Who does a Realtor represent? (Houston, Katy: real estate, first time home buyer, neighborhood)

[BROWNPLAYBOY310]

I am looking at Westin homes in Summerwood and called a realtor that had listed a home on HAR.com : Houston Real estate, Houston homes, Houston Realtors, TX Homes and looked at a house with them. They were pushing me to make an offer on the first day, and I considered it but did not since I just started looking. Now are they representing my interests or the interests of the builder? Do I need to get my own agent? I'm a first time home buyer by the way.

Last year I was looking and talked to two different agents listing places on HAR. When I told the first one that I was going to meet with the second one they got mad and said what I was doing by using two agents was very unethical. Is this true also?

[chris_ut]

The agent listed with the home on har is the sellers agent and represents the seller. If you do not have their own agent I'm sure they will be happy to take the double commission and "represent" you as well. You need to contact a dedicated buyers agent to represent you. If you post the area you are looking in Im sure someone on here can make a good referral.

[City Love]

The listing agent to any property ALWAYS represents the seller first and foremost. Think twice before trying to purchase a property without representation. You can do it, but just remember that it's almost impossible for the listing agent to watch out for your best interests when they represent the seller. It's also much easier to have 1 agent schedule all the showings, as opposed to you having to contact each agent and schedule things at their convenience.

If you don't have an agent, it's not unethical to see homes with the respective listing agent, but just keep the above information in mind. Listing agents tend to not like to show homes to buyer's who don't want to commit to them. Although a good agent will show the home with no problem because it's in the seller's best interest. It's usually a good idea to have your own agent show you homes though.

When it comes down to negotiating, a good agent can give you good information and can prevent headaches. Only a GOOD agent can do this, cause there are plenty of bad ones out there. Ask friends for recommendations.

It's also a common misconception that if you deal directly with the listing agent, you'll get a better deal because you'll save on the commission. Also untrue for 2 reasons. First, the listing agent has a contract with the seller for a set commission regardless of who brings the buyer. Second, the listing agent legally represents the seller. Their duty is to obtain the highest and best deal for the seller.

[Katy4life]

you need a buyers agent to handle everything for you. If you want to look at a house, let your agent know and they will schedule it through either the builder or realtor listed on HAR. The buyer agent representing you is free of charge to you. Ask around and find a good buyers agent to represent you. If you were in Katy, I could give you one.

[Robynn]

Realtors represent themselves

[jtothemak]

There are good Realtors and bad Realtors. If you ever feel pressured from a Realtor they are not for you. I remember when I was looking without a Realtor I had contacted two different Realtors that were representing the homes I was interested in.

1. Agent claimed she wanted to work with me but go real quiet when it was not a big cash offer and wanted me to consider other houses. I came to the conclusion she was listing the house for a friend and wanted an easy deal as she knew the house would sell quick.

2. Contacted a selling agent about a home and asked why it was so reasonably priced and she explained to me about the neighborhood and how there were tons of renters. This is the type of agent I would want on my side.

[14Bricks]

Originally Posted by jenny77

realtors represent the Crips.

The Crips? When did realtors start gang banging?

[chris_ut]

jenny77 has been posting nonsense replies in every thread.

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by 14Bricks

When did realtors start gang banging?

I think I've seen that video. Or two or three.

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by City Love

The listing agent to any property ALWAYS represents the seller first and foremost. Think twice before trying to purchase a property without representation. You can do it, but just remember that it's almost impossible for the listing agent to watch out for your best interests when they represent the seller. It's also much easier to have 1 agent schedule all the showings, as opposed to you having to contact each agent and schedule things at their convenience.

If you don't have an agent, it's not unethical to see homes with the respective listing agent, but just keep the above information in mind. Listing agents tend to not like to show homes to buyer's who don't want to commit to them. Although a good agent will show the home with no problem because it's in the seller's best interest. It's usually a good idea to have your own agent show you homes though.

When it comes down to negotiating, a good agent can give you good information and can prevent headaches. Only a GOOD agent can do this, cause there are plenty of bad ones out there. Ask friends for recommendations.

It's also a common misconception that if you deal directly with the listing agent, you'll get a better deal because you'll save on the commission. Also untrue for 2 reasons. First, the listing agent has a contract with the seller for a set commission regardless of who brings the buyer. Second, the listing agent legally represents the seller. Their duty is to obtain the highest and best deal for the seller.

City Love is right.

Representing both parties is legal, but I feel it shouldn't be. In cases of fraudulent behavior I have heard or read about, it almost always concerns an agent representing both sides.