Covering my backside

[Joseph Micheal]

Hi All!

I came across an off market deal on a duplex in Philly.  The property is owned by the agent.  My personal broker has tried contacting her unsuccessfully.  My impression is that this agent is interested in representing both sides of the deal. 

How can I cover my butt in this situation?  Contract contingent on inspection?

How else can I negotiate?  What would a common commission in this situation?

Thanks all in advance for your input!

[Steve Babiak]

Originally posted by @Joe Norman:

If the agent isn't responding to your agent then he's likely breaking the Realtor code of Ethics, and Bright MLS rules, requiring clear cooperation. Have your broker (not your agent) call his broker.

It's off-market, so MLS and Bright aren't going to have a say.

Whether we call it an "office listing" or "pocket listing", we don't know whether the seller has specifically stated to not put it in the MLS. The seller could have some privacy concerns, for example.