How do I handle a disagreement with my agent?

How do I handle a disagreement with my agent?

What do you do when your agent and you disagree—and time, money, and your sale depend on the answer?

Quick line: Fix the problem, protect the deal, keep moving

You don’t need drama. You need a plan. I’m Tony Sousa, a Milton, Ontario real estate professional. I work with buyers and sellers every week. I’ve seen every kind of disagreement. Here’s a clear, no-fluff plan to handle a disagreement with your agent in Milton, ON — and get the outcome you want.

Why this matters in Milton, ON

Milton’s market moves fast. Commuter buyers from Toronto, tight inventory, and neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood pricing mean that a slow or messy decision costs you thousands. Disagreements that drag on can lose a sale or force you into a bad deal. Treat a disagreement like a business problem: diagnose, decide, act.

The 6-step playbook to resolve a disagreement with your agent

1. Pause and document

• Stop emotionally reacting. Take a breath. Then put the disagreement in writing: short summary, date, time, specific points you disagree on. Email it to the agent. Written records protect you and keep the conversation focused.

1. Clarify the actual issue

• Is it price, showings, marketing, negotiation strategy, or communication? Be specific. Example: “I disagree with lowering the list price by $30,000.” Not: “I don’t like your plan.” Specific problems are solvable.

1. Ask for the data

• Request the comparable market analysis (CMA), recent solds in Milton, active competition, days on market, and the marketing report for your listing. If buying, ask for market activity in the specific Milton neighbourhood and offer rationale.

1. Offer your evidence and set a decision timeline

• Reply in writing with your position and evidence (your comps, inspection results, or a competing offer you received). Ask for a written counterpoint from the agent within 24–48 hours. Force a clear, fast decision.

1. Escalate to brokerage leadership if needed

• If you can’t reach agreement, ask to speak with the brokerage’s managing broker/principal. Every Milton brokerage has a lead who can mediate. Be direct: ask for a short meeting or call to review the CMA and recommended strategy.

1. Decide: fix it, switch, or file a complaint

• Fix it: If the agent responds with credible data and a plan, move forward.
• Switch: If the agent ignores you, won’t share data, or violates the contract, you can change agents — but check the listing/buyer agreement first.
• File a complaint: For unethical or illegal conduct, contact the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). Keep your documentation.

Scripts that close fights — use these verbatim

Initial, calm email (sending this protects you):

Subject: Quick clarification on [Property Address or Offer]

Hi [Agent Name],

I want to clarify the disagreement from our conversation on [date]. I understand your recommendation is to [agent recommendation]. I disagree because [two short facts: comps, inspection, timeline]. Please send the CMA and marketing report for my listing and a written explanation of the recommended strategy within 48 hours. If we can’t agree, I’d like to schedule a call with the brokerage principal.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Phone script for the agent:

“I want to resolve this quickly. Tell me the three facts that make your plan the best for my listing/buy. If I still disagree after the data, we’ll bring the managing broker into the call and decide by [date].”

Escalation email to brokerage principal:

Subject: Request for quick mediation — [Property Address]

Hello [Brokerage Principal],

I’m a client of [Agent Name]. We have a disagreement about [brief]. I’ve asked for the CMA and marketing report and didn’t get a satisfactory response. I’d like a 20-minute call to review the facts and next steps. I need a resolution by [date] to keep the deal on track.

Thanks, [Your Name]

What to watch for: 7 red flags in Milton real estate agents

• No data to support pricing recommendations.
• Poor communication during critical windows (offers, conditional periods).
• Refusal to present offers in writing.
• Push to accept an offer without giving you time to consult legal/financial advice.
• No marketing plan for local Milton channels (MLS, local Facebook groups, neighbourhood mail, high-quality photos).
• Hidden dual agency/multiple representation without clear written consent.
• Pressure to sign an automatic extension of the listing.

If you see these, document and escalate.

