Vesna, I believe it's all how you set it up. It is important to have that first initial consultation with the "customer" and educate them as to why it's in their best interest to become a "Client." Do you want Burger King or do you want fillet mignon? They'll both fill up, but fillet is better for your health. I know I'll upset the non red meat eaters on this one. Sorry...
That's my take on it Vesna.
PS COME TO BHG, COME TO BHG, COME TO BHG.....

I'm a firm believe in buyers' agents too, but I won't sign an exclusive agreement for the same reason you won't sign an agreement to exclusively represent me: signing them doesn't make very good business sense for either party. I trust that you won't go behind my back on a deal, and I expect reciprocal trust from you too.

(Please check out the link below if you're interested in a more detailed answer why I don't sign them.)

It depends on the agent. If I find someone who seems to look out for me and what I want I would commit to him or her. Come next year when I am looking to buy there is an agent I will contact. He told me the prices in his area are above my level now. If they drop I will use the man honest enough to say I should buy elsewhere due to my income level. He did not tell me to change what I wanted. He accepted my preferences.

There is an exception in my case. But that is due to very different circumstances. I am looking at potential places in 3 states. And several different places within those states around V.A. hospitals or clinics. I would commit to one agent in each AREA. but not each state. No agent is going to cover 300 miles of territory, and I can not expect one to. The gas bill alone going from the east to west part of a state would kill all profits. Not to mention the time involved.

But if I am looking within 20, maybe 40 miles of a city I would want to stay with one person. After all, that is within the area an agent is expecting to cover.

If I think the agent is not looking out for me, If I feel the agent does not listen, If I feel something about the agent is fishy, If I just plain and simple do not like an agent I will look for another one. But the same thing is true of bosses, friends, and religious leaders.

I'd commit to you in a heart beat! You're TERRIFIC!~

Jo-Ellen