Work directed with Seller off the MLS

[Bruce L.]

Was wondering if any of you guys ever worked with the sellers directly when buying a property that's off the MLS?

There is a property that I'm interested that is listed on the MLS, and I have the sellers telephone number. I could call her and ask her if she's interested working directly with me and her agent since she has a contract with her agent.

Doing so, may save her some commission from having to pay the buyer's agent, thus my offer would look better.

One concern I have is that she might think that I maybe trying to scam her or something.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

[Account Closed]

Agents are not in the business of listing the property so you can go directly to seller. They already have plan for that. It's called a listing agreement. The seller signed a listing agreement with the agent, and the agent is owed a commission, regardless of whether or not you make your offer through the agent. So, no, your seller won't save any money on commissions by working directly with you. The seller would have to be released from the listing agreement, or wait for it to expire.