Switching agents — the practical steps in Milton

1. Review the listing/buyer representation agreement. Look for termination clauses and commission terms. Agreements often require written notice.
2. Send a written termination request by email and certified mail for your records.
3. Ask your agent to remove the MLS listing or issue instructions to the brokerage.
4. If you’re mid-offer or mid-transaction, check legal implications with a real estate lawyer. Some commissions are earned when a sale is completed, even if the agent is replaced.
5. Choose the replacement: interview 2–3 Milton realtors, ask for local sold data by neighbourhood, ask how they’ll handle the transition.

A quick Milton tip: pick a realtor who markets in your immediate neighbourhood. Local visibility matters for buyer traffic.

How to handle common disagreement types

Pricing

• Ask for the top 6 sold comps in your neighbourhood from the last 6 months. Demand a written justification for any price change. Test the agent’s logic: are the comps similar in size, condition, lot, and recent sale date?

Offers and negotiation

• If you disagree with accepting or rejecting an offer, request a written pros/cons list from your agent that includes net proceeds, closing timeline, and risks. If the agent refuses, escalate.

Repairs and inspection negotiation

• Get three estimates from local Milton contractors when possible. Ask the agent to present the inspection response with these estimates. If the agent asks you to absorb unjustified costs, push back.

Communication breakdown

• Set expectations in writing: preferred contact method, hours, and maximum response time for critical issues (24 hours for normal; 2 hours for active offer windows). If not met, escalate.

Local marketing expectations in Milton you should demand

• MLS listing with professional photos and floor plan.
• Clear neighbourhood targeting: posts in Milton community groups, targeted social ads, and signs in the immediate area.
• Open houses where appropriate and scheduled to reach commuter buyers.
• Weekly marketing report showing clicks, showing feedback, and buyer interest.

If your agent can’t show these, they’re not pulling their weight.

When to involve RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario)

RECO handles conduct and registration issues. They’re not a dispute resolution service for every disagreement. Use RECO if you suspect breach of trust, fraud, misrepresentation, or failing to follow REBBA rules. Always keep your emails, contracts, and copies of marketing materials. That record is what you’ll use.

Final move: Protect your deal, not your pride

This is the important part: the worst outcome is losing the sale or overpaying because two people fought. Be pragmatic. Use the steps above. Document everything. Ask for evidence. Escalate quickly when data and responses are missing.

If you want direct help in Milton, ON, I review disagreements and documentation for clients. I’ll read your listing agreement, the CMA, and offer history. Call or email me for a free 15-minute consult: Tony Sousa — tony@sousasells.ca, 416-477-2620. See local listings and contact details at https://www.sousasells.ca

FAQ — Common questions about disagreements with real estate agents in Milton, ON

Q: Can I fire my agent in Milton?
A: Yes, but check the listing or buyer agreement. Most agreements require written notice. If you’re mid-transaction, consult a real estate lawyer about commission obligations.

Q: Will I still owe commission if I switch agents?
A: It depends on the agreement. Some contracts have an earned commission clause or protection period. Review the contract and speak with the brokerage.

Q: My agent won’t present an offer. What should I do?
A: Demand the offer in writing via email. If the agent refuses, escalate to the brokerage principal and document the refusal. Presenting offers is an obligation.

Q: Is RECO my only avenue for complaints in Ontario?
A: RECO handles regulatory and misconduct complaints. For contract disputes, you may need small claims court or a lawyer. Start with documentation and brokerage escalation.

Q: How do I avoid disagreements in the first place?
A: Set expectations in writing at the start. Ask for weekly marketing reports, response-time agreements, and a clear pricing strategy tied to recent Milton comps.

Q: What’s a fair timeline for resolving a disagreement?
A: For critical issues (offers, price changes) aim for a 24–72 hour resolution. For strategy-level disagreements, set a 48-hour window for a written response and a 3–5 day mediation with the brokerage.

If you’re in Milton and want a fast, practical review of your situation, email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. I’ll tell you exactly what to do next.

Local resources and links:

• RECO: Real Estate Council of Ontario (for complaints and guidance)
• Milton market data: check local sold statistics and neighbourhood listings on https://www.sousasells.ca