Today I talked to another homebuyer who got sucked into working with the listing agent for a property he really liked. I'm constantly amazed at the lack of solid buyer education that's out there. Buyers in Pennsylvania need to know about buyer agency! If you as a buyer are working with the listing agent, you are not getting the best that the real estate process can do fo you. At best, you'll get the house on the sellers terms. At worst, you'll get...You need to know that the agent on the sign has a pre-existing relationship with the SELLER, which they will honor (in deed, if not in writing).
Don't get me wrong, if a buyer calls me from my listing sign I will try to get them to visit my listing and will definitely sell the home as the seller expects me to. However, I would not allow myself to pretend to represent the buyer's interests while doing so - of course I'd be representing the seller. I would refer this buyer to a qualified agent in my office to complete the transaction. Our office frowns on "dual agency" relationships - everyone knows they're not feasible unless both parties know each other and/or have a deal struck before the agent comes into the picture.
Ask an agent to help you at the beginning of your search. Meet with them and communicate your goals and wishes. As buyer's agents they will be loyal to you and work stricly on your behalf. Agents attempting dual agency (and subagency even more so - this is when the listing agent does not even remotely represent you) with unrelated parties is just plain trouble. If you are looking to buy a home, watch out! PLEASE don't just shop by calling off the signs you see. Retain a professional buyer's agent to help you find, secure, negotiate and close your dream home.
