Contacting multiple listing realtors about different properties.

[Matthew Michels]

Why do real estate agents lose their mind when you disclose that you have an agent that helps you look at properties but that you as the buyer does most of the research. 

For example, I have MLS access from my realtor but I am not able to see an area of my state on this MLS so I use other means to look up properties. Instead of calling my agent to call about each property I call the listing agent directly to get some quick information.

I have recently encountered multiple agents that I speak to and when I disclose that I would like to view the property with my agent they immedetly stop responding to my txt/email and tell me to have my agent contact them! 

I am not sure why this is happening, does anyone have some insight? 

[Jeff Copeland]

There are several reasons, actually:

Article 16 of the National Association of Realtor's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice prevents us from soliciting business from another realtor. That's why one of the first questions we normally as is "are you already working with an agent?".

It's also a simple matter of professional courtesy. If you have a buyer's agent representing you, then we expect to hear from your agent (and your agent should have set some expectations for you that included not making calls to other agents on your own). If you had an attorney handling a case for you as a plaintiff, would you be making calls to the defendant's attorney to request information about the case? Of course not! 

There's also the matter of compensation. The harsh reality is, the listing agent isn't going to jump through a bunch of hoops for you if you are going to bring a buyer's agent in later in the process to collect half of the commission. 

If you have a buyer's agent who is going to show you the property and handle the offer for you, I (as the listing broker/agent) have already agreed to pay them a particular amount of compensation (it's required in order put the listing in the MLS). That compensation comes with an expectation of a certain level of professional courtesy and work to be done by the buyer's agent - such as:

• Don't have your buyer's call me directly
• The buyer's agent should handle all communications, showings, offers, contracts, and due diligence for the buyer

The listing agent works for the seller and is legally, contractually, and ethically bound to represent the interests of the seller and get the the highest price possible for their property. There is usually no real benefit to you as a buyer in working directly with the listing agent.