By Kacie Goff, Bankrate.com

Per the 2024 National Association of Realtors (NAR) Member Profilec, a typical agent had 10 transactions in the last year. With roughly one deal closing per month, the agent you hire should theoretically have bandwidth to provide you with the best possible service.

If that doesn’t ring true for your current experience, however, it could be time for a change. You might be wondering when to fire your Realtor. Or, more pressingly, how to fire your real estate agent.

Let’s take a look at when to make that call — and how to navigate a firing legally.

How to know when to fire your Realtor

We’re all only human, so it’s OK if an agent makes a mistake or two. But you may want to consider finding a new real estate rep if you spot several of these red flags:

• They don’t communicate well. Your agent should be reachable and communicative with you. If they take a long time to get back to you, it can impact your ability to see listings and put in offers before the competition. And if you feel like they’re not being straightforward with you, or possibly even lying, that’s a deal-breaker. Speaking in jargon is another issue — politely ask them to explain anything you don’t understand.
• They’re not marketing your home well. Today, real estate pros have a wide range of options they can use to get the word out about your listing. If your home isn’t turning up on leading listing sites or is otherwise poorly positioned, you might want to figure out how to fire your real estate agent.
• There’s a personality clash. Your agent is navigating one of the biggest decisions of your life with you. You want to feel comfortable working with them. If your personalities don’t mesh well, you might be better served by finding someone else. Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
• They’re overly pushy or aggressive. An agent’s job is to advocate for you — not against you. Someone who is argumentative or tries to pressure you into things you feel uncomfortable with is not a good fit.
• They act unprofessional. Everyone has a different work style, but there are a few behaviors that just won’t fly. If they consistently show up late to appointments (or not at all), come unprepared, lack knowledge about the property or seem distracted during your interactions, be wary. This shows a lack of respect for you as a client.
• They’re unfamiliar with the market. A good agent stays informed about their local market. If they don’t know about current market trends in your area, how can they help you find the best place or make the best deal possible? Make sure to arrange regular and continual updates from your agent on market conditions, recent sales, new listings, available inventory and price trends.
• They demonstrate a lack of skills. Whether it’s helping you stage your for-sale home or negotiating on price, you want an agent who knows what they’re doing. No one likes to feel like they left money on the closing table, whether you’re the buyer or the seller.

How to fire your real estate agent

Don’t leap to a firing right away. If you’re unhappy with your agent, you may still be able to mend the relationship: Try communicating with them openly in a non-confrontational way about the issues you have. If the issues persist, it’s probably time to let them go. You’ll need to do so legally, ensuring you’re in compliance with any agreements or contracts you signed. The last thing you want is an expensive court battle.

Once you know when to fire your Realtor or real estate agent, you can take certain steps. Those vary slightly between buyers and sellers, so we outline them separately below.

If you follow these steps, be polite and respectful. Your dissatisfaction with the agent will reflect badly on them and probably hurt their career, so be mindful not to make the impact of your feedback worse.

If you’re a buyer

If you had someone helping you buy a home, figuring out how to fire your real estate agent means:

• Checking if you’ve signed anything: If nothing’s in writing and your dealings with the agent have remained informal, then you’re in the clear to walk away.
• Reviewing what you’ve signed: If you’ve signed a buyer’s agent agreement, you’re bound by the criteria in that agreement.
• Pursuing termination rights: Agreements do typically spell out termination rights, though, so review those carefully. If the agent hasn’t held up their end of the bargain (e.g., has missed appointments or made mistakes on documentation), you may be within your legal rights to terminate the relationship before the agreement ends. If you have a real estate attorney, you may want to have them write the termination letter to avoid any complications or liability.
• Trying to make things work: If you have a written agreement with the agent that you can’t get out of, go directly to the agent. Tell them what you need to see change. Writing a list of the issues at hand might help them understand the situation and where they need to make adjustments. Then, give the agent some time to see if they improve. Be constructive and show them you’re interested in creating a positive relationship that works for both of you.
• Escalating the issue as needed: If you’re somewhat stuck and can’t get anywhere with the agent on your own, now’s a good time to escalate the issue to the agent’s brokerage, or the company for which they work. The broker there functions somewhat like the agent’s boss, and may be able to help you and the agent find a better path forward.
• Seeing if they’ll agree to termination: Sometimes, the agent or their broker will allow you to terminate your agreement early when things aren’t going well. You can request that and hope they agree.
• Waiting out the timeline: Buyer’s agreements usually tie you to your agent until the time period specified in the agreement runs out. That probably means sticking with that agent for several months if you haven’t found resolution with them or their broker.

