Agent Concerns

[Irene M Ward]

I never suggest seeing a home with the listing agent as they cannot give you full representation.

Exactly, Judy!

I agree that you have no obligation to work with this agent - especially one who has been so obviously negligent in her duties to you. Drop her immediately via email, voice mail, fax and certified letters to both her and her broker - just to cover your bases. She never provided a service to you based on her lack of performance but you want the slate wiped clean. Next, find yourself a good Buyer's Agent and avoid dual agency (going to the listing agent) at all costs. Many listing agents are very fair, honest, and reputable. However, all their good intentions will NEVER give you 100% fiduciary duty. They can not (no matter what they tell you to the contrary) give you ALL the information you might otherwise be entitled to.

Shop for a Buyer's Agent before you shop for a home and never feel obligated to work with someone who does not meet your standards.

Good luck!

[Homesurfer]

Your questions:

1) Normally, the agent actually completes the contract for you, then leads you through, explaining each section and suggesting where you sign, initial, etc. Even the best agents make mistakes, though some are also careless. As an example of mistakes, I just read a recently published book by a major author and spotted at least four typographical errors. You would think that it wouldn't happen, but it does.

2) CC&R's are rarely provided before you make an offer. Why? Hardly anyone reads them anyway (though you should), it is a WHOLE bunch of photocopying which actually does cost money and time -- generally from the HOA or the title company, no one likes to go through all that trouble until it is apparent the individual is going to make an offer, and the contract generally gives you the right to withdraw an offer within a certain number of days if there is something in the CCR's that you do not approve of.

3) If the agent makes you feel like he/she is too busy for you - then that is definitely a problem. Or, the agent may be getting ready to fire you as a client for some reason, and is less considerate than when you were a new client. Clients do get fired.

I am not a real estate agent. No agenda.

Who is light? I am light (couldn't resist that last part).

[Smokin Joe Realtor]

I'd cut that agent loose, but I agree find a buyer's agent.