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Buyers without Agents

By
Real Estate Agent with Anne Arundel Properties

I've been doing a lot of open houses lately. Its that time of year when I'm trying to get rid of the few listings I have.  I hate having listings over the winter/holiday months.

Anyway, the one thing I've noticed is that there are a lot of buyers out and about who seem to be looking for a new home without the aid of an agent.

Most of them seem to be very well informed about what houses in the neighborhood are on the market, and a lot of them have been in most of the available homes.  Yet, when I ask if they are already working with an agent - they say no.

I'm not sure if that says something about our profession or the market.

I've worked with buyers in the past who already picked out the house they wanted even before the called me.  That was a few years ago - prior to the over-heated market of the first half of this decade.

With the power of the Internet - I wonder are we entering into the age of a new and empowered buyer?

Or, are these buyers just taking their time looking and feel an agent will rush them? 

BLR Guy
BLRGUY(Beach & Luxury Realty Inc) - Saint Pete Beach, FL
Vinny...buyers are just crazy if they aren't working with an agent.The agent gets paid by the sellers side and doesn't cost them a nickle..plus then they are protected....doesnt make any sense to me.
Oct 09, 2007 09:09 AM
Toby Boyce
C.G. Boyce Real Estate Co. - Delaware, OH
MBA, Delaware Ohio

All of the above.

  • I've had buyers that were window shopping for an agent and a house.
  • I've had buyers that thought agents were interchangable.
  • I've had buyers that didn't want to be bothered.
  • I've had buyers that hated agents.
  • I've had buyers that had a lot of agent friends and didn't want to pick ... seriously.

I don't know if it is increasing or just manifesting itself more now because of the time lapse between looking and buying a home.

Oct 09, 2007 09:18 AM
Vinny Goldsmith
Anne Arundel Properties - Crofton, MD

BLR - I agree.

My stance as a listing agent has always been this.  If the buyer has a transaction or two under their belt, I do the whole spiel about how I represent the seller and it really is in their best interest to get their own agent.  Especially since it costs them nothing. In Maryland we have a form they have to sign agreeing that I told them this.  If they still want to go ahead without an agent - I don't argue.

If it is a first-time homebuyer, or I feel they are inexperienced regardless of past purchases - I will refer them to another agent outside of my broker.  I've done this a few times and never lost the sale.  I'm sure that will happen one day but to me the potential liability for even the appearance of impropriety is too great.

Oct 09, 2007 09:25 AM
Eric Bouler
Gardner Realtors, Licensed in La. - New Orleans, LA
Listening to your Needs
The buyers are looking for an agent. They are looking to pick one that they think is knowledgeable about the area and knows about real estate. I can pick up 7-8 buyers per year at open houses that I do. I have even picked up several listing. Be prepared to followup up and cash in.
Oct 09, 2007 11:53 AM