If you’re a seller

For folks who’ve been working with an agent to sell, the process is similar but comes with some differences. Go through these steps if you’re a seller trying to figure out how to fire your real estate agent.

• Checking if you’ve signed anything: If you’ve just been informally chatting, you’re under no obligation. But if your home is already on the market, you’ve likely signed with a listing agent. A listing agent, also called a seller’s agent, usually invests more time and effort in your property upfront, such as pulling comps, marketing the home and holding open houses. This investment makes it trickier to break up with them.
• Figuring out what you’ve signed: The most common agreement a seller would have with a listing agent is an exclusive right to sell, meaning the agent is solely responsible for bringing in prospective buyers and selling your property. It also usually means you’re responsible for paying their commission.
• Seeing if you can get out of it: Your agreement with the agent might lay out requirements for them, and termination rights for you if they don’t live up to those. Make sure they are unambiguous. You may be able to dissolve the agreement if any of those termination rights apply to your situation.
• Raising your complaints with the agent: If no termination rights apply, write down what’s going wrong for you. Craft a letter or list you can share with the agent to help them understand what you need from them. Sharing this with them in a face-to-face, non-confrontational discussion is probably best. Don’t be accusatory or attempt to place blame.
• Going to their broker: Real estate agents legally have to work under the supervision of a broker. This person essentially acts as their boss, so getting them involved can help redirect the agent. They don’t want to lose the listing or suffer the reputational damage, so they should go out of their way to solve the problems and accommodate you.
• Asking for termination: With your list of issues in hand, you can ask the agent and/or their broker if they’re willing to terminate your agreement with them early. If the situation is difficult, they might agree. If they agree, get a written release and a waiver of liability. Also, get a list of all the people they have shown your home to. If any of those people subsequently buy your house, you’ll have to pay a commission.
• Waiting out the agreement: If nothing else works, you’ll need some patience. Your exclusive right to sell agreement should have an expiration date. After that point, you’re free to work with another agent.

Tips for hiring the right agent

You’ve been burned — it’s OK, it happens. But now you want to make sure it doesn’t happen again, and find someone who you really click with.

When you’re looking for a new real estate agent, make sure you do your research. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Search online and read reviews. Once you narrow it down to a few candidates, schedule time to interview them, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out about their experience and market knowledge. And trust your gut — working with someone you genuinely like is always best.

Bottom line

Know the signs of a bad real estate agent. You don’t have to settle for someone you don’t like and don’t work well with, or someone who isn’t doing a good job for you. Walk away or figure out how to terminate or wait out the contract. Then, take your time to find a new agent who will meet your needs and work to get you what you want.

FAQs

How do you write a termination letter to a real estate agent?

The letter should have a header that provides your contact information so the brokerage can know which agreement you want to terminate. In the letter, explain why you’re terminating the agreement. Refer specifically to the factual elements that are the basis for termination. Don’t elaborate or exaggerate. Make sure to also mention the specific termination clause from the agreement that you’re calling on.

How do you deal with an unprofessional Realtor?

First, be clear and direct with them. If they’re late for an appointment, for example, tell them that it made you feel disrespected as a client. If they don’t respond to your feedback, escalate the issue to their broker. It is always good to keep a written record of issues and conversations with the agent.

What is unethical Realtor behavior?

If someone is a Realtor, it means they’ve agreed to abide by the NAR’s Code of Ethics. Anything outside of that code, then, is considered unethical. Some common issues here include misrepresenting or concealing facts, discriminating, an unwillingness to work with other agents when it best serves the client and not being transparent about any kickbacks they receive.

©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By JUAN A. LOZANO

HOUSTON (AP) — A Texas judge on Tuesday threw out a federal rule that would have capped credit card late fees after officials with President Donald Trump’s administration and a coalition of major banking groups agreed that the rule was illegal.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman in Fort Worth came a day after the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and a collection of major industry groups that had filed a lawsuit last year to stop the rule announced they had come to an agreement to throw out the rule. The groups that sued included the American Bankers Association, the Consumer Bankers Association, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The banks and other groups had alleged the new rule — proposed last year under the administration of President Joe Biden — violated the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure or CARD Act of 2009, which was enacted to protect consumers from unfair practices by credit card companies. The groups claimed the new rule did not allow credit card issuers “to charge fees that sufficiently account for deterrence or consumer conduct, including with respect to repeat violations.”

