I only work with sellers and have 4 buyer specialist that work with buyers.  As far as wanting someone active in listings and selling..... Would you go to a general surgeon for brain surgery??  Just kidding, how ever you do it, just do it well!

Derek, it is about 50-50, but the last two years, I mostly do the technology, rainmaking and listings and let the buyer agents handle the buyers. But, I take all the referrals from other agents because it makes more sense financially. 

I mostly work with buyers.  I think the advantage to a client, is they won't feel like you're going to push your own listings on them.  They know you'll remain neutral and look out for their best interests, showing them all that is available on the market that meets their needs.  When I do show my own listings, I always preface the showing to my clients, that "I'm not trying to push my own listing here, just showing it because it meets your needs."

Derek,

I am a "transaction broker" so I work with both sides - probably 50-50, I have customer's not clients...transactions brokers have customer's and can represent both sides. If you have client's you have a fiduciary relationship.  I wrote a blog a few month's ago explaining the difference. There is one!

Paul,

If you are showing your own properties, you have a customer, not a client...While client sounds better...the definition is different, if mean's you have a fiduciary relationship.  As I said above, I wrote a blog about the difference a few month's ago. Best, Karen

I don't think it's fear that you're spread too thin, or don't have the depth of knowledge/experience as a buyer agent.  What I think turns off those buyers is fear/paranoia that they might be steered toward's the brokerage's own listings.  ("conflict of interest")  That's the value proposition of exclusive buyer agents.

Derek,

I wrote a blog about this topic about a week ago or more...about who do you work with buyer's or sellers?

Anthon,

While this is not my blog, I feel compelled to tell you that I show to my customers, whatever they are looking for, I do not STEER my customer's as that is illegal.

I think it's good to have a mix of both sides. I agree with your theory that it's good to understand the other side's issues. When I negotiate, I alwys try to put myself in the other person's shoes. that is how I can most effectively come up with a solution. sometimes I realize that I'm wrong, too. This type of thought can help stop a good deal from going bad.

I actually work with both buyers and sellers which have proven to be in my best interest because of the market we are in.  I have listings, however, they are on the market longer so while I am working to get them sold, I can at least get some buyers to have some transactions close to pay for my marketing!

 I do respect everyone's opinion, but I totally agree with LISA .We are in the market that we are and ...well  you have to have a paycheck.  Good luck to all of you ! 

At the same time ?

Jeff - Are you telling me general surgeons don't do brain surgery?  :)  jk  thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Hi, Missy!  Yes, now that I have a Team I believe I will focus on them going out with Buyers and also take more of a rainmaking and listing Agent role.  Seems that is what makes sense now, but I never want to lose touch with the Buyers and that process.  I truly enjoy representing Buyers.

Paul - Good advice!  Thanks for stopping by and for the comment.

Karen - Thank you for your comment.  Yes, in Michigan there is a distinct difference between a Client and a Customer as well.  My understanding is that in Florida Buyer Agency doesn't really exist and Agents still represent the Seller.  Is that not true?

Stacey - Thank you for stopping by and commenting.  I am in complete agreement with you!

Lisa - Good point!  Keep up the hard work and best of luck to you!

Mariana - Hey, hey!!  Obviously on our Team we are going to focus on doing both, because I know that we need to.  I agree with you ... go figure!   :)

Mariana, The reason for me working sellers and not buyers, if you are working both buyers and sellers because of "the market", you are losing out on many opportunities.  I have 4 buyer specialists who can work many more buyers than I can at any one time.  They specialize in what they do and allow me to list properties which in turn generates more buyers.  I know that everyone is talking about "the market" but the fact of the matter is that good priced homes still sell in ANY market!!  The tough part is finding those motivated sellers but by not spending all of my time on buyers, I can concentrate on finding those sellers.

Mariana - hahahahahhahaaha   :)

Jeff - I agree and I am transitioning into a similar structure with my Team and will focus more on listings and rain-making activities for the Team.

I have done both listing and acted as a buyer's agent.  I enjoy the buyer's side and do a good job with it.  I am not ruling out listing but want to focus on the buyer's side and see how that goes this year.  I have a partner on my team who I plan to refer my listing calls to for a fee.  I will let you know how it works out. 

Hello, Paddy!  Thank you for stopping by and commenting.  Good luck with your plan this year ... it will probably work out very well!