Why Your Realtor Isn’t Responding — And What You Can Do About It

If your realtor is not responding, send a clear written request with the question, any transaction deadline and the time you need an answer. Try a phone call as well. If an urgent issue remains unresolved, contact the brokerage's broker of record. Review your representation agreement before changing agents.

A missed message can be a one-time problem. A repeated pattern of unanswered questions deserves a practical response. This Ontario guide explains how to restore communication, protect your moving timeline and decide what to ask next.

What to Do First When Your Realtor Ignores You

1. Check the deadline. Is this a routine market update, a showing request or a time-sensitive offer, condition or closing issue? Identify the actual date and time involved.
2. Send one focused message. State what you need and when. Include the property address or transaction reference so the question is easy to identify.
3. Use the agreed backup channel. Call if an email may have been missed. Check for an out-of-office message and any named coverage contact.
4. Keep a record. Save messages, call dates and the questions that remain unanswered.
5. Escalate unresolved urgent matters. Contact the brokerage and ask for the broker of record or the person covering your agent. For questions about contractual deadlines or legal obligations, contact your real estate lawyer.

Do not wait for an arbitrary 24- or 48-hour period when an offer or condition deadline is approaching. The urgency depends on the transaction and the time remaining.

A Message You Can Adapt

Hi [agent name], I need an update on [specific question/property]. The relevant deadline is [date and time]. Please confirm receipt and let me know when we can speak. If you are unavailable, please tell me who at the brokerage is covering this matter. Thank you.

For a routine update, suggest a reasonable time for a call. For an immediate transaction deadline, call the brokerage rather than relying on another unread text.

Why an Agent Might Be Slow to Reply

Possible causes include a missed message, appointments, unexpected absence, unclear expectations or poor coverage arrangements. Silence alone does not establish the cause. Ask what happened and what will change; focus on whether your questions and deadlines are being handled reliably.

Agree on a Clear Communication Plan

• Your preferred channels for routine questions and urgent matters.
• How often you will receive a buyer search or seller activity update.
• Expected response times and availability outside normal hours.
• The backup contact when the agent is unavailable.
• Who will confirm receipt of important documents and explain next steps.

Summarize the plan in writing. Sellers can ask for showing feedback and a scheduled pricing discussion; buyers can ask how new listings, offer instructions and condition dates will be communicated.

Can You Change Realtors in Ontario?

Check your signed agreement first. RECO explains that it should describe the services, responsibilities, duration and cancellation terms. Ask the brokerage about your options and obtain written clarity before signing elsewhere. For uncertainty about obligations or possible fees, seek independent legal advice. Read RECO's explanation of representation agreements.

When to Contact the Brokerage or RECO

If the problem continues, explain your concerns to the broker of record and provide your communication record. RECO notes that the broker of record may help resolve the matter. For concerns about professional conduct, review RECO's complaint process. A complaint does not itself cancel your agreement; RECO cannot cancel a signed contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait for my realtor to respond?

Use the response expectations you agreed on, while considering the actual deadline. A routine update and an expiring offer require different responses. If a deadline is close, phone the brokerage and contact your lawyer about legal questions.

Does no response mean my agent is no longer representing me?

Do not assume silence ends an agreement. Review its terms and ask the brokerage to clarify your status in writing.

What should I keep before raising a concern?

Keep your agreement, relevant messages, dates of calls and a short list of unanswered questions or missed commitments. Stick to facts rather than guessing why the agent did not reply.

What should I ask a prospective agent about communication?

Ask who handles your file, how urgent requests are covered, when updates arrive and what happens during absences. Discuss your current representation agreement before arranging new services.

Plan Your Next Steps

For the wider process, use our Ontario home buying guide and home seller mistakes guide. To discuss communication expectations for a future move, contact Ana Bastas Realty and explain any existing representation arrangement.