“The parties agree that, in the Late Fee Rule, the Bureau violated the CARD Act by failing to allow card issuers to ‘charge penalty fees reasonable and proportional to violations,’” attorneys with the CFPB wrote in a joint motion on Monday with the banking groups to vacate the rule.

The banks have been pushing hard to stop the late fee rule, due to the potential billions of dollars the banks would lose in revenue. The CFPB estimated when it issued the proposal last year that banks brought in roughly $14 billion in credit card late fees a year.

“This is a win for consumers and common sense. If the CFPB’s rule had gone into effect, it would have resulted in more late payments, lower credit scores, higher interest rates and reduced credit access for those who need it most. It would have also penalized the millions of Americans who pay their credit card bills on time and reduced important incentives for consumers to manage their finances,” the banking groups and others said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

Even if the lawsuit had gone forward, the banking groups had a good chance of winning as Pittman in a December ruling had said they would have likely prevailed as he found that the new rule violated the CARD Act by not allowing credit card issuers to charge penalty fees that are reasonable and proportional to violations.

The CFPB has been in turmoil since the Trump administration earlier this year began dismantling it, targeting it for mass firings and dropping various enforcement actions against companies like Capital One and Rocket Homes. A federal judge last month issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily stopped the agency’s demise.

The CFPB was created in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices by a wide range of financial institutions and businesses.

Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at juanlozano70

By Rosie Cima, Nerdwallet

The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.

Thinking about changing jobs? You’re in good company. According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans are staying in the same job for shorter periods of time than in the past.

The length of time you’ve worked for your current employer is called your job tenure. In 2014, the median job tenure – across all age groups, occupations and industries – was 4.6 years. In 2024, it dropped to 3.9 years. In fact, job tenure is now the shortest it has been in over 20 years.

Economists care about tenure as a measure of employment security and health of the labor market. And personal job tenure is important to workers because job changes often raise questions about personal finances and planning for the future.

Tenure Trends

The median job tenure generally got longer from the 1980s through the 2010s. From 2014, it started to recede. Women tend to have shorter tenures than men – a gap that was starting to close in the 2010s, but has since opened back up. And tenure increases with age, as people have generally spent more time in the workforce.

Tenure also varies by industry and current occupation.

On average, people in “management occupations” have stuck around the longest: 5.7 years. This makes sense, as one common path to management is when a company promotes a long-tenured employee into a supervisory role.

If your job tenure is dramatically above average for your occupation, that could be a sign that your job is a really good fit. But no matter how long you’ve been at your job, if you’re feeling unsatisfied, or think your future at the company is uncertain, you may be considering a change.

Consider the benefits of having more tenure

Changing employers could help you get paid what you’re worth. Wage growth is generally higher among job switchers, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

But many workplaces provide incentives to stay. Senior employees often get more PTO, access to development programs or more job security. Your time at a company can also translate into institutional knowledge and a level of respect among colleagues who haven’t been around as long.

Another benefit of seniority is the possibility of advancement. If you’re not fully satisfied in your current role, your employer might consider what they can do to keep you. Being prepared to walk away from a job is a very strong negotiating position, and may help you find a better role at the same company.

It’s unlikely that any single one of these things will make or break your decision to leave. But it’s a good idea to closely examine whether or not the potentially higher salary with a new employer is offset by fewer benefits or other tradeoffs.

Financial checklist when job switching

If you ultimately decide it’s time to move on, take steps to get your financial house in order before turning in your notice:

Do: Make a plan to support yourself financially

You might already have a new source of income lined up, or a job offer for a new position. If not, or if that new job doesn’t pay as much as the one you’re leaving, you’re probably going to want to budget for this transition.

This means taking a look at your spending, your savings and how much you expect to make in the coming months. Cutting back on your spending, even in modest ways, can buy you more time. When you’re job hunting, there’s a big difference between running out of money in six months versus running out in one.

