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Why Are You Using More Than One Agent?

I have to ask, because I don't get it.

And I have been a home buying consumer before myself.

So I have been where you are...on the buying side of the fence...on multiple occasions.

Why are you using more than one agent in your home search?

Is it because you are afraid to commit to working with one qualified person?
Do you not understand the value of working with an agent who can represent your fiduciary interests during the real estate transaction?
Do you think that having multiple agents will get you a better deal on the home you desire? Or find a better house?
Is loyalty not important to you?
Are you uninterested in having a well-developed and more personal relationship with an agent?
Do you feel you know everything you need to know about buying a new home and just need some scouts to hunt down properties for you? (BTW you can do this as well as they can, for the most part).
Do you not trust any of the people (who are allegedly helping you) enough to ask them to represent your interests?
Are you not sure who the right person is because you haven't spent the time to research and interview them?

As a consumer myself, and a licensed real estate professional, I think you are missing the boat. And probably wasting some personal time (and that of the agents).

If you are not willing to commit to working with someone who knows the market, and can assist you in finding the right home and navigating the purchase process while looking out for your interests, do you really think that any one of these individuals will commit themselves to truly helping you?

Remember - loyalty begets loyalty. If you won't be loyal to just one person, why should any of them work hard to really help you?

And, yes, it's true, one person might be a better negotiator, or will have a better handle on how best to strategize around the right offer for you. But how will you know who that is if several people are supposedly helping you. And why should anyone commit the time and energy to you, if you do not act as if you are really serious about the process and your interests.

Consumer behavior conveys a lot to professionals who are there to assist you, just as their behavior indicates their level of commitment to you. Does your behavior convey a level of intent, serious action, and concern for your wellbeing and financial interest? Or is your behavior, by not working with one person, suggest that you are not serious and don't really want professional advice and counsel.

And if you detect a lack of commitment or unconcern on the part of the agents who you are "working" with, perhaps it's a reflection of your own conduct.

Think about it. What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Posted by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate ~ 760-840-1360 on 08/01/2007 05:15 PM

Comments (17)

buyers, agents, jeff dowler, first time buyers

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17 Comments on Why Are You Using More Than One Agent?

AUG

2007

I had this problem at first with some clients of mine. The lady just couldn't understand why she should use just one agent--even after I thoroughly explained it to her. She said "Well, if you show me some homes and I end up buying one of those then I'll go through you. If another agent shows me another home and I end up buying that one, then I'll go through that agent." Crazy, I know. I FINALLY got her to see the light when I simply said "Well, everytime you go to a new agent you're starting over because the other agents weren't there to see what you did or did not like, which is probably why you've been looking for a house for over two months." OHHHH, now she gets it. We made an offer today and she's a very nice client so for some people it just takes an "ah-ha moment".

Jeff, great questions and excellent points!!! I never understood consumer's psychology of using multiple agents. This is just a NO WIN situation. Common sensical if you ask me. :-)

AUG

2007

Great post! Excellent questions and points. I really don't understand it as well!

Excellent post! I like the ones that call that want me to show them properties, and when I ask if they have an agent they say yes, but they are busy! Or better yet the ones that have lied to me and said no until we find them a house. I haven't had that in a few years thankfully.

IMHO people don't initially view agents as representatives but salespeople. We all can do without salespeople in our life. Therefore people try to avoid agents, and will "shop" them as they would electronics salespeople in different locations.

Jeff - What an excellent post. I cannot think of one single reason to work with more than one area agent. The only exception to this would be if the buyer is undecided what area they will be relocating to as with the nice clients that we are currently working with - you in San Diego County and myself in Orange County. Thanks again for referring me, Jeff. In this case, the client is demonstating loyalty to you in that you have conferred respect to me by referring them to someone who will take care of their needs in an area outside your normal market area.

Amber - thanks for your comments. glad it all worked out and your client had the "ah hah" experience.

Jeff

Irina - I have troulbe understanding as well. Thanks for your comments.

There are times, when it may be appropriate - if someone is looking in more than one area where the distances are significant and one agent cannot handle it or does not work those areas. But that is not really what I was talking about here.

Jeff

Ana - thanks Ana. Sounds like many of us get confused by this approach. And one wonders what those buyers would say - could be a good thing to know. There may be reasons that could help us improve our service or provide the right information so buyers would not feel they NEED to use multiple agents.

Jeff

Candy - funny you should mention that. I have talked to 3 agents in teh last week or so where that has happened to them. Glad to hear it has not been your experience recently. Thanks for your comments.

Jeff

Jeff - I think you raise a good point. And if we don't or can't show our value, then we really are nothing more than a commodity.

Jefj

Thanks, Marlene. That is the only reason I can think of that makes sense. I appreciate your thoughts.

Jeff

Jeff - I have had three calls this week from people who asked me to show them a home. They were all working with a Realtor. Have to get the question answered first. I still think some just don't get it. There does seem to be a movement toward contacting the listing agent directly in hopes of getting a better deal. I am sure people don't understand what they are doing with that one! Sigh!

AUG

2007

I just went through this yesterday. I do phone duty and have success with it. I took a showing call and asked him why he wanted to see the (foreclosure) home. Everything seemed OK, so I drove 35 minutes to meet him there. His wife was there too and when I opened the conversation she said to him "didn't you tell him we were working with so-and-so?

35 minutes wasted...I am not a commodity!

AUG

2007

With MLS listings on the web, I don't want an agent to find me a home, I just want them to show me the home. I like an agent that knows the neighborhood, not someone that is an hour across town. I am using multiple agents until I find one I like. How else can you shop agents? I also thought that the listing agent would have more info on the home but have since found out that no agents want to give information on a home. They seem to be a middleman that protects the seller from having to reveal anything. Dont you think it is time for this to change? Someone has been living in a home for many years and yet nobody has any information. How old is the roof, the a/c, what recent repairs have been done, what material is the water supply pipe made from. How come so many listings say all electric when they in fact have gas? How hard would it be to have the seller write up some history on the home and leave copies that buyers could pick up when they FIRST view the home? Seems to me it would make it easier to sell the home if info was provided. How the heck can you sell something you know nothing about?

JUN

2008

I think we have all experienced buyers who are using more than one of us. There was another agent and myself who figured out there was one buyer who was working with at least 6 agents.

Great post. I ask and when I hear they are working with more than one, I pull them from the MLS search and they freak out. I tell them I don't offer my services for free and they tell me "but you have better searches than the other realtors...you are showing me homes I want". Well, sign a little piece of paper and I will put you back on the search. Very simple on my end.

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