* Post updated October 2025
Your house has been on the market for weeks, maybe even months. The initial excitement has faded and you’re left checking your phone, hoping for news of a viewing. Crickets.
Your estate agent’s updates have become less frequent and when they do get in touch, it’s usually just to say “nothing to report this week.”
Sound familiar?
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to change estate agents, you’re not alone. Many sellers in Greater Manchester and beyond find themselves in this frustrating position, unsure whether to stick it out or make a change.
The good news? Switching estate agents is often the smartest business decision you can make for your property sale.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know about changing estate agents.
Why sellers hesitate to change estate agents
Before we dive into the how, let’s address the big question in the room: why do so many sellers stick with an agent who isn’t delivering results?
The most common reason is the fear of “starting from scratch”.
You’ve already invested time and emotional energy into the process. The photos have been taken, the floor plan is done and your property is live on Rightmove. Changing now feels like going back to square one, doesn’t it?
There’s also that nagging worry about losing momentum. What if taking your property off the market, even briefly, makes it look even less attractive to buyers? What if you miss out on that one perfect buyer who was just about to discover your listing?
Then there’s the awkwardness factor. It can feel uncomfortable or even disloyal to tell your current agent you’re moving on, especially if they’ve been friendly and personable.
We think that changing estate agents isn’t starting over – it’s starting fresh! And when it comes to selling your home, this is a business decision, not a personal one. Your current agent will understand – they’re professionals, and this happens regularly in our industry.
So, can you change estate agents? Absolutely you can.
Clear signs it's time to switch estate agents
So how do you know when it’s genuinely time to make a change rather than just being impatient?
Industry experts generally agree that if your property has been on the market for 12 weeks or longer without significant interest, something needs to change.
Properties that linger on the market beyond this point often get labelled as “stale” in buyers’ minds. They start wondering what’s wrong with it. Has it been overpriced? Is there a problem with the property? Why hasn’t anyone snapped it up?
This perception can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, making it even harder to attract serious interest.
Other red flags include
Lack of viewings or interest: If you’re getting fewer than two or three viewings per week in the first month, that’s a concern. Either your property isn’t being marketed effectively or it’s priced incorrectly.
Poor communication: Does your agent take days to respond to your messages? Do they seem too busy to update you regularly? Good communication should be standard.
No feedback after viewings: After someone views your property, your agent should be gathering feedback and passing it on to you. If you’re hearing “they just weren’t interested” without any detail, that’s not good enough.
Feeling ignored or undervalued: Are you just another number on their books? The best estate agents make you feel like your sale matters to them personally.
Outdated or poor-quality marketing: Are your photos dark and uninspiring? Is your property description generic and lifeless? If your marketing materials don’t showcase your home beautifully, you’re already at a disadvantage. We’ve written a comprehensive guide on preparing your property for sale that shows what modern property marketing should look like.
Wrong pricing strategy: Perhaps the most common issue. If your agent overvalued your property to win your business, you’re now paying the price with a property that’s been on the market too long at the wrong price.
The Fresh Eyes Advantage
A new agent brings a completely fresh perspective to your property.
They might spot presentation issues the previous agent missed. They might identify that you’re targeting the wrong type of buyer with your marketing. They might recognise that a small price adjustment could make a huge difference to interest levels.
Sometimes all it takes is someone new looking at your situation with objective eyes to identify what’s been holding back your sale.
3 benefits of changing estate agents
Let’s talk about what you stand to gain by making a switch.
1) New marketing strategies
This is often the game-changer. Different agents have different approaches to marketing, and what didn’t work with your previous agent might be exactly what’s needed. At Roe & Co, our marketing approach is comprehensive and modern. We don’t just take a few photos and list your property – we create a marketing package designed to make buyers stop scrolling and start viewing.
This includes drone videos that capture your property and its surroundings from stunning angles, professionally photographed and staged interiors, presented video tours that let buyers explore your home from their sofa and detailed colour floor plans that help buyers visualise the space.
We also leverage social media effectively, ensuring your property reaches potential buyers across multiple platforms, not just the standard property portals.
2) Better communication and personal service
We like to offer something that’s increasingly rare in estate agency – a genuine continuity of service. When Kate or Sue values your property, they’re the one who stays with you throughout the entire journey to completion.
No passing you around different team members. No confusion about who’s handling what. Just one experienced agent who knows your property, understands your situation and is personally invested in achieving your sale.
3) Fresh energy and renewed enthusiasm
Let’s be honest, if your property has been on the market for months with little interest, your current agent’s enthusiasm has probably waned. You can hear it in their voice when they call with another “no update this week.”
A new agent brings renewed energy to your sale. They’re motivated to prove themselves, excited to market your property and determined to achieve results. That enthusiasm is contagious and often translates into more proactive marketing and negotiation.
Practical steps on how to change estate agents
Right, so you’ve decided it’s time to switch. How does this actually work?
Check your contract first
Before you do anything else, dig out your contract with your current agent and read it carefully. Look for things like the notice period, any tie-in periods and withdrawal periods.
If you’re unsure about any clauses, it’s worth getting advice. Our team at Roe & Co can help you understand what you’re looking at and when you’ll be free to switch.
