How can i get an agent for the buyer side?

Profile picture for CHNY
  • CHNY
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we saw an open house yesterday and we went in and looked at the property (coop) and we like it.  the seller agent (assuming) is really pushy.  Do i have to stick with that agent if we decided to buy that property? 
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June 07 2010 - Brooklyn
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Answers (57)

Profile picture for RichardReid
First, you do not have to stick with the seller's agent simply because they showed you a home during an open house.

Second, you should engage your own representation, and I would recommend that you go beyond simply an agent that you know or a quick referral.

Purchasing a home, especially in NY, is likely to be one of the most significant financial transactions of your life.

When looking for an agent, you need to:
1. Feel comfortable with the person - you are likely to spend some time with this person.
2. Believe they have a firm understanding of both the market and your specific situation - in your situation, dealing with coop transactions.
3. Be confident they are able to accurately work with contracts.
4. Find an agent with solid negotiating skills who can and will go to bat for you.

Word of mouth is the most common way to find an agent.  This is good in general, but you owe it to yourself to go a step further.
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December 16 2010
Profile picture for marnee
The agent at the open house is representing the seller and hopefully disclosed this fact to you when you were at the open house. You definitely have the right to choose your own buyer's agent as long as you have not entered into a previous buyer agent contract that is still active. A buyer agent will represent you, protect your confidentility, negotiate on your behalf, walk you through the buying process, and if need be, recommend inspectors, mortgage brokers, title companies etc. I think referrals are one of the best ways to find a competent, experienced and ethical agent. ask work associates, friends and families for their input.
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December 16 2010
You can defintely still choose any agent of your liking.  I would hope they informed you that they represented the seller when you walked in to the open house, as is usually required by law.  It is in your best interest to have your own agent but you can work with the sellers agent if you choose to do so.
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December 09 2010
Just because the seller's agent opened the door for you for the open house doesn't make them your agent and if you didn't sign a representation agreement they aren't your agent.

Maybe find an agent that will reward you with some of their commission.

Good luck!
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December 09 2010
Profile picture for Earlene Lash
No you can choose your own agent to represent you. Word of mouth references from family or friends who've used a realtor is a good way to start. Keep in mind that your realtor will be representing you only.
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November 04 2010
Profile picture for johnnyloans
buyers agent for the buyer
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November 03 2010
Profile picture for Ryan Rygmyr
No.  You can let the listing agent know you have a buyers agent.  Good ways to find a reputable/experienced buyers agent can be by referral or of course on Zillow.  You can interview a couple agents to get a feel for the one that is right for you.  They typically are paid by the seller, so you get professional help for free! 
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November 02 2010
You should have your own buyer's agent.
You dont pay additional fees for this service and getting professional help.
Good luck!
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November 02 2010
Profile picture for douglasmeyer

Since you saw it with an agent then that agent should get credit.  If you have an offer then you may call the owner/broker of the agency and present it.  This way you don't have to deal with the unpleasant agent and the broker can properly credit his staff member for the transaction.
Doug Meyer, Realtor
Bergen Basin Realty
cell 718 915-8003

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November 01 2010
Profile picture for JulieNearing
If you feel that the Agent is pushy, then don't wait until you are contractually obligated to work with them to find out how much worse it can get!  Find another Agent STAT!  I want my Buyers who work with me to have a low key experience when purchasing real estate.  Pushy Agents are out there, especially with the way the economy is these days.  They are just looking for business, like everyone else.

There are specific deadlines that we have to enforce for mortgages and inspections, closings etc.  But we can do it with class and style instead of being pushy.  Speak to someone that you trust who can recommend an Agent that they know of have worked with in the past.  Referrals are the best way to find someone reputable.
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October 31 2010
Profile picture for serkedakisp
You should find an agent who doesn't have a vested interest in the property like the listing (seller's) agent. Although the seller's agent is required to disclose material facts, an agent representing you as your buyer's agent can compare and contrast this property with others on the market and advise you on a negotiating strategy and represent in the process.
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September 16 2010
No, you do not have to stick with that agent.

Your best option is to find an agent the only represents homebuyers so there is never a conflict of interest.

Erika in Orlando
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September 16 2010
No you do not.  Never buy anything from someone you do not like or trust.  Hopefully you did not sign anything while you were there.  Ask a friend for a referral of a great agent and go with that person.  Better safe than sorry.
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September 11 2010
Do you know an agent you like an trust?  Call your favorite Real Estate Agent and ask them to represent you in the transaction.
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September 08 2010
As long as yo did not sign a discloser form you can use any agent to work with.
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September 06 2010
There are agents out there that only represent buyers and that is what I would recommend.  Go to www.NAEBA.org for more info.

Eve in Orlando
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August 29 2010
Profile picture for Mills Realty
There are many good answers on here with the overwhelming majority suggesting to hire your own buyer's agent.  With all of the real estate laws and discloures it is amazing that dual agency still exists.  It is impossible to have a fiduciary responsibilty to both sides in the same transaction.

Simon Mills
Mills Realty
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August 23 2010

Agency laws vary from state to state. But most states provide a means for you to choose an agent to represent you the Buyer. It is important to have an agent that understands your goals and is commited to helping you achieve them. Look for an EBA ( Exclusive Buyer Agent) in your state ( or local area).

