Question


Jen

Do I have to tell a real estate agent that Im working with anyone?

I just recently started looking at real estate and the biggest irritation I've had to deal with is every time I inquire about a property, they want to know if Im working with someone. Im finding out that there is some type of "stake your name to the claim" thing. But just because I inquire about a property, it doesn't mean I have to sell my name to that agent, does it? I do not think a Realtor has to right to say "hey Im working with her" just because I asked them a question about the property. Can someone explain how this works. If I tell an agent that Im not working with someone, do they own me on that particular property if I ever purchase it..even if I did it like 2 years later???? DO I HAVE to tell an agent that Im working with someone? What is the polite way to say, it's none of your business if Im working with someone or not. Im not talking about going and looking at houses and using thier time, Im talking about a question or two in email. I understand about wanting a commission, but Im talking about "hey can you email me a link about the property". If Im just asking a question, I dont think they have the right to say "this buyer belongs to me". Last clarification, if I am only talking to them through email, and they are only answering questions and sending links. They do not own me to that property? Even if I give them my name?

3 weeks ago - 4 answers

Best Answer

Chosen by Asker

Here's the deal real simply. Those agents answering calls at big offices are not getting paid to be there and to give you info. They want to know if you are working with an agent for 2 reasons. First, If you are working with someone, you should be getting the info from your agent and not wasting their time, and secondly, if you are not working with anyone, they might want to offer their services to you. Get yourself a good agent and you won;t have to waster your time calling around and trying to get info...your agent can email you the full listings, with pictures adn all the info...and your own agent can even set up a program that will automatically send you any new listings that meet your criteria. It's not always easy to find a really good agent, but they are out there. Ask friends, meet agents at open houses or at showings, and when you find someone good ask them to help you. The best part is their services won't cost you a penny. The seller pays us!

Source(s)

RE Broker 20 years

by Lone

3 weeks ago

Asker's Rating: 

Other Answers

You don't have to. just don't run another agent around and then go with another. These people are paid commission only and their time is valuable. They spend two weeks with you then you go with the next guy? They could have been working on another property with buyers who are serious about buying from them. Everyone likes to get paid for their work. don't you?

by That Guy!- 3 weeks ago

No just tell them you are not working with anyone yet. Most realtors are able to show you any property even if it is not with their company.

by ~*Mama-of-Two*~- 3 weeks ago

It is smart for you to be thinking about this. In some states, there is a "threshold" law. The agent that gets you inside that house will be "your" agent if you purchase that house. Even if you don't like them. Other states consider "your" agent to be the one who you ask to write the contract. An agent does not want to meet you at a house and find out that you will never buy it from them if you like it. That is why they are requesting information. As a member of the public, you do not have any "rules" to follow about what you do or do not tell realty agents. The agents have rules because they belong to a local association. If that association believes that the person showing you the house is now "your" agent, it will be important for you to know that before entering a house. Call them and ask.

by Ed Atun- 3 weeks ago