Tools

Ask a Question
Start a Discussion
Close
Create an Email Alert

Alerts are a great way for you to stay up-to-date on things you care about. We will email you a list of the new items that match your criteria at a time of your choosing.

This alert is for the following:

Topic:
why use a personal agent vs. going direct to the listing ...

How often would you like the alert emailed?

Frequency:

Immediately Daily Weekly
Maximum 20 emails/day

Save

Cancel E-mail alerts
RSS
Send to del.icio.us
Send to StumbleUpon
Print page

Partner Tools

Views: 403
US
Texas
Nearby States
- Alaska
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- American Samoa
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Washington D.C.
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Virgin Islands
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Don't see it?

Find:
Dallas
Nearby Cities
- Allen
- Altoga
- Anna
- Arnold
- Beverly Hill
- Blue Ridge
- Branch
- Carrollton
- Celina
- Chambersville
- Chambliss
- Climax
- Copeville
- Dallas
- Deep Water Point Estates
- Desert
- Fairview
- Farmersville
- Frisco
- Hebron
- Josephine
- Lavon Beach Estates
- Lavon Lake Lodges
- Lavon Shores Estates
- Lavon
- Little Ridge
- Lowry Crossing
- Lucas
- McKinney
- Melissa
- Millwood
- Murphy
- Nevada
- New Hope
- New Mesquite
- Parker
- Pebble Beach Sunset Acres
- Pike
- Plano
- Prestonwood
- Princeton
- Prosper
- Richardson
- Roland
- Sachse
- Saint Paul
- Sedalia
- Snow Hill
- State Line
- Three States
- Trinity Park
- Valdasta
- Verona
- Westminster
- Weston
- Wylie
- Yucote Acres
Don't see it?

Find:
Neighborhood
Nearby Neighborhoods
Don't see it?

Find:

why use a personal agent vs. going direct to the listing agent?

Contributions: 3

Q&A

:3

View full profile

we're buying another church and looking at the pros and cons of useing a personal
agent or not.

Flag content

May 23 - Dallas

RSS

Answers (9)

akoi
Contributions: 1032

akoi

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 1032

Q&A

:641
Disc

:249
Photos

:142

View full profile

Very good answer Michael, Trust is the key. In Ca it's called Dual Agency. With all the disclosures to go over it is a tough gig.

If you are a dual agent selling a condo, with piles of HOA documents, in addition to the mountains of other disclosures, well, it's is really dificult. I just can't/won't do it.

Flag content

May 25

Michael Russell, "real estate mike"
Contributions: 1704

Michael Russell, "real estate mike"

Real Estate Agent

View my 3 listings

Contributions: 1704

Q&A

:1395
Disc

:294
Photos

:15

Zillow All-Star

Since May 2009

View full profile

The previous answer was closest. An agent who represents both sides, seller and buyer, is an intermediary(in Texas). I have participated in this many times and will continue to do so in the future. The most important facet in dealing with any sales person is trust. As a property buyer how do you know? References and testimonials that's how.

Flag content

May 25

Lydia Player, "LydiaPlayer"
Contributions: 476

Lydia Player, "LydiaPlayer"

Dallas

Real Estate Agent

View my 8 listings

Contributions: 476

Q&A

:32
Disc

:13
Photos

:431

View full profile

Jay is right on the money and I'm not sure where 'spec tater' is coming from. A professional Realtor is ethically and legally obligated to represent the best interests of their client. I never disclose information about my clients without their permission and can't imagine disclosing any of their 'cards' so to place someone else's best interest above theirs. I've also never seen another agent on the other side of a transaction offer up compromising information about their client just to get the deal down.Usually, buyers should have their own agent to solely represent their best interests - especially if they don't hold complete trust with the selling agent. Working as an independent intermediary between the two parties can be a touchy situation when there is an existing relationship between the agent and the seller.

Would you walk into court and ask the other side's attorney to represent you both? If it was a straight legal transaction, then probably so. But if there was a lot of negotiation involved - maybe not.

Flag content

May 25

akoi
Contributions: 1032

akoi

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 1032

Q&A

:641
Disc

:249
Photos

:142

View full profile

Thanks, spe_tator.... that makes more sense. I still think Nathan should get his own representation. A Commercial agent.

Flag content

May 23

GS, "AAPL"
Contributions: 47

GS, "AAPL"

Contributions: 47

Q&A

:24
Disc

:23

View full profile

No I am saying to withhold certain information from the agent. i.e. the top dollar you will pay or how motivated you are. etc.

