I received an e-mail yesterday with a few questions about my 3 part series, “Pick an Agent, Then Start Looking at Homes.” Here are the questions and my responses.
Does that (that I couldn’t help the buyers who had another agent show them a home) only apply to the same listing? If that couple decided they liked a different home, would you, or could you represent them as a buyers agent?
Yes, it applies only to the listing that another agent showed. I would have been able to show any other homes to the buyers and I did let them know that.
Could a buyer have more than one buyers agent for different neighborhoods?
A buyer can have more than one agent, but I don’t recommend it for a couple of reasons.
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1. Neither agent will probably work as hard for such a client as they will for a client working solely with them. Put yourself in the place of the agents. Who would you work harder for, a buyer where there is only a 50/50 chance that you will earn a commission or a buyer with close to a 100% chance you will earn a commission?
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2. The more an agent works with buyers, the faster the agent learns what the buyers like and don’t like which saves time for everyone.
Should I inform the agents that I have other agents that specialize in another area looking for me too?
I’m sure they would appreciate it. Having a good relationship with the people you work with always helps.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fran Bailey shows, previews and tracks downtown Chicago homes for sale giving her the insights needed to help her clients negotiate the best price and terms. Fran has been quoted in numerous Chicago and national publications. To schedule showings of listings regardless of broker or to contact Fran email her at fran.bailey@bairdwarner.com or call 773.793.4516. Learn More
Fran Bailey, Realtor
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Thanks for clearing that up. Another question: how would you prefer a client to tell you they are no longer interested in having you as their buyer agent (cause they will be searching for a property 20 miles away in a different city and would prefer someone who specializes in that city) ?
If I were the agent, I would prefer to be told as soon as possible. Thank the agent for his/her time. Explain that you are no longer interested in their area and desire an agent who specializes in another area.
I can’t help but wonder…If the only issue is the area and you like the agent’s service, why take a chance on a new agent? What do you think the agent who specializes in the new area wiil be able to do for you that your current agent can’t? Just some food for thought.
I have something to contribute to this question. I had an agent in Oak Park because I wanted to buy in Oak Park. I ended up buying in the city. I noticed that she was a bit intimidated by the seller’s agent. I had to put my foot down and tell the seller’s agent I have the right to get the papers for the condo’s finances and will not continue with the sell within 3 days of putting down good-faith money. Also, my agent was not aware that in the city- parking can be listed as an additional expense. It is not included in the sale price. She was confused by this. My agent was great that she wasn’t pushy with me, but selling in the city required a different attitude.
Kit,
You are quite correct that there is a different attitude in the city for home buying and selling. The the attitude in the suburbs is often more layed back. Considering that Oak Park is adjacent to the city, your agent should have known how to best help you buy in the city.
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