Rules RE Changing Realtor Agents (real estate, broker, houses)

[bluetobe]

What are the rules concerning changing agents in New Jersey? If someone isn't happy with the service they are receiving from their agent (buyer's agent, NOT selling,) and has not signed any agreement with the agent, what are the rules regarding changing agents?

This particular agent has showed us 2-3 homes that may eventually be of interest - I'm assuming these would be treated differently than the homes the agent didn't show us, yes?

Changing agents may be a pain, but if for a decision of this significance (relocation and buying) anything less than a GREAT agent is risky.

[Roselvr]

Originally Posted by bluetobe

What are the rules concerning changing agents in New Jersey? If someone isn't happy with the service they are receiving from their agent (buyer's agent, NOT selling,) and has not signed any agreement with the agent, what are the rules regarding changing agents?

This particular agent has showed us 2-3 homes that may eventually be of interest - I'm assuming these would be treated differently than the homes the agent didn't show us, yes?

Changing agents may be a pain, but if for a decision of this significance (relocation and buying) anything less than a GREAT agent is risky.

If you do not like the agent(s) switch now while you can.
Since you were shown houses with one already, they may be entitled to a commission if you do buy one. You should tell the next agent this when you find one.

What area are you looking in? If you do not have a great buyers agent already, perhaps someone can recommend one.

[MaverickDD]

Yes, it is important to be comfortable with your agent, especially when a cross-country move is involved. If you haven't signed any agreement, you're legally free to change agents. But if an agent has introduced you to a property, there may be an ethical responsibility to acknowledge that.

I have a real estate license in New Jersey but I am inactive presently, (so moderator, this is not a solicitation.) I'd suggest that you speak with your proposed new agent about this dilemma. Even if you've been shown a home, the bulk of the agent's work is yet to come. Should you actually buy one of the two or three houses that you've already been shown, an equitable solution may be for the new agent's broker to pay the old agent's broker a referral fee -- typically about 20% to 25% of "their side" of the commission.