FAQ #7- I WANT TO BUY SO WHY NOT CALL THE NUMBER ON THE "FOR SALE" SIGN?

I have, yes.  I do not work with every person who contacts me.   We have very strict rules and regulations up here that are put in place to protect the consumer.   I feel the buyer needs to at least know what they are agreeing to by working with the listing agent.  They need to know that I can not divulge certain things without written permission from the Seller.   It is a changing business and changing for the better in my opinion.  Perhaps in your market it is different?  I know in many states, multiple representation is not permitted. 

Usually my Buyers are referred to me and they understand our agency relationship before the house hunting begins.

Mark -  that's what I'm talking about.  Making sure the Buyer understands what they're getting into.  If they still choose to work with the Listing Agent, of course that is entirely up to them.  

Sharon -  that is most likely because she wants to collect both sides of the commission.  It is a very fine line we walk when representing both sides of a sale.  How do you get the most money for your Seller with the least conditions whilst helping your Buyer get the opposite at the same time? 

I'm not saying it can't be done, because we sometimes do have to represent both.  What I'm saying is that many Buyers do not understand this process and many Sellers get upset thinking their Realtor is helping their buyer.  This is what is written into the Representation Agreement:

MULTIPLE REPRESENTATION: The Buyer hereby acknowledges that the Brokerage may be entering into listing agreements with sellers of properties the Buyer may be interested in buying or leasing. In the event that the Brokerage has entered into or enters into a listing agreement with the seller of a property the Buyer may be interested in buying or leasing, the Brokerage will obtain the Buyer’s written consent to represent both the Buyer and the seller for the transaction at the earliest practicable opportunity and in all cases prior to any offer to purchase or lease being submitted or presented.
The Buyer understands and acknowledges that the Brokerage must be impartial when representing both the Buyer and the seller and equally protect the interests of the Buyer and the seller in the transaction. The Buyer understands and acknowledges that when representing both the Buyer and the seller, the Brokerage shall have a duty of full disclosure to both the Buyer and the seller, including a requirement to disclose all factual information about the property known to the Brokerage.
However, The Buyer further understands and acknowledges that the Brokerage shall not disclose:
• that the seller may or will accept less than the listed price, unless otherwise instructed in writing by the seller;
• that the Buyer may or will pay more than the offered price, unless otherwise instructed in writing by the Buyer;
• the motivation of or personal information about the Buyer or seller, unless otherwise instructed in writing by the party to which the information applies or unless failure to disclose would constitute fraudulent, unlawful or unethical practice;
• the price the Buyer should offer or the price the seller should accept; and
• the Brokerage shall not disclose to the Buyer the terms of any other offer.
However, it is understood that factual market information about comparable properties and information known to the Brokerage concerning potential uses for the property will be disclosed to both Buyer and seller to assist them to come to their own conclusions.
Where a Brokerage represents both the Seller and the Buyer (multiple representation), the Brokerage shall not be entitled or
authorized to be agent for either the Buyer or the Seller for the purpose of giving and receiving notices.
MULTIPLE REPRESENTATION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE: The Buyer understands and agrees that the Brokerage also provides representation and customer service to other buyers and sellers. If the Brokerage represents or provides customer service to more than one seller or buyer for the same trade, the Brokerage shall, in writing, at the earliest practicable opportunity and before any offer is made, inform all sellers and buyers of the nature of the Brokerage's relationship to each seller and buyer.

Roger -  people need to have as much information as possible in order to make an intelligent decision.   I can't believe how many 'seasoned' Realtors do not use the appropriate documentation these days.