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Potential buyers that I met at an open house are contacting me directly, but they say they have an agent??

By Aaron Kelly

Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX of North Orange County

April 26, 2007 02:27 PM

I had a situational come up recently. I met some potential buyers at an open house. They said they are thinking about making an offer soon, but their agent is out of town. Some of the questions they have been asking me are the kind of questions their agent should be answering. I am co-listing the property with another agent who is related to the sellers. Would it be appropriate for me to suggest to the potential buyers to use me as their buyer's agent even though they have clearly stated they already have an agent? How do I continue to deal with their questions? Any advice, or people who have had experience with this?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

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Leigh Brown

Leigh Brown & Associates, RE/MAX Executive - Charlotte, NC

CEO, Dream Maker - Charlotte, NC

Nope-refer them back to the buyer agent's office and have them talk to whoever is covering for that person. Last thing you need is a battle over $$$ which is what it's going to come down to. Tell them that as much as you'd love to help them, they need to ask those questions of their agent or his/her broker, that you don't want to step on any toes and damage your ethics. Good luck!

Apr 26, 2007 02:37 PM

Kay Van Kampen

RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO

Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate

My advice is to call the other agent and inform them that their buyer is asking questions? I've had buyers have one realtor show them a home, then call me to write the offer because they did not get along with the other realtor. Won't do it unless I call the realtor and speak to them about their client. Usually agents have someone else to step in when they are not available and are willing to pay them a referral. Hope it works out well for you.

Anonymous

Just had this situation come up I totally understand. In the state of MS if they are not under Exclusive Buyer Agency agreement and they want to write an offer. They are free game. Clients are like relationship if we don't take care of them someone else will. First of all I have never understood how you as an agent can get upset with the agent that is in the Subdivision working on Sunday while you play golf. Then first thing Monday morning call me with that oh you stole my client story. I make people sign something that states if I show you THIS I get paid. If you want your Real Estate Professional to make the commission I suggest you call THEM!!!!!!

Apr 26, 2007 02:51 PM

Michael Ross

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Beverly, MA

North Shore of Boston

Nope. Ask them if they are under contract with the other agent? If no then ask them if they want to work with you instead of the other agent. Looks like they have more reasons to drop the other agent then they have told you. They are looking for service NOW!

Apr 26, 2007 02:55 PM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

What goes around comes around. I would contact the other agent and let them know. Real estate is a bit strange the way we do business. Buyers have no idea about Procuring Cause. They think they are find -- they have a contract and they are just getting information -- and they want their agent to represent them. Just let the buyers know that you represent the seller and that they should contact their own agent -- consumers are simply clueless how this whole thing works.

Apr 26, 2007 03:02 PM

Ryan Hukill - Edmond

405home @ ERA Courtyard - Edmond, OK

Realtor, Team Lead

I think the answer to this depends on the proper etiquette of your particular market. Here in Oklahoma, I would advise these buyers that they're asking questions that should be answered by their agent, then ask if they have an exclusive agreement with that agent. If they do, you absolutely would need to refer them back to their agent, but if they don't, then they need to either sign an exclusive with you and "fire" the other agent, or go back to their agent to get their questions answered. Plain and simple, if their agent isn't doing his/her job, they need to fire him/her, but if they've signed an exclusive, they may be stuck until it expires. Or, you could just have the types that aren't loyal to anyone and want to USE any agent that will give them the information they want, without them being forced to stick with just one agent. In that case, you don't want to work with these folks anyway, trust me.

Apr 26, 2007 03:18 PM

Mary Pope-Handy

Christie's International Real Estate Sereno - Los Gatos, CA

CRS, CIPS, ABR, SRES, Silicon Valley

Are you a Realtor or (just) a real estate licensee? If you're a Realtor, you do NOT interfere in the relationshop between another Realtor and client, period.

If they say they are working with another agent, tell them to have their agent (or the agent's sub) contact you.

Apr 26, 2007 04:14 PM

Renée Donohue~Home Photography

Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI

Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

I would have told them they need to get with their own Realtor from the get go. With places like Redfin setting up shop all over the country we need to protect ourselves with Buyer's Agency Agreements whether they are mandatory in your state or not.

Apr 27, 2007 01:03 AM

Potential buyers that I met at an open house are contacting me directly, but they say they have an agent??

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