Lately, I seem to be wading through quite a few clients who come in wanting to see homes and who - unfortunately - I have to turn away. Equally unfortunate is that sometimes they don't understand why and end up getting upset. So this is a post trying to explain my position.

There are two sides to a real estate transaction - the listing (seller's) agent and the selling/co-operating (buyer's) agent. When most people call to see a home, unless they call the listing agent directly, the Realtor who receives the call hopes to become their agent, that is, the buyer's agent. This does not mean that he hopes to sell them just that particular home, but simply wishes to work with them until the right home is found. Hopefully, the client likes him enough to stick with him throughout the search.

Also, as Realtors, we are ethically required to ask if you are currently working with another agent. If you are not happy with your agent and are looking for a new one, feel free to tell us. But I seem to run into quite a few clients who have an agent and are still asking other agents to show them homes.

Why is this? Even in this competitive market, are there really Realtors who will turn their backs on buyers? Or have we turned so pessimistic that we don't believe our clients will ever buy homes?

Either way, please remember: I for one will never show you a home if you are currently committed to and working with another agent. It really is your agent's job. I would hate to take time away from clients who are committed to me - after all, I wouldn't want them to be shopping by themselves.