Our firm in Connecticut is an Exclusive Buyer Agency, meaning we represent only Buyers ,100% of the time. Choosing an Exclusive Buyer Agent is the highest and best type of Buyer Representation.

We are members of NAEBA ( National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents). I can assist you in Connecticut ( others in our firm cover Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York). There are agents available throughout the United States.

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August 23 2010
Profile picture for Jane Katz

The listing broker, who seems pushy to you, represents the seller not you.

Getting your own broker, a buyer's broker, to represent you and your interests is a matter of finding the  person with the "right fit" for you. It is a fiduciary responsibility where the buyer's broker owes you, the client, their fidelity.  This would include telling you what the property is worth, position to start negotiating, and to what price to negotiate up to. 

Best, 
Jane Katz
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August 23 2010
Profile picture for Mr Caveat
DO not use the listing Agent to represent YOU. The Listing Agent represents the SELLER.

Your Buyer Agent will look out for YOUR interests and deal with the "pushy" sales agent, or any listing agents for that matter.




hey, the listing agent wants the sale and has ZERO leverage with which to be "pushy."  the listing agent couldnt care less about 20,000 in sales price either way! the listing agent wants cash in her pocket. an agent representing you represents a cohort who is easier for the listing agent to approach and who will be more likely to push for compromises that you DO NOT HAVE TO MAKE!

its that simple.
 
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August 10 2010
Profile picture for ocalamls
I run into this all the time when representing my buyers looking for ocala fl homes .  Many folks do not take the time to educate themselves on the matter of representation so can fall victim to unskilled or even unscrupulous listings agents who are all about the sale.  I would recommend using a buyer's agent if at all possible.  He/she gets paid from the proceeds of the sale.  In other words the seller is really paying for your representation.
They will be more inclined to look for your best interests than the listing agent.  Of course some of us listing agents will still go the extra mile and make sure that the transaction is smooth and that you are taken care of even though they are representing the seller.  It's the golden rule!
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August 10 2010
Profile picture for rbosselmann

First, as many people have already stated, the sellers agent has an obligation to the seller to get the highest price and best terms possible FROM YOU.  An agent in the same office has this same obligation because they are representing the broker who has the listing.  I don't believe it would be a wise business decision to work with the sellers agent.  The transaction always starts out simple and straight forward and usually ends up complicated.  There are many situations that could develop where your interests are compromised.

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August 09 2010
Profile picture for annaprasad
If you do go with the seller's agent, then signing the offer will make them a  dual agent. The agent will represent both buyer and seller.
If you feel that the seller's agent (also known as listing agent) is very pushy and you do not feel comfortable working with her, then my suggestion is that get an agent you are comfortable and one you feel is best to represent your interests.

You can get an agent by calling a Real Estate office in your area or in the area where you found the property. You may also get an agent by asking your friends/ family to refer you to their agent if they were happy with the services.

Best,
Anna Prasad
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August 09 2010
Profile picture for Frank Allen
Find a strong advocate to represent you in negotiations. Many people mistakenly think the listing (sellers) agent can give them a ¨Deal¨. The reality is the listing agent has an existing fiduciary duty to the seller to get them the best results possible. Having your own representation is usually the best way to insure you don´t overpay and have your interests are protected.
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August 09 2010
Profile picture for nadusha
I do not completely agree with "Lane Midget" - I would not hire Buyer's rep from the same agency - It may create conflict of interest - sure, Agents working in the same office will have "closer relationship" with one another, but would it benefit you?
I would hire someone with expertise, but from different agency.
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August 09 2010
Profile picture for sctprop
you will want to hire a buyer broker, you can usually do so at no cost to you, they get paid their commission from the fee advertsised in MLS by the listing agent and paid at closing.
This way they can get the information for you and you will have someone assisting you through each step of the buying process.
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August 08 2010
Profile picture for Lmidgett
You could also ask the listing agent for her/him to recommend someone from his/her office to be designated to represent you.
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August 08 2010
Profile picture for Lmidgett
Go REBAC.net, and find an accredited buyer representative in your area. 
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August 08 2010
Profile picture for Tami Winbury
Absolutely not, You pick your Realtor.  A good Realtor is going to keep you informed and not annoy you!  You can attend Open Houses and meet as many Realtors as you like. Good Luck!  Call me if you need any help.
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August 08 2010
Profile picture for nadusha
I work as a Real Estate Agent and now a broker for over 26 years in New York. There are few thing you need to remember:
1/ New York Co-op Board is not an easy to deal with. They will take your blood and it will be a slow torture if you are represented by the Seller's broker, or try to do it on your own.
2/ If you do it yourself - that agent you do not like - will get paid no matter what. He will get 6% of the sale price.
3/ If you hire your own broker - he/she gets paid 3%, or half of what the total commission from the seller is.
For that money he/she will help you all the way - negotiate the deal, submit an offer, look trough contract, put together tons of paperwork the Board will require from you, make the Board package, make 10-12 copies of the package (make sure you keep one of them), submit it to the Board, keep on top of them to get your interview with the Board, make sure everything goes smooth, follow up after the interview to get the results, submit additional info Board may require, help you with choosing a Bank for your mortgage if you need it, recommend a good Real Estate Attorney, keep a finger on the pulse of the transaction and the best part YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT !!!!!!!!!!!!
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August 03 2010

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