Dealing directly with the listing agent for an REO?

[Josh Randall]

I'm wondering if it's a bad idea to deal directly with the listing agent for an REO vs. having another agent represent me? This is a property I'm looking at for my first potential flip and fix.

[David Beard]

TONS of threads on this topic, Josh!

It may depend on who the REO lender is. If it's a situation where the LA can potentially influence the seller, AND your offer is strong (cash or quick close with hard money, large EMD, no contingencies), then giving the LA the opportunity to earn both sides of the commission will work to your advantage. If it's an on-line bid on Fannie Mae, HUD, or auction site properties, it won't matter. Many high-volume REO LA's don't work with buyers, as they don't have time to run around showing houses to investors, so they shuttle them off to a buyer's agent in their office. But even in that case, it is still to your advantage to work exclusively through a LA's office.