Buying without an agent

[Rodney Lorenzo]

Despite me having a good agent, I still have not been able to invest in anything in this market. The main factor, unfortunately, has been listing agents that don't communicate, aren't transparent or flat out ignore my offers or requests to get financials. Sometimes, I have to reach out to listing agents directly because I notice that they respond quicker to me than to my agent. They think I'm not represented. My question would be then: should I just approach the listing agents directly for representation? Many tell me that the listing agents don't have any incentive to represent me. The fact that they don't need to split their commission is an incentive enough, right? One even told me over the phone that they don't need other agents to sell their properties. He was nice to a certain point, but when he noticed I was already represented, he all of a sudden wasn't so nice. I may have to wait 5 years for the next buyer's market if this keeps up and the rising mortgage rates aren't helping either. I wanted to start my investing career in my 50's. Now it seems it may get pushed to my 60's instead.