Flag content

May 23

akoi
Contributions: 1032

akoi

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 1032

Q&A

:641
Disc

:249
Photos

:142

View full profile

spec_tater: You are telling someone who is buying another church to be untruthful.

anyway, In 8 years I represented the buyer and seller on the same property 2 times. It wasn't easy and I won't do it again. Most recently I was asked by a buyer to write an offer on one of my listings. I said no.

Flag content

May 23

GS, "AAPL"
Contributions: 47

GS, "AAPL"

Contributions: 47

Q&A

:24
Disc

:23

View full profile

If you are a reasonably good negotiator I say go for it. just remember not to be completly truthfull with the agent even if they are representing you. The majority of the agents will lay all the cards on the table behind closed doors because they are not working for you ..... they are working for the commission. Agents are paid to get the deal done as quickly as possible so whats to stop them from telling the opposite party what cards your holding on the first phone call to see if the deal can happen quickly. obviously not all agents are this way then again not all used car salesman are dishonest either.

Flag content

May 23

lobow
Contributions: 4

lobow

Contributions: 4

Q&A

:4

View full profile

"jay myers" You are a very smart guy! You're answer is 100%. Wish you worked by me, Long Island, NY.

Flag content

May 23

Jay Myers, "JayMyers"
Contributions: 47

Jay Myers, "JayMyers"

Real Estate Agent

View my 2 listings

Contributions: 47

Q&A

:15
Disc

:2
Photos

:30

View full profile

The listing agent is working for Sellers, they have a fiduciary relationship for the sellers. If you are planning on offering less than the list price, you may not get the best representation for your side of the transaction by using the listing agent.

I believe almost all states now allow an agent to enter into a Transaction Agency, or whatever they happen to call it in your state. Which typically mean Limited Confidentiality for each of the parties, and the agent is only suppose to facilitate the transaction. But let's face it, since they started working for the sellers, it is hard for anyone to veer away with whom they built a relationship with first.

Now with all this being said, how I encourage Buyers to Buy one of my listings from me, and as a tool I entice sellers to list with me is by offering to reduce the commission. It is a good practice that this be disclosed to everyone involved at the very beginning. This would allow a lesser price to be accepted by the sellers since it would not effect their bottom line, and it also allows the Buyer to get the property for less. As an agent I would prefer to take less money, and be involved in everything, even if it is twice, the work to make sure a transaction closes.

This is just my thoughts in a nutshell, I know other agents do not agree with my willingness to cut commission, but all I can say is I am not a greedy ba$tard. Furthermore, if I would normally make 3% on a listing I am offering @ 6%, and the Buyer chooses to work with me, I would typically do the transaction for 4.5%. State licensing requires an agent to work with everyone Honestly, and Fairly and if it is disclosed in the beginning, it would benefits everyone. First thing I woul suggest is call the listing agent, and ask "Are you willing to reduce the commission for the transaction if we use you?" If he/she is offended, move on. What a listing agent also needs to keep in mind by being open to this idea is if you end up not purchasing that particular property, then they have most likely gained you as a client for another property.

Good luck!

Flag content

May 23

Have a question? Ask it here.

Most Active Dallas Real Estate Agents

Lisa Von Domek

67 listings

Local Expert
cindiestewart

65 listings

Local Expert
Scott Jackson

26 listings

Local Expert
Ellen Gomez

9 listings

Local Expert
Ray Mach

4 listings

Local Expert

See more Dallas real estate agents

Question Name Change: Before or After House Purchase?

Latest answer by Don Groff
October 20

In Buying Process
3 Answers - 128 Views

Question Do I qualify for the 8,000 tax credit if I'm buying my fist home on cash?

Latest answer by Michael Emery
September 26

In Buying Process
3 Answers - 923 Views

Question Can I be approved for a loan if I dont have a bank account

Latest answer by Frederick Griffin
July 30

In Buying Process
1 Answer - 198 Views

Question my ex is ruining my credit score

Latest answer by nvchaz
June 15

In Buying Process
7 Answers - 447 Views

Question why use a personal agent vs. going direct to the listing agent?

