realtor questions (Boston, Newton, Lexington: broker, home, buyers)

[Jhutt]

We are in the process of moving from Connecticut to the Boston area because of a job in the financial district. Our agent showed us Wellesley, Newton and Hingham. The next day my wife and I drove around and discovered Winchester and Lexington and thought these towns were very lovely. I was wondering if most buyers in the area have one agent to show them all the suburbs or a few agents to show their specific town? We told our agent that we liked those towns and she said she would start looking there. However, my wife and I think it may be more efficient to have a different agent in Winchester and Lexington. What do most people do?
THanks in advance.

[ScituateAl]

As part of your contract with the agent, you should also specify a geographic region and be upfront and explain that you are looking at multiple areas. Your agent may have a sister agency/network on which they may push/insisist is in your contract or, perhaps, they have other friendly agencies you can work with.

As always, be sure you have your own buyer's broker that represents your interests and NOT any sellers'!

[capecodcathy]

Agree with ScituateAl. You definitely want to be represented by a Buyer Broker and have an agreement with them to make sure they are representing your best interests. Dealing with several different Brokers can be problematic. One Broker can most likely show you many different communities but should tell you when you are reaching beyond their geographic area. Believe me, if you're looking 40 miles away, they don't want to be travelling that far and will most likely be able to find you a local Realtor. They will also be able to explain to that Realtor what you've seen, what you have and have not liked.
I've referred Buyers to Realtors outside my area (I get a referral fee if the Buyer buys a home with them - full disclosure), but I also keep the lines of communication open with both the Buyer and the other Realtor to make sure the Buyer is being well-represented. I would expect nothing less from another Realtor who has referred to me.