Not sure what the protocol is! Multiple realtors

**hammysam** · 04-02-2009, 06:38 PM

Hi,

I am a first time home buyer. My first step was to drive around my neighborhood and scout out houses for sale. I called the agent on the sign outside of the first house I was interested in - the house didn't work out, but I kept working with the agent. I did not sign any contracts with the agent or broker. I generally liked this agent, and he has shown me several houses, none of which were right. Unfortunately, the agent went out of town without telling me - a day before a house came on the market that appeared perfect for me. I found the house on my own when looking at listings online. The house was sold before I could even look at it. I was disappointed, so I called the listing agent on the house and asked if there was anything I could do - she said I could write a back-up offer if I was interested, and offered to show me the house. After seeing the interior, I decided it wasn't for me after all.

Was the first agent not doing his duty by forgetting to tell me he was going out of town? I could have missed out on a great house because of that.

I have found the right house - after both the first and second agent sent me the listing. Another agent from the first agent's office (the first agent is still out of town) showed me the house, and I believe I want to make an offer. However, I wasn't as keen on this other agent from the first agent's office, and actually like the second agent - the one who showed me the house that was already sold - better. None of the realtors asked me if I was working with other realtors.

I guess I just don't know what the right thing to do here is - I don't want to be doing the wrong thing and offend any of the realtors, but I also want to make sure I do what's best for me as this is a huge step. And I just wonder if there is that much difference between the agents anyway?

Confused! Thanks for any advice you can offer.

**Greg** · 04-03-2009, 05:24 AM

If none of these agents has offered to work as your buyers agent then find one who will. You need an agent looking out for your interests and the agent on the sign is not going to do that.

**gjtrafl** · 04-12-2009, 06:26 PM

In the end, you should work with the agent you feel will do the best job on your behalf and then stick with them. If they don't do what you expect, then explain to them that you will be working with someone else.

**realestate.spain** · 04-16-2009, 03:23 AM

Hi,
The realtor may not play a major role in this issue according to me. If you like a house then you can proceed with it, but before that try gathering information about that particular house from other realtors who are not involved and that would give you a better idea on the house that you have selected.

**houston** · 04-19-2009, 07:47 PM

I would have called the original agent. Even if he is out of town he should be able to write the offer. If he left town and didnt tell you and doesnt return your calls I would forget about them.

**jamesww** · 04-20-2009, 12:22 AM

I am not sure which state you are located in but the majority of states hold to the federal law that if you do not have a buyers representation agreement then the agent actually is a sub-agent of the seller whether or not he is showing you property. This means that the agent techniqually represents the seller and not you. I feel it is a bad position for the agent, you and the seller. Bad for you because you have no one required to be in your corner "fighting" for you. It is bad for the agent showing you property because he is likely to build a repoir with you that will lead him to not holding his fiduciary responsibility to the seller. It is bad for the listing agent because it places added risk on the selling broker without the knowledge that the agent has adiquate training.

No matter how you cut it your best bet is to pick an agent you like and request that they put together a buyer representation agreement and that they add an addendum allowing you to exit the agreement with notice. This assures that the agent will have a fiduciary responsibility to you and not the seller. It lets you exit the agreement if the agent is a stooge. Since none of the agents spoke to you about buyer's representation and they likely did not give you a form explaining agency they are in the end at minimium sloppy at worst unknowledgable. You do not want either scenario.

**wkmattingly** · 04-21-2009, 07:09 PM

Hammysam,

A little off topic but why have you not contacted an agent to work with you? It seems you have taken the search process on yourself and would only use the realtor to write the offer. Basically only having them do a little work doesn't justify their commission or you doing all the work.

I'm just trying to get into the buyer's mind and figure out why they aren't actively seeking an agent prior to looking for houses but willing to work with an agent as they bump into them during the process.

I'm sure you are learning a little here. Please help me learn from you.

FYI--did you call the agent while they were out of town and they not return calls? If that was the case then NEXT!