As a professional Realtor® in Frisco Texas, I, like many others, always have work to do. When I work my broker's office phones, one of the last things I want to hear is, "Can I speak with the listing agent." This is not because I am missing out on a possible client but rather someone is 
most likely making a mistake. This is not always the case but more often than not it does not work out to their advantage.
Is This A Mistake
Think about this. You have made the decision to purchase a home. You drive around the neighborhood where you want to live and see a sign. You call the number and ask for the listing agent or you direct dial the listing agent's number. If you are not familiar with agency in Texas then you may not be aware that you may be making a costly mistake.
Who Represents Whom?
The agent you are talking with already has a fiduciary relationship with the seller. This means they have a loyalty to their client. They must put the client's needs above their own and their broker's. As you speak with them everything you are saying can be used for the seller's benefit not for yours. In fact you will never usurp the seller as the agent's primary focus. The best you can hope 
for is that both the agent and the seller agree to let them represent both of you.
Representing Both Sides?
This is not truly representing both of you but rather not representing either of you. Yes they can still provide you with facts and still oversee the paperwork of the transaction but they can no longer give advice or recommendations to either party. That means you will be dealing with the seller one on one but using the agent to present your offer and other communications just as they will present the seller's counters and other communications.
Represent yourself?
Remember you may not know the background of the seller. Are you ready to go up against someone else who may have bought and sold many local homes or go up against a professional realtor on your own? The bottom line is that in any real estate transaction, unless you are an expert real estate buyer, you are much better off with representation. You want some one on your side, loyal to you and putting your needs above their own and their broker's. A buyer rarely pays for representation. The seller pays the buyer's agent out of their proceeds.
Buyer Representation
So the next time you think you want to speak with the listing agent, take a second and review. 
Once you weight the differences of being represented by someone who puts your needs above their own, who is dedicated to being your advocate, who does this every day for a living, who has the local expertise, and who will go to battle for everything and anything you request at no cost to you, I think you will make the right choice and say, "I would prefer not to speak with the listing agent." When you do you are really saying I want someone on my side.
By the way I let my sellers and buyers know up front that I do not work both sides of a transaction. When you pay me for my services, I want to provide them including my advice and recommendations, not just facts.When you are ready for someone on your side to fight for you and your needs in North Texas, call me and find out what my other clients found out.
When you work with me—Your Success is My Focus.
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