Call Homeowner directly vs working through listing agent

[Account Closed]

There is a single family home listed on the MLS that is a great candidate for seller financing. The homeowners are absentee owners who purchased the home for 33k in 1995.

My question is: What route should I take to work a deal

1. Call homeowner directly

2. Work with the listing agent directly (therefore making her a buyers agent as well)

3. Hire a buyers agent

My first choice would be to call the homeowner directly so I can have the best and most efficient conversation. Speaking directly with the homeowner affords me the opportunity to learn why they are selling, what they will do with the money, if the need it all now..etc.

[Mike Cumbie]

Personally I would recommend Door #2

They called an agent to list it and have went under contract. He hired someone to be his agent so I would respect that and go through the route he setup.

It's sort of like tenants calling the owner instead of the property management office, they are paying for a service to avoid the hassle. That is my opinion though, Good luck in whatever you decide.