Latest answer by akoi
May 25

In Buying Process
9 Answers - 403 Views

See More

Guide Real Estate Buyer's Closing Costs

In Buying Process
Edited August 27

Guide List of Closing Costs and Fees

In Buying Process
Edited August 27

Guide You've Opened Escrow

In Buying Process
Edited July 21

Guide Home Buying One Step at a Time

In Buying Process
Edited May 04

Guide A Buyer's Guide to Making the Right Choice

In Buying Process
Edited December 05 2008

See more articles about Buying Process

Current Mortgage Rates

Current Last Week

30 Year Fixed

15 Year Fixed

5/1 ARM

Get this widget

<div style="width:298px;height:123px;border:1px solid #adcfff;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;font-family:verdana,arial,sans-serif;font-size:8pt;line-height:13x;background-color:#eff3ff;letter-spacing:0;text-transform:none;">
		<div style="margin: 0 6px;">
			<div style="margin-top:6px;">
				<a href="http://www.zillow.com/Mortgage_Rates/#{scid=mor-wid-lthd}" target="_blank" style="font-size:9pt;color:#36b;text-decoration:none;font-weight:bold;">
				   
						Current
				   
				         
				   Mortgage Rates</a>
			</div>   
			
			<div style="color:#555;margin:5px 0 1px;">
				<span style="padding-left:137px;">Current</span>
				<span style="padding-left:23px;">Last Week</span>
			</div>

<div style="background:#fff;height:60px;width:284px;border:1px solid #adcfff;text-align:left;">
				<div style="width:144px;float:left;">
					<div style="height:20px;background-color:#fff;">
						<div style="padding:3px 0 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/30_Year_Fixed_Mortgage_Rates/#{scid=mor-wid-ltt1}" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:underline;color:#36b;">30 Year Fixed</a></div>
					</div>
					<div style="height:20px;background-color:#eff7ff;">
						<div style="padding:3px 0 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/15_Year_Fixed_Mortgage_Rates/#{scid=mor-wid-ltt2}" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:underline;color:#36b;">15 Year Fixed</a></div>
					</div>
					<div style="height:20px;background-color:#fff;">
						<div style="padding:3px 0 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/5-1_ARM_Mortgage_Rates/#{scid=mor-wid-ltt3}" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:underline;color:#36b;">5/1 ARM</a></div>
					</div>
				</div>
					
				<iframe title="Current Mortgage Rates" frameborder="0" height="60" style="float:left;" scrolling="no" width="138" src="/mortgage/MortgageRateTableWidget.htm?wide=1&region=102001">
						Your browser doesn't support frames.  Visit 
					<a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none; font-size:9pt; font-weight:bold;">Zillow Mortgage Marketplace</a> 
					to see this content.
				</iframe>
				<div style="clear:both;"></div>
			</div>
			
			<div style="margin:4px 6px 0;height:15px;width:276px;">
				<a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/#{scid=mor-wid-ltgr}" target="_blank" title="Zillow Mortgage Marketplace" style="display:block;margin-left:4px;height:15px;width:145px;float:left;"><img src="/static/images/zillow-mortgage-logo-small.gif" alt="Mortgages, Home Loans, and Mortgage Quotes at Zillow Mortgage Marketplace" style="border:none;"/></a>
				   
				<a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/MortgageRateWidget.htm#{scid=mor-wid-ltget}" target="_blank" style="font-size:7pt;color:gray;text-decoration:none;float:right;margin:1px 5px 0 0;width:80px;">Get this widget</a>
			</div>
		</div>
	</div>

Need a Mortgage?

Zillow Mortgage Marketplace

Competitive rates
Accurate, custom quotes
Thousands of lenders

... and, it's free and anonymous

Get instant mortgage quotes

Loan type
Amount
ZIP code

Learn about Zillow Mortgage Marketplace

Zillow Poll:

Suggested by Evalionint

What kind of roof would you prefer?

shingle

tile

different

Next poll
Suggest a poll

Be A Good Neighbor

Zillow® Advice depends on each member to keep it a safe, fun, and positive place. If you see abuse, flag it. More on our Good Neighbor Policy

Tools

Create an Email Alert

This alert is for the following:

How often would you like the alert emailed?

Partner Tools

Nearby States

Nearby Cities

Nearby Neighborhoods

why use a personal agent vs. going direct to the listing agent?

Contributions: 3

Main Image

Answers (9)

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 1032

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 1704

Zillow All-Star

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 476

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 1032

Contributions: 47

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 1032

Contributions: 47

Contributions: 4

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 47

Have a question? Ask it here.

Most Active Dallas Real Estate Agents

Related Questions

Question Name Change: Before or After House Purchase?

Question Do I qualify for the 8,000 tax credit if I'm buying my fist home on cash?

Question Can I be approved for a loan if I dont have a bank account

Question my ex is ruining my credit score

Question why use a personal agent vs. going direct to the listing agent?

Related Articles about Buying Process

Guide Real Estate Buyer's Closing Costs

Guide List of Closing Costs and Fees

Guide You've Opened Escrow

Guide Home Buying One Step at a Time

Guide A Buyer's Guide to Making the Right Choice

Need a Mortgage?

Get instant mortgage quotes

Be A Good Neighbor