does having a contract with a listing agent prevent you from buying properties ...

[Mei Zhu]

does having a contract with a listing agent prevent you from buying properties ... directly from owners?

What is my legal obligation to close a property that's not listed by an agent?

I did sign a contract with our listing agent that if I close on a property , I am to pay him 0.5 percent. 

How much percentage am I legally required to pay him even though I found the property myself?

thanks

[Abel Curiel]

@Mei Zhu It depends on the language in the agreement.

My agreements state that I am owed a commission even if a client finds a property directly from a seller/property owner. Occasionally, I speak with investors who prefer additional language stating what would happen in a scenario where they find their own property.

Does your buyer agreement specify what happens if you find a seller directly?
If not, your agent will likely be owed commission for any property that you purchase within the timeframe listed on your agreement.

Lastly, how are you planning to find your own deals? Are you investing in some form of digital marketing, direct mail, or other outbound lead generation? 

If you're spending time and money on lead gen/marketing, I can see why you'd want to save on commission.