Is it ok to have two realtors instead of one?

[Caduceus]

Hi there everyone,

I am planning to buy a home in Northern CA and have been approached by two realtors who specialize in the area. I am concerned whether I should solicit the help of both realtors and pick the best deal. Is this an appropriate move?

Thanks
Cad

[TJ2007]

I'm sure the realtors here will complain, but I think it's great to have more than one realtor looking out for you - whoever brings you what your looking for gets the deal

Just avoid signing any 'buyers agency contracts' so they don't kick up a fuss later...

[HHI Golf Guy]

Be careful in the wording of any agency agreements - you may end up owing BOTH agents a commsion on a single sale.

[Caduceus]

I see, thanks for the advice.

So far, I haven't signed anything at all. One of them just told me she could start looking for places for me, and the other one still has to talk to me about what I am looking for. Is there a good excuse to reject one of the realtor later on when I accept a good deal from the other?

I will check with each of them on any contracts or agency policy issues

By the way, in response to the 2nd reply, this would become a problem if both realtors show me to the same house/place?

[TJ2007]

As long as you don't sign any prior agreements, which aren't necessary anyway there's nothing wrong with having multiple agents looking out for you,

& Whoever writes the deal gets paid...

Just be open & honest with them all and let them know you have other agents looking for you too - if anything this should just motivate them to work harder for you :D

[Denise Andreacchi]

As an agent I always give 110% service. I am direct and like the client to be direct also. Always be honest with who ever you choose to deal with.
Regards

[Caduceus]

I plan to tell them both. One is a distant relative and the other is someone recommended by a friend.

I will try not to hurt any feelings :o

[Lenderles]

I would split the area's and who brings me the property that I'm looking for will write up the contract. Both will know that I'm using them both. And I
wouldnt sign anything. This will probable get you the best service these
Realtors have every given. If they dont cooperate, there's about 50,000
more realtors in your area you can use.;)

[HHI Golf Guy]

A good agent will not do much (if anything) for you unless you sign a buyers agreement. Why should they when you can walk away?

And yes - if youtry and get away with signing with two agents you will owe each full commission, regardless of who finds you your new home.

[Denise Andreacchi]

I do always ask for a contract to be signed. Building up a realationship is first. I always answer questions this way you can hope for a refferal. You only get out of it what one puts in to it.
Regards

[ericbramlett]

While it's a good idea to interview more than one agent, it's entirely counter-productive to use the services of more than one agent. Using 2 agents doesn't make one "work harder" for you - it only makes the agents try and sell you on a particular home, rather than look out for your best interests. If you use one good agent, they don't need to "sell" you on anything - they merely listen to your needs & present options until you find the best fit. If you use 2 agents, they are both more likely to try and "sell" you on the options they've found - knowing that there's the possibility that you might go w/ the other agent's options.

[ericbramlett]

IMO, any agent who's willing to work w/ a client using 2 agents doesn't have that much business.

[rsoto]

Im just shocked at some of the advice given here. All I can say is WOW

[Denise Andreacchi]

Do you think the advice is helping?

[rsoto]

I seriously doubt it.

[Denise Andreacchi]

Please explain as to what advice you would like. I will try to answer your questions. If I can not answer them I will at least try to find out and respond.
Regards

[Alpharetta]

If you you are a buyer, you won't pay for their service. The seller has already negotiated with their agent to pay the buyers agent commission. You should talk with both. Ask questions and use the agent who you feel will represent you best. In my state (Georgia) I cannot represent you unless you sign an agency agreement. Do not be scared about this. It just means that they represent your interest and owe you a fiduciary duty to work on your behalf.

[max]

What is "agency agreement"? If you already signed one, does it mean you are obligated to work with the agent for the next few months until you find a house? Is there an expiration date on the agreement?

I currently work with an agent to look for properties in So. Cal. I am not certain if I signed that agreement but in case I did, what should I do if I like to switch to another agent?

Please advise. Thanks!

max

[Denise Andreacchi]

There should be a time limited on the contract, area limit also. If this has not been explained to you, I would ask questions. Should you work with another agent while under this agreement, the agent who has the agreement gets paid and the other one does not.

[YourOrlando.com]

I'm blown away by some of the advice here. Having two REALTORs working for you at the same time is going to require deception on your part or an ethical violation on the part of the REALTOR. Since the REALTOR's code of ethics does not allow a REALTOR to work with a client who is already engaged by another agent, this would require the REALTORs to be oblivious of one another or willing to be in violation of the code of ethics. So, take your pick, mislead your REALTORs, or hire one that is willing to violate the code of ethics. Not my idea of a good move. My advice, find someone you feel comfortable with and be loyal. Wouldn't you expect that courtesy if it were you? With that being said, if your REALTOR is not performing well, let them know and then if they don’t improve, move on. If you sign an agreement, you can ad a performance clause to the contract. Keep in mind, many of the best deals never hit the market. Do you think your agent is going to tell you about those without an agreement in place? I don't think so. I will only show the best preforeclosure, probate and other distressed deals to my loyal clients. If you’re not committed to me, you will never hear about the best of the best deals. Don’t forget to ask for referrals. And when I say referrals, I don’t mean, “hey my brother just got his license” I mean, get a referral from someone who actually used a REALTOR and was happy with their performance.

Best of luck and enjoy your new home.