First time home buyer question about real estate agents?

[Scooby Snacks]

Originally Posted by Bygeorge

Understand your thoughts and concur. I have seen "dual agency" and run from it. However, I do believe that it is best by far to involve an agent in the process rather than a FSBO. Nothing but grief there. The OP did not mention that one.

I would never go the dual agency route either. Ditto with using the builder's inspector alone to examine the condition of your new construction home rather than hiring your own independent inspector. Shall we say "fox guarding the henhouse scenario?"

[ss20ts]

Originally Posted by Me 82

Hello everyone. If no contract is signed by a buyer and their agent, how long should an agent be expected to work with them? Is there any point of signing a contract and do most agents even suggest this? Is there any reason an agent should start being pushy with a buyer, like they saw a certain amount of homes or you've been working with them for such amount of time and the agent "assuming" it's now time for you to make an offer? Should an agent just be sending listings, showing you the homes but not saying much during the tour, or should they be speaking AND giving information about the area, schools, or is the a sign of a bad/ inexperienced agent? What should the agent be giving you before you make an offer, like comps in the area, etc, or is up to the buyer to ask for all this?

Seems like you're expecting too much from an agent. In my state, all agents require a contract. No contract = no agent. They don't work for free! The contract ensures they get paid when you buy/sell.

If you looked at 30 houses and still haven't made an offer, yeah the agent is going to be really annoyed with you. You're wasting their time. Yes, a realtor is going to send you the listings and schedule the viewings. It's up to you to look through the house and ask questions. Agents don't typically give you neighborhood info or school info. It's up to you to do your own research. Realtors are very restricted in info they can give you so they don't come across as racist or against a town for whatever reason.....they're not allowed to discriminate. And if they say school xyz is fabulous but school rts sucks, they could get in trouble.

If you are making an offer, a realtor will show you what has recently sold and for what. The price you offer is up to you not them.