Don’t: Forget about your retirement account

If you have a 401(k account, the most common kind of employer-sponsored retirement account, you can leave it where it is, roll it over to another account or cash it out early. Cashing it out is the least recommended option because it comes with hefty tax penalties.

If your employer contributes to your retirement account, you should nail down how much of your balance is yours for the taking. Your employer’s contributions might be yours to take with you (known as “vested”) only after a certain number of years with the company.

If you’re unsure of how much of your retirement account is your contributions versus your employers’ portion, or you’re unclear on your vesting schedule, talk with your human resources or finance department.

Do: Have a plan for health insurance

Figure out when your employer-paid insurance is going to end, and who will insure you after it does. Temporarily extending your coverage through COBRA is one of several options. Switching to a new insurer will reset your deductible, so if you’ve met or are close to your current deductible, now may be a good time to get any health care you’ve been putting off.

Do: Cash out your use-it-or-lose-it benefits

Some employers pay out unused PTO when you leave, but how much varies from job to job. If you have unused days that won’t pay out when you quit, now is the time to use them. If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), it won’t follow you to the next job. Find out when it’s going to expire, and then spend it before it does.

Don’t: Forget your HSA

Unlike an FSA, you can keep your employer-provided health savings account (HSA) after you quit. If you have a significant amount in the account – which you might, especially if you’ve opted to invest it – don’t lose track of that money. You can choose to leave your HSA where it is, or you can transfer the funds to a new HSA to consolidate.

Do: Get a good reference

When you give your notice, communicate clearly, cordially and professionally. Do your best to part ways on a positive note. Your last few weeks at a job are a good time to thank your coworkers and superiors for working with you, and to ask if they’d be willing to provide you with a reference in the future.

Rosie Cima writes for NerdWallet. Email: articles@nerdwallet.com.

The article Job Tenure is Down: What to Do Before You Quit originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Would you choose to give yourself less money in the future? Historically, bank CDs have done just that. In meetings with older clients, I’ve often heard how large their 2024 tax bills were.

That’s not much of a surprise considering that interest rates have climbed to where they are today.

Substantial sums in money markets, savings, and CDs have earned around 4.5% annual interest. A record 7 trillion dollars are currently being held in money market accounts. It seems that uncertainty has rarely been higher than it is today. And to top it off, the U.S. stock market has recently been at or near all-time highs.

Let’s take a closer look at those CDs and money market accounts. Here’s a fun exercise. Take the interest you earn on a CD and multiply it by your income tax rate. Then subtract that percent of interest owed to taxes. You’ve just determined your tax adjusted return on the CD.

Now, subtract the CPI rate of inflation from your remaining CD return. Is that amount positive or negative? Using average CD rates and middle tax brackets, the real rate of return on a CD has been negative in 17 of the last 20 years.

FDIC insurance is important, and having a stable return can provide peace of mind. But long-term investors know that without some risk there’s typically little reward. I bring this up to show that there are other opportunities available to investors to grow their wealth over the long term. You don’t have to settle for just keeping up with inflation. Or maybe falling short.

How much money is too much money in the bank? That’s a question I’m frequently asked. The answer, of course, varies from person to person. Anyone who tells you there’s a specific number for everyone is missing an important point. Ease of mind is critical to being a prudent investor. If unexpected expenses were to arise, having cash on hand allows long-term investors to remain invested.

But there is a point where too much cash on hand – cash that’s not earning interest – is detrimental to your long-term financial outlook. Work with an advisor to figure out what amount is right for you.

The investment world has expanded greatly over the past 25 years. In 2000, there were 80 exchange traded funds in the United States. Fast forward to today and that number is just over 3,600. ETFs can provide tax efficiency for after-tax investors. The money in your checking, savings or any non-IRA account is an after-tax investment. And the interest, dividends and capital gains paid out each year are taxable.

As the CD example above shows, taxes take a bite out of your investment returns. By structuring these portfolios with taxes in mind, you can keep more in your pocket and less in Uncle Sam’s. Being a long-term investor means having an iron stomach, as downturns are inevitable. Working with an advisor can help to make sure the level of risk in your portfolio is appropriate, given your tolerance for risk.

A 60/40 stock/bond portfolio has returned close to double digits every year since 1987. Inflation over that same time was 2.73% per year. Long-term investors have a great asset on their side. Time. Don’t be afraid to use it.

