Dealing With Opposing Agents

[Ryan D.]

Hello BiggerPockets agents!

As a client, I've always been curious about what's on my realtor's mind when faced with the opposing agent.  What do you think about when thinking about the other agent? Doesn't matter if you are seller or buyer, I want your insights

Here are some other topics/questions that can help form your answers, but obviously feel free to deviate:

- In your dealings with opposing agents, how important is the information exchange and how do you typically manage it?

- Have you ever faced a disagreement or dispute with an opposing agent? How was this situation handled?

- How do you approach communication and negotiation with an opposing agent? How do you view the opposing agent in these scenarios (good, bad, friend, foe, etc)

- Have there been instances where you felt the need to verify claims or information provided by the other agent? How did you handle it?

[Michael Dumler]

@Ryan D., are you referring to a buyer's agent working with a listing agent? Or referring to working with multiple agents as a buyer? If it's the latter, I don't advise. 

If I'm a buyer agent working with a listing agent on a deal, I'm not necessarily worried about the listing agent. I'm solely focused on achieving/meeting my client's needs and goals. That being said, I also manage and educate my client's expectations. Likewise, if the listing agent is experienced, they have properly educated and managed their client's expectations. Are you seeing a theme here? It's about managing all parties' expectations. When both agents have done their jobs, negotiation isn't as heated as you may think. Moreover, gathering all pertinent information/details about the property is not that nuanced. If the property is owner-occupied, most sellers will provide a property disclosure highlighting all defects they may or may not know about the home. Furthermore, this is why an inspection is usually conducted. 

Negotiations get heated when egos get involved. Needless to say, work with an agent who isn't full of themselves.