Do I Have an Agent?
If a new buyer calls to work with our team we first ask, "do you have an agent?" That can be a difficult question to answer because most buyers don't understand Agency relationships. Agents do not get paid until a closing takes place. Any time an agent spends with you is an investment with a hope/expectation for future compensation. An agent’s hard work deserves consideration, but until you sign a Buyer Agency Agreement, you haven’t committed to any obligation.
Signs That You Already Have an Agent:
You are getting MLS listings from an agent.
This doesn't mean you have an agent, but it likely means the agent would like you to work with them.
An agent has taken you on a driving tour of the area.
This doesn't mean you have an agent, but it likely means the agent expects you are going to work with them.
An agent has been showing you houses.
This doesn't mean you have an agent, but it likely means the agent considers you a client and would be surprised/disappointed if you worked with someone else. You should not let an agent continue to show you houses if you don’t intend to work together.
An agent wrote up an offer for you but it didn't get accepted.
This doesn't mean you have an agent, but it likely means the agent considers you a client and expects to continue working with you. Pro tip: if you intend to keep using this agent, that’s who should be showing you houses. Do not contact a listing agent to show you their listing if you intend to use your own agent.
You signed a Buyer Agency Agreement.
This means you DO have an agent! In order to work with someone else, you would need to clearly communicate a desire to end your agency relationship (in writing).
Important: Another agent is not allowed to advise you as long as you have a signed Buyer Agency Agreement with a licensed agent. If you ask me how to break up with your agent, I can give you a link to this blog post, but I can’t discuss your specific search, property, or strategy until/unless you end your Agency relationship with that agent.
Unhappy with the agent you think you might already have? Check out this article about how to break up.
