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. Any time an agent spends with you is an investment with an expectation for compensation. An agent’s hard work deserves consideration, but until you sign an 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.
In order to do this, you must sign a Buyer Agency Agreement. It can be for one day, for one specific property, or for an extended period like 6 months. Once you sign this form, you have an agent until the agreement expires. In South Carolina, you are required to sign a Buyer Agency Agreement before an agent can show you a house or advise you.
You contact the listing agent on a house you like.
This doesn't obligate you to work with the agent, but this is not the right move if you intend to use a Buyers agent (and you should so you have representation!). Pro tip: Do not contact a listing agent to show you their listing if you intend to use your own agent. The agent you want to represent you is who should be showing you houses.
You signed a Buyer Agency Agreement.
This means you DO have an agent! In order to work with someone else, you would need to wait for the agreement to expire or clearly communicate a request 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.
