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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Real Estate and Landlording => Topic started by: jennifers on June 25, 2017, 08:58:56 AM

Title: Question about real estate agents
Post by: jennifers on June 25, 2017, 08:58:56 AM
I emailed a real estate agent last week asking her to list my condo and for her or someone from her firm to represent me as a buyers agent.
She emailed back on Friday evening saying she'd be out of town until Monday and would list my condo and help me find a house.
It's Sunday and I'd like to make an offer on a house today. The market here is crazy and they are only accepting offers today starting at the 11am open house.
Will I get in trouble for using the sellers agent to make an offer? Will I be obligated to pay two buyers agents?
Or do I generally need to sign something w/ a buyers agent before they become my official agent?

Thanks!

Jennifer
Title: Re: Question about real estate agents
Post by: sol on June 25, 2017, 09:04:57 AM
A single email asking for assistance certainly does not bind you to a particular buyer's agent.  If you want to bid on the condo today, I'm sure the seller's agent would be happy to help you work through all of the required paperwork.

If you end up buying it, be sure to email that buyer's agent again and tell them they missed out on a commission by not being available over the weekend.
Title: Re: Question about real estate agents
Post by: jennifers on June 25, 2017, 09:15:41 AM
Thanks for the quick response. That seemed like the obvious answer to me too.

Title: Re: Question about real estate agents
Post by: arebelspy on June 25, 2017, 09:26:50 AM
You haven't signed anything, and haven't received anything from the other agent. 

Putting in the offer with the seller's agent often can move you to the top of the list, as they can double end the commission (though be aware they're working for the seller, so do lots of due diligence).

List your condo with the previous agent, or the seller's agent, as you wish, depending on how your interaction with them goes.