Real Estate Rental Agents- does it matter which one I use? (documents, agent)

[Amelie90]

I am looking to rent a condo right now and I am a bit confused. A couple of months ago I applied for a rental with Agency "A", and an agent from that agency showed me the condo. I decided not to rent that particular condo, and didn't sign any contracts/documents with that agency aside from the general rental application to determine whether I was financially qualified to rent the property.

Recently, I was doing a search for condos for rent and found one I liked that was listed by Agency "B". However, I found the condo via a search on Agency "C's" website and since I filled out an online form to request more information, I was then e-mailed by an agent from Agency "C" who provided me with a bit more information about the property and asked if I wanted to set up a showing. I then decided to call Agency "B" directly to inquire about the property since it is one of their listings, and now an agent from Agency "B" will be showing me the property.

I've never dealt with a real estate rental or purchase, so I have no idea whether I have to stick with a certain agent or not. I just assumed that I should contact whichever agency lists the property that I'm interested in. But is it bad that I've already been in contact with other agents? Will they find out and think that the current agent stole their lead or something? Even if I had set up the showing with Agency "C", wouldn't I eventually have to deal with Agency "B" since they listed the property? Does this even matter at all or am I just paranoid?

[Brandon Hoffman]

Renters, probably makes no difference. Call whoever lists it.

Buyers, it absolutely matters. If buying you should interview multiple agents and hire the best one.

[kmbrewer2]

You are under no obligation to anyone because you registered on a website.However, when buying a property select an agent and stick with them (unless there is a problem).Youll get the best service that way.Also if youre in CT you should be signing a Buyer/Agency agreement which binds you to an agent for a certain period or fpor selectted properties.It protects you and the agent.
For rentals its no biggie either way since we dont receive much compensation for rentals.

[nsumner]

I agree with the previous answers, however, out of curiosity, why didn't you contact the agent from Agency A that showed you the first condo. Since they invested time on you and you didn't display dissatisfaction from his/her perfomance, why did you have to go somewhere else at all?

[DanielChang]

You're pretty considerate to worry about your agents

Regardless of how much or little money is made in a particular real estate transaction, you're under no obligation to any agent unless you've agreed to it. Most agency agreements are in writing and will spell out the terms that you're agreeing to. Courtesy dictates that you should deal with all agents with honesty. So if you're not please with someone, it's not working out, or you like someone better, you should be up front about it.