Why work with a buyer's agent??

[Ryan A.]

I've been working with a few Realtor agents to look for property. Each agent covers a different geographical area.

I've been researching everywhere looking for opinions on the relationship between a buyer's agent and an investor. I've even read the Realtor's association web articles trying to get a sense of how they feel. I understand there are agents that work well with investors and others who don't take it so well.

Both agents want me to sign a representation agreement but are very opposed to the idea of modifying the agreement for shorter than six month terms and are also opposed to a modification that excludes FSBO and unlisted properties from our agreement.

My thinking is: if I sign with agents and then I find a private seller who does not want an agent or brokerage involved, I don't want to have to tell my agent if I don't want to. I definately don't want to pay comission to my agent if they didn't find me the house and I can handle negotiation and paperwork!

The buyer's agreements are worded so that ANY property I acquire within the term will be subject to comission fees.

What should my position on this be?? How do agents handle investors? HELP!