Understanding the transition
Here’s what usually happens when you switch estate agents:
- You give notice to your current agent according to your contract terms
- Your property is removed from marketing platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla
- Wait for any withdrawal period specified in your contract to pass
- Instruct your new agent
- Fresh photos, floor plans and descriptions are created
- Your property is relaunched with new marketing materials
Yes, there’s a brief gap in marketing, but this is often a positive thing. It allows your property to return to the market “fresh” rather than looking like it’s been languishing unsold for months.
Will changing agents cost you more?
This might be your biggest concern. And it’s a valid one.
Most reputable estate agents, including Roe & Co, work on a “no sale, no fee” basis. This means you only pay commission when your property actually sells and completes.
The only scenario where you might end up paying two agents is if your property sells to someone your original agent introduced during their contract. That agent may have a contractual right to claim commission, even if the sale closes under a different agent
Transparent fee structure
We believe in keeping things simple and straightforward. Our fees are 1.2% (inc VAT) of your sale price, deducted by your solicitor from the proceeds of your sale upon completion. If your sale doesn’t complete for any reason, you pay nothing.
That’s it. No hidden fees, no surprises, no complicated small print. You can find out more on what services are included in our fees here.
What to look for in a new estate agent
So what should you be looking for when choosing a new agent?
- Strong marketing presence – having a strong online and social media presence is now essential. Look at how agents market their current properties. Are the photos professional and appealing? Do they use video tours and drone footage? Is their social media active and engaging?
- Quality photography and presentation – We covered this in detail in our property presentation guide, but it’s worth repeating: professional photography and presentation are non-negotiable in today’s market. Your new agent should be offering high-quality photos as standard, not as an expensive add-on.
- Personal service and communication – Will you be dealing with the same person throughout? How quickly do they respond to queries? Do they seem genuinely interested in your property and your situation? At Roe & Co, we pride ourselves on our truly personal approach.
- Local knowledge and expertise – Estate agents need to know their local areas. We’re a Bolton estate agents with specialisms in the surrounding areas of Lancashire and north west Greater Manchester. We live here, we work here and we know exactly what makes different areas attractive to different types of buyers.
- Transparency about fees and process – Your new agent should be completely upfront about their fees, what’s included and what the selling process will look like. If they’re vague or evasive about costs, that’s a red flag.
- Track record and reviews – Don’t just take an agent’s word for it, look at what their clients say! Check their reviews and testimonials. Have they won any industry awards? We’re proud to have won the ESTAS award for Best Estate Agent in the North West (South) for three consecutive years – 2022, 2023 and 2024. Our Super Sue has also been awarded for two ESTAS awards. But don’t just take our word for it, read what our clients say on our reviews page, ESTAS and Google.
How to get a fresh start with Roe & Co
Ready to explore whether Roe & Co might be the right fit for selling your property?
Even if you’re still under contract with another agent, you can book a no-obligation valuation with us. We’ll visit your property, assess its current marketing and give you honest feedback about what we think could be done differently.
This isn’t a high-pressure sales pitch, it’s a genuine opportunity to get a second opinion from experienced local agents who’ve successfully sold hundreds of properties in Bolton and the surrounding areas.
The valuation appointment usually takes 30-60 minutes during which Kate or Sue will:
- Walk through your property and assess its features, condition and appeal to buyers
- Discuss the current local market conditions and recent comparable sales
- Review your existing marketing materials (if you’re happy to share them)
- Provide honest feedback about pricing and presentation
- Explain our marketing approach and what we’d do differently
- Answer all your questions about the process, fees and timescales
There’s no obligation. Even if you decide to stick with your current agent, you’ll leave with valuable insights about your property and the market.
Online and at home valuations
We offer both home visit valuations and instant online valuations, depending on what suits you best.
For the most accurate assessment and the opportunity to discuss your situation in detail, we recommend a home visit. But if you’re just at the initial research stage, our online valuation tool can give you a quick indication of your property’s current market value.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us here or just give us a call on 01204 582 123 for a friendly chat about your property.
Book A Free Property Valuation Visit
Free Instant Online Valuation
Ready to discuss selling your property? Our experienced sales team will guide you through the entire selling process and provide expert advice tailored to you and your property.
Not ready for a home visit? Our free online house valuation calculator is a quick way to get an idea of your property’s current market value.
FAQs about changing estate agents
Let’s address some of the most common questions we hear from sellers considering a switch:
Can I change estate agents while under contract?
Not immediately, but usually quite soon. You’ll need to give the notice period specified in your contract (typically 7-14 days) and wait out any required withdrawal period. Check your contract or ask us to help you understand when you’ll be free to switch.
Will I have to pay two agents?
Generally no, as long as your property doesn’t sell to someone your original agent introduced during the specified period after you leave them. Most sales happen to new buyers found by the new agent, so paying two agents is rare.
How long does it take to switch?
From giving notice to your current agent to relaunching with a new one usually takes a couple of weeks, depending on your contract’s notice and withdrawal periods. We can work quickly to get your property re-photographed and remarketed as soon as you’re free to instruct us.
What if my property has been on the market for months?
This is actually one of the best times to switch. The fresh start with new marketing materials and a new agent’s energy can completely transform how buyers perceive your property. We’ve helped many sellers in exactly this situation achieve successful sales after months of frustration with their previous agent.
For answers to more questions about selling your property, visit our comprehensive FAQ page.