Buyer's Agent (real estate, new home, buyers)

[b2810sa]

I am working with buyer's agent since last 1+ month and about to finalize the property. He never asked me to signed the contract so, we are working without signing up the contract.

However, I felt in several cases where he is talking in favor of builders rather than me. That allows me to think that he is probably taking an advantage of me by not signing the contract (so, no commitment) and probably he works for builder (rather than me). How to make sure myself that he is working for me? Also, how can I find out the details about agent e.g. his education, experience, how many clients he really worked as a buyer's agent etc..

[ruvidu]

Wthout a contract you are a customer and not a client. Did this agent explain Agency to you and provide you a copy of the Agency pamplet?
I would say that if you are apprehensive about their loyalty to you "walk away" and contact someone to act on your behalf.

[Pat Grissinger]

I agree it sounds like you are receiving customer level service rather than client level service. If they are the listing agent, they are working for the seller. Even with a buyer agency agreement if they are working both sides, the level of service is limited.

[b2810sa]

Originally Posted by ruvidu

Wthout a contract you are a customer and not a client. Did this agent explain Agency to you and provide you a copy of the Agency pamplet?
I would say that if you are apprehensive about their loyalty to you "walk away" and contact someone to act on your behalf.

Yes, he did provide when I asked. But he is not asking me to sign the contract or not telling even that you are being treated as customer. That is somewhat fishy, I believe. Such practices are common among realtors?

[b2810sa]

Originally Posted by Pat Grissinger

I agree it sounds like you are receiving customer level service rather than client level service. If they are the listing agent, they are working for the seller. Even with a buyer agency agreement if they are working both sides, the level of service is limited.

If I receive customer level service then does it mean he should work for seller's interest?

[Pat Grissinger]

Yes it does. The pamphlet should have explained this & it is in the offer to purchase that this was done & thay you understood it. You would have initialed beside it if it had been given to you.

[ruvidu]

Originally Posted by b2810sa

Such practices are common among realtors?

No. I would get rid of any agent that operates in that manner.
A Buyer's Agent would have only your best interest in mind as they work with you to purchase a property.
Did you meet this agent at a new home per chance?

[Pat Grissinger]

Agree with Rivudu, I misread the should part. Of course if you are the buyers agent client they should work in your best interest. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[b2810sa]

Originally Posted by Pat Grissinger

Yes it does. The pamphlet should have explained this & it is in the offer to purchase that this was done & thay you understood it. You would have initialed beside it if it had been given to you.

Pamphlet explains diff. between services as a customer and client. But it doesn't explain if I take services as a customer then he can work for seller's interest. I have put offers few times with him but they were by e-mail / verbal rather than formal offer letter. At least, formal offer letter has never been presented to me for the review (if he has).

Yes, I am planning to initiate but I am bit hesitated because we worked almost for a month and when I am pretty close to make a decision, I don't want to hurt him by asking - are you working for my interest or seller's interest?

[Pat Grissinger]

Who are you hurting by asking? Another thing about Real Estate is delivery & acceptance. If you don't get copies, there is no delivery & acceptance. You are only hurting yourself by not asking. If you want representation, you are entitled to it.