Obligation to agent if receiving MLS emails?

[James Sullivan]

If I'm currently receiving MLS listings via email that a realtor set up for me, is it alright if I do not work with the realtor when attempting to go look at these properties?

So I had a realtor set me up with an MLS search where I would receive emails of potential properties in my area daily meeting my criteria. When I talked with him about a year ago, we decided I'd be in a better financial position to purchase a house in about a year. So the past year I've been looking at these properties trying to get a better grasp on my market. Fast forward to now, and my plans have changed slightly. I'm not going to be purchasing a home anymore, but I'm planning on moving into a house with 2 of my college buddies post-grad, and one of their dads is going to buy the property to rent it out to us.

The dad wants my buddies and me to initiate most of the leg work in terms of finding properties and taking visits although he’ll be the one to make the final offer. He’s trying to use it as an opportunity to teach us about the home buying process and help us get some valuable experience.

My dilemma lies in that I don’t feel like I should work with the agent anymore because I’m not myself buying the property. I also haven’t had any communication with the realtor in roughly a year. Is it wrong if I reach out to one of the selling agents myself to view the property?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. I don’t know if I still have an obligation to my realtor. I want to be professional and not do anything that’s frowned upon in the agent world. Thanks!

[Andrew Bang]

Why reach out to the seller's agents?  The seller's agent represents the seller, not you, if you want an agent to represent you and have your best interest go with this agent that set you up.   If you think you will get a better deal by calling the seller's agent directly that's not the case, they will just make double the commission and you won't have someone in your corner fighting for only you.   I wouldn't say you have an obligation to go with this agent, but give them a shot, call them up and tell them your situation and let them pitch their services,  give them a chance to earn your business.