The agent told me I had to sign a Buyer Agency agreement before he would work with me, so I did, and now I'm unhappy with the relationship.
Ask the agent to write a buyer agency agreement that covers a very short period, a day or two so you know if you are a good match with the agent before signing a longer agreement. If the agent will only work with you if you immediately sign a buyer agency agreement, you might choose to seek another agent.
I'll get the best deal on the house if I call the agent listed on the For Sale sign.
Maybe, maybe not. That agent represents the seller and is contractually bound to get the best deal for the seller. That doesn't mean the agent can't work with you in a fair and professional manner, but it does mean you should not disclose confidential details to the agent until you are assured that the agent will keep your information confidential!
I can find more homes for sale by calling lots of agents.
If you are home shopping in a specific area, and the agencies belong to the Multiple Listing Service, it means they all have access to the same properties. Ask agents what areas they cover. If you sign agreements with more than one buyer's agent, make sure the contracts are worded so that areas and duties do not overlap. For instance, Agent X works for you only in County A. Agent Y works for you only in County B.
The agent with the most listings in town is the best agent to call.
Think about that. If an agent has that many listings to deal with, how much time do they have for buyers, especially buyers who might want to look at properties other than theirs? A brand new (competent) agent can be every bit as effective as a seasoned pro. Someone working with fewer clients will have your needs in mind constantly. Hire the person, not a lineup of listings.
Deborah Bevers, Realtor, ASP
Walzel Properties, LLC
9595 Six Pines #8210
The Woodlands, TX 77380
DeborahMBevers@gmail.com
Serving Montgomery County and North Harris County, TX
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Source: http://homebuying.about.com/cs/agencies/a/realestate.htm
