Calling The Listing Agent Is Not The Best Way To Look At Homes

Hi Laura, with dual agency, there really is no free style way..all formal with a document that both buyer's and sellers need to sign to allow the agent ot "represent" both.

Hi Joan, Their leaving that education up to us. In Oregon,we have to hand "at first contact" an Initial Agency Disclosure Pamphlet that explains dual agency or disclosed limited agency to the potential buyer and seller. Even if they initial this or sign these documents, I still believe that many really don't understand the full ramifications of how it affects them. It's ultimately up to us to explain how it would affect them in different scenarios.

Hi Maureen, I agree. Educate, educate, educate!

Hi Christi, yep, we were one of those buyers years ago. We were thankful that that one agent took the time to explain it to us.

Hi Inna, I think it still goes back to the days where there was typically only listing agents and not too many buyer's agents. This is not the case any longer and as you said, in most cases, the seller pays the buyer's agent's fees/commission through the MLS co-op agreement so in most cases, having their own representation doesn't cost them anything.

Hi Chris, I hope this isn't a growing trend! I can understand a buyer trying the angle of getting a price reduction if they represent themselves (yikes), since the seller would be saving that % of commission. After all, this is what their friends and family are telling them to make sure they do. Trying to go behind the agents back that is working hard for them...not cool.

Hi Eve, One of the main reasons I don't practice dual agency is that WE are condered the experts and it's so easy to just say something that might be mis-interpreted or taken out of context in a transaction that a buyer or seller just might think you as you said "blew it". We live in such a sue happy society and for me, it's such a fine line to walk. Getting both sides of the commission is not worth my name and getting fined by the agency. Just my personal take on it.

Hi Mark, It's the optimal choice for everyone involved!

Hi Nina, Oh yes, "My agent is too busy..or is on vacation" calls.  I've actually called the agent to let them know that their buyer was wanting in. Sometimes the agent has no clue and buyer's aren't realizing that this is something that is frowned upon. Again, it's always up to the agent to explain all different scenarios with their clients and explain how things work.

Hi American Brokers Realty Group, Thank you!

Hi Amanda and Jared, that is a benefit of having two!

Hi Joshua, Indeed!

Hi Doug, So true! This is why we have to give that Initial Agency Disclosure Pamphlet at first contact..even if by e-mail. Who knows if they read it though.

Hi Kat, I've had someone resently say "you only show your company listings right?". Oh yeah, education is needed.

Hi Suzanne, I'm hoping not and I'm in was in the minority!

Hi Michael, legal and many agents practice it, just not me :)

Hi Fred, huh....so that's why. Makes sense that many agents wanted to keep that ability to do both sides.

Hi David, I just think I'd have a hard time walking that line between pleasing both the seller and the buyer. It's hard enough sometimes to just represent one side in the transaction!

Hi Marc, Even if they thought of the discount after the fact, many buyers just think to call the listing agent. I just think they don't know how it works, or are just not ready to start working with an agent to get right into it and start a full blown home search. It's more they just like "that" home....so call the listing agent.

Hi Karen, Some buyer's and sellers are just fine with us being pencil pushers to get the home they want sold, but......I also would take a guess that there is a high percentage that feel that they weren't represented as they thought they'd be after the fact.

Hi Margaret, you're so right and it's always worth asking. I still believe that it's much better for each to have their own representation, not to mention the liability for the agent is higher. I just personally have made it my practice not to do this.

Hi Julie, It's just a matter of educating a buyer on the process and if they still want to keep calling the listing agent, they are missing out on getting the best representation they can.

Hi Donna, It's just something many folks aren't aware of. Glad that the agent was persistant and was able to help you find a home.