How do you fire a Realtor as a home buyer, not home seller?
I have heard that if you attend an Open House without a Realtor, you are then obligated to use the showing Realtor if you decide to pursue that house, and that many unethical Realtor’s use Open Houses for that reason so they can cover both ends of the deal for double commission. Is there any way you can "fire" the selling Realtor after seeing the house and choose a different Realtor to represent you in that sale? I don’t feel comfortable working with someone who is trying to represent the interests of both the buyer and the seller…I want someone to represent my interests solely. What are my options if we already visited an Open House and spoke with the selling Realtor (although we didn’t give any personal information, not even our last name, or sign anything)? This is our first time looking for Real Estate or using a Realtor, and we learned this about the open house obligation after the fact, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
A potential Realtor just told me that if you attend an Open House without a Realtor (ie her), you are then obligated to use the showing Realtor if you decide to pursue that house (she can’t do that sale or show that house), and that many unethical Realtors use Open Houses for that reason so they can cover both ends of the deal for double commission. Is there any way you can "fire" the selling Realtor after seeing the house and choose a different Realtor to represent you in that sale? I don’t feel comfortable working with someone who is trying to represent the interests of both the buyer and the seller…I want someone to represent my interests solely. What are my options if we already visited an Open House and spoke with the selling Realtor (although we didn’t give any personal information, even our last name, or sign anything)? This is our first time looking for Real Estate or using a Realtor, and we learned this about the open house obligation after the fact, so any advice is great!
Oops…obviously this is my first time using Yahoo Questions too!!! I thought it would replace my original details, not double post them. Sorry!
Basically, a Realtor told me that if we had already seen a house without her that she could not represent me in buying that house because I had an obligation to use the selling Realtor. The selling Realtor was pretty horrible, so I would NEVER choose them, but her comment made me feel totally trapped, since we are somewhat interested in the house. Is she full of bull then?
While the above posting are correct – you are NOT obligated to use the Listing Realtor because you saw the home during an open house, DO tell the agent you hire to represent you that you saw the home during an open house. that way your agent can head off any problems before they happen.
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:59 am
That’s a load of bull.
If you haven’t signed anything, nicely tell the realtor that you are going to use someone else. There is no obligation if nothing has been signed.
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February 23rd, 2010 at 9:35 am
You are not obligated to use the showing realtor when you go to an open house. The realtor is HOPING you will use them, and that is why they run open houses, but until you sign a contract with them, you are under no obligation to use them. Any realtor that tells you that you are obligated to them without signing a contract is unethical.
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February 23rd, 2010 at 10:24 am
You may chose anyone you want to represent you. Just because you said hi to someone does not give them the authority to represent you. Just like speaking to an attorney does not give him/her the right to represent you.
Find yourself whom ever you want to represent you if that is what you want to do. Now remember that just because the agent that represent you would normally share the commission with the buying agent they could also charge you a fee as well.
You have to look a the contract you sign and determine if this is want you want to do.
Real estate agents might have you thinking that there are deep dark secrets into buying a house. There aren’t. When you go buy your car do you need a person to represent you? You use common sense and if you are not pleased or feel as if you are getting the shaft you simply leave.
There are many disclosures that are required, an appriaisal, an inspection, a walk through before closing. The selller is required to tell you of all known defects in the house.
I hope this has been of some use to you, good luck.
"FIGHT ON"
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February 23rd, 2010 at 10:53 am
You are not obligated to the selling agent unless you signed an agreement with them. You are absolutely right to want an agent to represent YOUR interests.
Whoever told you about this "obligation" doesn’t know what they are talking about and you shouldn’t listen to them again.
Find an agent that uses ABR (accredited Buyer Representative) or CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) after their name.
Go to REBAC.com (use the capital letters) and http://www.jackosullivan.net for more info. Email me if you like.
Good Luck
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An Agent
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:27 am
I am a realtor, and it embarrasses our profession when realtors badger people into using their services. You are under NO obligation to the listing agent at the open house. However, if you’re in Massachusetts, give me a call!!!
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http://www.suzannecappadona.com
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:08 pm
While the above posting are correct – you are NOT obligated to use the Listing Realtor because you saw the home during an open house, DO tell the agent you hire to represent you that you saw the home during an open house. that way your agent can head off any problems before they happen.
References :
REALTOR/Broker in NC
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:41 pm
You are wise to question that, because that is bull. You are not a client to the sellers agent because you have not signed a contract with them. You are free to pick your own representation. Ask around your area and find out who has a good reputation and meet with them. If you get a good feel for them go with them in helping you find a home. A Realtor wouldnt tell you that because you go to a house you have to use them as the buyers agent. You will have to use them to buy the house, but they will not be the one getting money from you. They will be getting money from their client the house seller.
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February 23rd, 2010 at 1:06 pm
YOU As the buyer Can use who ever you want. Who ever told you you MUST use the sellers agent is full of it, they are trying to double dip the commission.Ask around for a referral form some of your family and friends, interview the Realtor, feel comfortable that they will represent you in the most important investment you will probably ever make.It does not matter if you attended an open house without a Realtor what you have been told is unethical.The exception to this is new housing tracks–your Realtor MUST be present with you to sign you in so they can collect any commissions due.
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