buyer agent

i called on a specific listing from mls, and the agent who called me back helped us get the pre-approval by hooking us up with their in-office mortgage rep. she sent me some listings, which was great, but has been trying to sell me on the benefits of signing her as my "buyer agent." i have never heard of this, and i'm wary of making a commitment. however, she said this is the only way to have someone who represents my interests in the process of buying. can someone illuminate?

Re: buyer agent

don't bother. you can use your atty for that.

continue to call on houses you see on mls yourselves. tell her you are not interested at this time.

her "hook up" to getting you pre-approved helps her too. it's all cyclical. everyone helps the others...

i have an agent, never signed anything, nor did she ask me to, however, i use her for every house that i like to see with no strings attached. PLUS... i would trust this woman with my life! i think if your realtor "knew the ropes" as much as mine, she wouldn't need to lock you into a contract...

KWIM???

Re: buyer agent

me too. we have an agent and he never asked us to sign anything. he's been great!

buyer's agent's that need you to sign stuff are usually the RE agent's that don't have a lot of business selling homes, so they like to "hook" people into these 3 month commitments that include ANY homes you see with or without them, giving them commission on it.

find an agent who you feel comfortable with, personality wise, who gets you & your needs, knows the neighborhood you're looking at - and doesn't ask you to sign anything.

next time someone offers to keep an eye out for you & help you look at houses, just ask if they need you to sign anything, and if they do - RUN!

getting an RE atty at this stage is also great. the advice i invaluable and it gives you a sense of security, like there's someone looking out for you.

best of luck!