buyer broker question

[Shaya Potter]

If a broker shows me properties (non open house), where he/she is the seller's broker, did I tie myself into using him as the buyer broker, or do I have the right to get my own?

thanks.

[Bill Patterson]

You should get the agency discussion out of the way first thing! I am all for buyer's agency. Make sure that they are working for you! It won't cost you any more, but can save not only $$$, but in lots of other ways not related to price. Quality of schools, is it a declining neighborhood, does that builder have a good reputation, etc. Your buyer's agent will help you with all of these. Expect to sign an agency agreement with them.

On the other hand, if I was your buyer's agent and after working with you I thought that one of my listings was a good option I would still show it to you! I would then be working as a dual agent and would be comfortable in doing so. The only difference would be that if I knew any "confidential " information that could affect what you would offer or what the seller would sell for, I would not share that information with the other party. In single agency, I would not know this information about the other party, so you would not expect me to share it with you anyway! I would also have you sign another agency form to deal with the dual agency on that property.

This is not to say that all agents would be able to handle the ethics of dual agency. Remember, if your agent is telling you "I shouldn't be telling you, but....", he will probably be keeping your situation just as close!
Bill