Email your questions to brandon@lifetimeplanning.com

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Society for Lifetime Planning is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. https://kestrafinancial.com/disclosures

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. Comments concerning past performance are not intended to be forward-looking and should not be viewed as an indication of future results.

By Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet

Forget about workbooks and flash cards. Financial-themed videos, grocery store games and even escape rooms can be a better way to teach kids about money, according to the latest thinking from financial literacy experts.

“A lot of traditional curriculums were about the numbers,” says Noel Wilkinson, a program coordinator for the Take Charge America Institute within the Norton School of Human Ecology at the University of Arizona.

That can be a turn-off for some students.

“That led me to involve more play and gamification into workshops,” he adds, which led to greater engagement and, as a result, more learning.

Here are a few ways to make learning about money fun — and more effective:

1. Let kids practice and make mistakes

“I’m a big believer in experiential learning,” says Jessie Jimenez, an accredited financial counselor in Oregon and founder of the website Cashtoons.com, where she makes engaging videos about financial topics.

In other words, learning by doing — such as practicing buying items on a budget at the grocery store or keeping money safe while you shop. While it might be nerve-wracking to watch your kids handle real money, those kinds of experiences can actually help them learn.

Jimenez says she grew up feeling like she was not a “money” person or a “numbers” person, and it was only after she became a mother that she started focusing more on financial literacy.

“I thought, ‘How did I get this far without being taught personal finance management? Where is the resource for those of us who don’t want to listen to podcasts about investments?’”

The answer, she discovered, was that she had to create those types of experiences that allow kids to experiment with financial management on their own.

2. Invent money games

With preschoolers, many everyday experiences, such as saving money on groceries, can be turned into a game, Wilkinson says.

“It’s all about encouraging parents to learn through play with kids,” he says.

You could play “price detective” where you each try to find the best deal to save money on a specific item, for example, or you could play “restaurant” at home where your child takes your order and sets prices.

“Play creates a safe environment where you can make decisions and choices that don’t affect us in real life,” Wilkinson says.

You can experiment with choices and outcomes without fear, he adds.

Teenagers can graduate to more advanced games. Wilkinson and his team developed an escape room for teenagers in Arizona where they finish a budget for a character in order to solve a puzzle and get a key, for example. Even something simple like tracking savings visually on a chart posted in the kitchen can make the process seem more fun.

“The concept of gamifying learning in general has become widespread,” Wilkinson adds.

Video games like Animal Crossing, Railroad Tycoon and Atlas:Earth can also help teach teens and young adults about personal finance.

Buying digital real estate parcels in Atlas:Earth, a virtual real estate game, gives you hands-on insight into value and scarcity, says CEO and co-founder Sami Khan. Players can also earn cash back for various actions.

“The time between 20 and 30 is an important decade for compounding, so it’s important for people to learn about money early,” Khan says.

3. Make it fun

Whether you’re trying to teach price comparison at the mall or explain how kids can use their allowance, Jimenez says one key is to avoid calling the process “learning.” Instead, it should just feel fun, whether it’s a casual conversation in the car or a shopping trip.

“Don’t announce, ‘It’s time to learn!’” Jimenez cautions. “That turns it into a chore.”

She also suggests giving yourself some extra time for the shopping trip if you’re going to let your kid help you hunt for bargains.

“It takes a little longer and you have to be open to that,” she says.

Part of financial literacy is simply learning to explore your own feelings and habits when it comes to money, and learning to be intentional instead of impulsive about decisions, Jimenez says. Kids can learn those skills from talking to you and watching you in your own life.

Try talking out loud when making purchase decisions or opening bills and discussing what they mean. Explaining big purchase decisions like cars and vacations can also help with comprehension.

4. Recognize different learning styles

Wilkinson says some kids may be more drawn to learning through books and storytelling while others prefer video games, practical exercises at the store or a budget-themed escape room. One key to learning, he says, is to embrace the method that works best for you and to acknowledge that everyone is coming from a different place.

“Some folks just don’t have experience with financial literacy. Maybe they didn’t grow up in a household where parents talked about investing or building wealth,” he says.

In those cases, adults can learn alongside their children through books, games and other experiences.

“Even as adults we benefit from involving play in learning,” he adds.

With these fun approaches to learning about money, kids might become “numbers” people without even realizing it.

Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer.

The article 4 Ways to Make Learning About Money a Blast originally appeared on NerdWallet.