When Should an Agent Step Back After the Deal Is Done?

Real estate agents often build close, long-term relationships with their clients — and that’s a good thing. We become confidants, advisors, negotiators, and advocates. But once the transaction is complete, when should the agent step away?

Post-Deal Relationships and Common Issues

After closing, clients sometimes continue to turn to their agents — especially when a disagreement arises. This happens frequently in transactions involving landlords and tenants, or in post-settlement rent-back agreements between buyers and sellers.

A client might say, “Anthony, I need you to handle this conflict with the seller,” or “Can you negotiate this issue with the landlord?”

Here’s the challenge: once the deal is done, our license and our representation agreement expire. There’s a legal sunset on our authority. While we want to remain helpful, we are no longer officially “the agent” on that transaction.

What the Agent Can Do

We can still provide guidance, just not representation. For example, I might say:

“Check paragraph 25 — that’s where you’ll find the notice requirement.”
“Take a look at paragraph 26 — it explains how to send written communication.”

But it’s not our role to contact the landlord or tenant directly weeks or months later.

These issues often come up during move-ins or move-outs — when properties aren’t cleaned to expectation, debris is left behind, or repairs haven’t been completed. That’s when one party calls the agent, asking them to “fix it.” The truth is, at that point, we’re no longer part of the contract. The responsibility shifts to the parties involved.

When to Bring in a Mediator or Attorney

If the landlord and tenant (or buyer and seller) can’t resolve the conflict themselves, it’s time to involve a mediator — or, if necessary, an attorney.

A mediator doesn’t represent either side; their role is simply to help both parties reach a resolution. Many states offer mediator certification programs, making this a straightforward and affordable option.

Disputes at the end of a transaction or lease are common. But agents must recognize their boundaries: our licenses don’t authorize us to mediate or negotiate after the deal is closed.

And that’s the thought of the day.

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