your home is on the market. Here are a few things you can do: • Communicate with your agent. Let them know that this time period is critical for your sale and ask what plan they have in place to cover showings and inquiries while they recover. Many agents work in teams or have colleagues in their brokerage who can step in temporarily. • Review your listing agreement. Check the terms of your contract to see how long it lasts and what options you have if the agent can't meet their obligations. If needed, you can reach out to the managing broker to discuss having another agent assigned to your listing. • Keep momentum going. If your agent works solo, you might agree to reschedule showings for a short window or extend the listing period to make up for the lost time. Alternatively, you can ask the brokerage to provide a backup agent until your agent is well again. Most situations like this are resolved with clear communication. You want to balance compassion for your agent's situation with the need to keep your sale on track. Talking with them and, if necessary, their broker should give you a plan that protects your interests and maintains momentum for your sale.

Ask your agent if they have a colleague in their firm who can assist. Brokerages generally encourage agents to develop relationships with fellow agents who can cover for them when they are away on vacation or out sick.