Breaking Agent Contract (Houston, Pearland: real estate, how much, houses)

[pikato]

I signed with a real estate agent (admittedly my cousin, due to family pressure) when I was looking for houses in Pearland. After being in Houston for about a month, I've decided I more inner loop. My agent has NO knowledge of inner loop at all and hasn't helped me in looking for places since I've switched locales. Is it possible to break the agent contract I signed with her because she doesn't know the area or locale?

[jimboburnsy]

Since she is family, she probably will not pursue any action against you. I'm not 100% on this so I'll defer to any realtors but I believe that you are in the clear as long as you do not purchase a property through another realtor that she showed you during the term of your agreement.

[ourlongfamily]

One recommendation for realtors: DO NOT USE ANY FAMILY OR FRIENDS...wish someone would have told us this before!! We had similar situation, and bought a house that we weren't completely happy about. I am very bitter about it. Did I mention that it is my husband's family??

Good luck.

[BamaTex]

I would imagine if you were honest and upfront with your cousin she would understand and would probably disolve the contract. How much longer until it expires?

[SkyeAnjel]

You should be fine as long as you don't purchase a home she showed you .
You can tell her you want to terminate the contract because she doesn't know the area and if she gives you a problem, you can call her broker.
In reality, you don't have to do anything. She really has no recourse if you buy from another agent unless it is a property she showed you in the first place.

[sunny57]

Skye is right on the money....to keep the peace in the family, ask her to refer you out to someone who knows the area. This way you will get the area expert and she will get a small referral fee! All will be good in the world again...Sunny

Originally Posted by pikato

I signed with a real estate agent (admittedly my cousin, due to family pressure) when I was looking for houses in Pearland. After being in Houston for about a month, I've decided I more inner loop. My agent has NO knowledge of inner loop at all and hasn't helped me in looking for places since I've switched locales. Is it possible to break the agent contract I signed with her because she doesn't know the area or locale?

[rmilleta]

It might be that she can work with another agent and split the commission, so she still gets some benefit and you get what you want.

[mschneller]

Yes, Skye and Sunny are right, and a referral is a great way for your cousin to still get a piece of the pie.

[Lake Conroe resident]

If the op's cousin has no knowledge of the Re market inside the loop chances are she also would have no clue on who to referr. This would make the situation even more difficult as they could end up with another unknowledgeable agent showing them around a different area. Best policy here IMO is honesty is the best policy. Why lie to the Cousin/agent just gently tell her that you are more interested in living inside the loop so you are going to pusure finding a good agent there who is real familiar for that area/market and if she decides to move to Pearland she will use the Cousin..