Seller's agent not allowing Buyer's agent

[Paul Bagi]

Hello everyone,

I am a relatively new investor looking at a 36 unit multifamily property in Indiana. I entered my email/phone on the listing brokerage website to get access to the offering memorandum (OM) but otherwise have never spoken with or corresponded with the Seller's agent. I asked the broker I am working with to find out more about the property and he was told the Seller's agent is not willing to work with him as a buyer's broker.

My broker told me that if the seller's agent refuses to cooperate the seller's agent will keep the entire 6% commission and I would have to pay my broker 3% directly.

I would feel much more comfortable doing a deal of this size with the assistance of a broker representing me. Is this common practice? And does anyone have any recommendations on what I should do in this situation?