I don't trust the Realtor

[Celastrina]

I really don't trust the realtor I have been working with on the house we are lease optioning. No final paperwork has been signed and she is the listing agent. I was told that florida doesn't have dual agency so I know she is not representing us but there is a huge level of distrust on our part. Mainly from when the contract was written up $12k higher and when we questioned her she asked if I had anything that proved the list price I was quoting. So my question...Can I switch realtors and still buy this house? There was no buyers/brokerage form signed by us.

[Codythebest]

Of course you can switch Realtors. No problem. Even if you have any kind of signed document. If she doesn't like it, go to her broker and explain.
FYI, anytime you hire a Realtor, ask him/her what you want to see from him/her, and tell him/her that you'll sue him/her if it doesn't happen on stuff that he/she can guarantees. Put it on the agreement and make him/her sign it. Easy as 1-2-3...

[REbuyersgroup]

This is bound to get a flood of replies.

Who told you Florida does not have Dual Agency????

There are 3 types of agency in Florida
No Brokerage Relationship - Exactly what is says
Transaction Brokerage - Limited representation to both parties
Single Agent - Agent for either Buyer or Seller, not both but can negotiate the deal if the other party does not have an agent.

All agencies have the power to negotiate the deal and all require the agent to be ethical and fair to ALL parties besides accounting for all funds.

Hope this clears things up.

[TJ2007]

WOW! So the realtor basically robbed you for an extra $12k!

1) I always see stuff like this when people 'try' to save a buck buy not using a realtor to represent them and go right to the seller or listing agent. It's not costing you anything to be represented, and is obviously far cheaper than $12,000 at any rate!!
2) She asked if you had 'proof' of the listing price - HUGE WARNING SIGN
3) The listing price means nothing, when you hire a realtor they must make the offer you want!!!!!!!!!!!!
That doesnt mean you shouldnt listen to their advise, but in this market you should definitely be trying to negotiate a lower price....

I can only say that it sounds like it stinks...I would run from the deal if you can...but something tells me this realtor would have tied up your money already...
GET A REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY NOW

[Celastrina]

Well, we called the broker and listing agent back and told them we were bring our Realtor in on it. They seemed a bit upset about the news and asked who our Realtor was, we told them and they said "sorry you feel the need to talk to someone else"

But hey, you guys are right. A Realtor costs me nothing and it is someone in my corner that i can trust and count on to do right!

Besides, with a Realtor we will have better negotiation power because other agents don't want to alienate themselves in this slow market by non communication with agents or refusal to play fair. Our agent told his broker about it and we are all having a sit down today. Unfortunatly i couldn't get my hands on a copy of the lease that the other company wanted me to sign. But there are plently of vacant houses sitting around here and I am sure someone will be willing to enter quick negotiations and not a long drawn out proccess.

Thanks!

[rob22911]

I agree with everyone