Do I Have to Use the Agent Who Showed Me the House?

A buyer may have a written agreement with a real estate professional that establishes the nature and duration of the relationship.

The agreement may address:

• Representation
• Compensation
• Services
• Duration
• Termination
• Properties covered
• Other obligations

Read any agreement carefully before assuming you are free to work with someone else.

A buyer may encounter a property through:

• An open house
• A listing agent
• Another buyer's agent
• A showing arranged through a professional
• An online search
• A builder or new-construction representative

The person who provides access to a property and the person who ultimately represents the buyer may not always be the same individual.

The exact rules depend on the circumstances and applicable state law.

The listing agent represents the seller under the applicable agency arrangement.

If you are considering working directly with the listing agent, understand what that means for representation, confidentiality, and whose interests the agent is representing.

Some states permit different forms of agency relationships, including situations involving both sides of a transaction, subject to applicable requirements.

Finding a property independently can create a different starting point.

You may have discovered the property through an online search or another source and then decide you want professional help with the offer.

In that situation, the important question becomes what type of professional representation or service you want for the transaction.

Before making an offer, clarify:

• Who represents you?
• What agreement governs the relationship?
• What services are included?
• How is the professional compensated?
• What happens if you decide not to proceed?
• Are there any obligations associated with another agent or prior agreement?

Getting these questions answered before submitting an offer can prevent confusion later.

The fact that someone helped you access or view a property does not necessarily tell you everything about your representation relationship.

Before you make an offer, make sure you understand the professional relationship you are entering into and what obligations, if any, already exist.

If you want to find homes yourself and choose professional help when you are ready to make an offer, that is a conversation worth having before you submit an offer.