Why do buyers use the listing agent to buy the house and should they?

Pacita, while it can work ... I feel for the most part it is a dicey proposition. It's my firm belief that best practice is each party has their own representation. There are times when it may make sense ... but in general, for the reasons stated above ... I think not.

Thanks Pacita for this topic... there will always be pros and cons to either procedure of representing buyers.  Many States, just as in Colorado, we do not have "dual agency or sub'agency" as both are defined as illegal representaions.  Yet, we can still have both worlds of working with buyers in an agency  or transaction broker (non-agency relationship), thus the ability to work with both the seller and buyer on same transaction as a transaction broker.  Cleary define what that means to the buyer / seller, and PERFORM in a proper manner that is defined by that working relationship.

Personally, I believe using the listing agent when you are buying a home is a double edged sword.  While best practice usually dictates that the buyer and seller have their own agents to represent them, I have also found that inside information the listing agent has, can often give a buyer an edge when it comes to getting an accepted offer in a brisk market!  

There are a number of scenarios where using the Listing Agent also works in the best interests of both parties ... and isn't that the goal in real estate?  We are to be open, fair and honest with all parties and when I think of the few times I was involved in the double bubble situation I can honestly say, things were better for all parties and due to the complexity of some of the situations could have been aweful had the 'wrong agent' been on the "other side". Every situation brings with it -- different challenges.  Although I said all that ... there have also been times when my buyer lost out trying to buy one of my listings ... and it would not have mattered who their agent was, their offer would not have made the grade!  Nuf said =)

The listing agent always has that opportunity because of the simple fact that it is his/her reponsibility to get the listing sold. All the advertising dollars invested are to get the buyer. Money talks and the facts are the facts, having home inspections done in advance, presenting them to the buyers before they write an offer, counseling the seller about the possibility of representing the buyer at the listing appointment goes a long way to get prepared for that eventuality. I do my number do "double-enders" and in some areas it is not that different from single representation. Thank you for the post Pacita.