Paul Howard's Q&A

Your question and the first answer you received from Rochelle:  "Sometimes, it can also work to your advantage, because the realtor is doubly motivated to make sure everyone is happy and stays in the deal." (it is hard to believe that Rochelle is a Realtor) indicate a basic misunderstanding of representation.The answer to your question is "you can't and it is your own fault'. If that agent you have didn't explain agency to you though you may have an out as well as a basis for filing a complaint with your state regulatatory commission - and I would encourage you to do so.  Dual agency is legal in most states but in states where it is both disclosure and the agreement of both parties is required.The bottom line is: Don't go to open houses unrepresentated.  That may not help you though if you use an agent that works for a company that represents sellers.  Try to find one at NAEBA - the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents next time.

You can find a buyers agent by going to the website of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents. The website is here:http://www.naeba.org   to get directly to the form to request an agent list to interview go to http://www.naeba.org/find-an-agent.aspGood luck.

"split agents" , now that is a new made up term apparently intended to confuse the issue.  Traditional agents (which you are calling 'split agents') may indeed work as a buyer's agent - IF and only if, the buyer does not want to see a home that agent's company listed - something they can not know when they begin the process --- unless that company is an exclusive buyer representation office.  The definition of an exclusive buyer agent is an agent that works for an exclusive buyer representation office.There are those who strive for ambiguity and obfuscation.Then there are those who offer disambiguation and clarity.

To say nothing of, it is deceptive to put a hotlink to 'buyer's agent' when what you find when you get there is the lack of any disclaimer that the person may not be in a position to act as a buyer's agent.You shouldn't advertise a service without a disclaimer that you might not be able to provide the service to the person seeing the ad.

The only 'agent' that got the answer about the agency part of the question right was Dennis Knight.Anyone that says dual agency can be done and provide a great outcome for all concerned or even implies that they are working for one side over the other either in intentionally misleading the consumer or are so misinformed about their legal duties that they are violating the law.No matter how 'good' an agent is they can't use their skills to benefit either the buyer or seller to the detriment of the other if they are a dual agent.  If I have someone represent me I don't expect them to be working for the other side too.

The street number is 203.The listing is at: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/Somerset-Ave-Merchantville-NJ-08109/2127920849_zpid/Also, how can I fix the photos. They don't all show up and the first one is blurred.

This is a great example of why buyers should select an agent that isn't going to be showing them homes their company listed.  The situation you are in is far too common.  If you decide to take that route I think you can find an agent that will represent your interest and possibly still go forward with an offer on the home you found - if you still want to after getting some good comps and input from a buyer's agent.In most areas home buyers can find an exclusive buyers agent at http://www.naeba.org . They aren't available everywhere though and as long as you aren't working with the company representing the seller you should do ok.Good luck

Tracy, this is NJ - not a designated agency state. Even if it was the company and broker of record are still dual agents.

Did you actually sign the offer?Did you sign any document consenting to dual agency? 

The questioner did state that they declined to sign a form saying that she is their buyer's agent as well as the seller's agent.  It seems to me that since an agent CAN NOT work as a dual agent without the written consent of both the buyer and the seller the agent's only option would be to work with them as a seller's agent.  This may account for the agents apparent bias.  Still, buyers should have the option of choosing representation over no representation.  That means finding another agent.