Re: How can I get rid of an estate agent?
 

I used to sell property for about 15yrs and no i was never an "estate agent" they are a breed to themselves and not the kind of people i liked to pend my time with but thats neither here or there.

Constructive steps are... offer them to go "joint sole" with another agent
or
tell them that unless they agree to go multi agency you will just deny all their viewing requests for the next 16 weeks until the agreed period ends, no good for them and no good for you in this tricky market so if they have nothing to fear from a little friendly local competiton then they have no reason not to go multi.

If all that fails send PM me a copy of the particulars they have put together for your property and i bet you i'll be able to find enough on their to claim "misdescription" and give you reason to end your contract wiht them ;)

Re: How can I get rid of an estate agent?
 

The contract you signed - did you physically amend the wording, and initial your changes, along with the agent?

Did you even read the contract?

Why could they not provide you a copy of the contract when you signed there and then? That is the usual practise, and very poor if they couldn't keep to it. It could form part of a complaint.

It's unusual for a SOA (Sole Agency Agreement) to last as long as 16 weeks, 6 weeks is more likely for an initial marketing term, but 4 months?

You can rally the agent to do better if you feel they're dragging their feet. On a weekly basis, ask to see what new applicants they have that may be interested in your property, what feedback you've had, and ask to review with them the competing properties they have on their books.

At the end of the day - you signed a contract, you stick to it. You'd expect the same from them. If you think they're doing a poor job, then complain in writing - it will be escalated to the area manager or equivalent. I wouldn't recommend Neio's Dad's approach... that kind of behaviour doesn't usually end matters. Most agents are likely to keep scanned copies, which are just as relevant.