No, it's not OK to "let her also look for properties for" you at the same time, unless you're clear (definition: both agents understand. and will not be surprised) with both agents as to your relationship with them.

Or, it's as OK as one of your agents showing a property to you and then calling you up to say, "Well, I sold it to someone else."

Sure, you can work with as many agents as your heart desires. Just be aware that you may well be treated as a tire- kicker and not taken as seriously as when you work with a single agent that properly meets your needs. There have been times that I've had to 'fire' a client. Not all business relationships work. You might use the example of a single, unmarried person dating many different individuals. Just how much committment can you expect? As your agent, the relationship between you and I takes on a very trusting, committed business arrangement. This results in me answering their phone calls at all hours of the day and night. It means that I will stop what I'm doing and meet them to tour a home they just found while driving. Committed, and it works. Thank you, Howard Page, Broker Coldwell Banker SEAL 503-516-7121

Bykim - this is a good question.

I always recommend that potential clients interview more than one agent before deciding on me or anyone else. When we meet for the first time, it is as much you interviewing me as it is me interviewing you to see if we can be a good fit to work together.

There are a lot of good, knowledgeable agents working very hard right now - but not everyone is a good fit, whether it is style, personality or just a "feel."

Anyone can look for properties on my website, which has all properties listed in the MLS, with no obligation to work with me.

Once someone does decide that they want me to represent them, it is time to formalize that agreement in writing. I commit to work hard for you, and you commit to work with me. Either party can "fire" the other at any time, but our initial meetings before getting hired usually make it clear whether we want to work together or not beforehand. In order for me to work on anyone's behalf, actively, there must be a commitment in writing - BEFPRE we go out to look at individual properties - otherwise we're both just spinning our wheels.

If you're unhappy with your agent, first figure out what is making you unhappy - their actions on your behalf, or the whether a seller didn't accede to your wishes. There's a big difference!

I am with Lynn on this one. If I am interviewing a buyer and they have talked to a lot of different agents, I will likely send them on down the road. My time is valuable and I don't want to waste it on a non-committed buyer.

Many in general public don't understand all particulars required as a successful Realtor. If you submitted a bid did not receive a response was the bid to low and blame agent? GREAT myth out in trade where buyers want purchase a $500K for $50K then find fault with agent.

Have you discussed all concerns with agent.

Do you have a buyers rep agreement with 1st agent.

If you searching in a limited area for homes for sale, submit multi offers thru many agents listing agent will have drama determine who is responsible for sale then if problems perhaps decline all offers make you appear to be a game player than a serious buyer.

Work with an agent you have comfort level with.

If I interview buyers determine multi agents are involved I decline service.

National Featured Realtor and Consultant, Texas Mortgage Loan Officer, Credit Repair Lecturer
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Lynn911

http://www.lynn911.com

Work with the agent you trust, give them your loyalty. You will be glad you did.
Most buyer's agents work on the assumption that they are going to get paid in the future. If you are not intending to allow that to happen. Then you should be honest about your intentions. If you decide to work with both you should let them both know.
Good luck,
Brad

You should work with one agent who you trust and you know is doing a good job. It is not fair to work two agents against one another. After all would you like it?

Why would you want to work with multiple agents? With a multiple listing service every agent has access to the same information about properties. It is not necessary to jump from agent to agent to get infomation about different properties. You really need someone working on your behalf besides. If you are thinking about jumping to another agent just because your first bid on a property was not accepted you may be making a mistake. If your offer was rejected by the seller, that is probably not the fault of your agent but something in your offer that did not appeal to the seller, or you were simply outbid!

Hello Bykim and thanks for your post.

Unless you've signed a contract allowing the first agent to be your exclusive buyer's agent, then there will not be any contractual or legal problems in working with a second agent. In my mind, however, there is an ethical problem with working with two agents without advising BOTH that you are using multiple agents--this is not only business with integrity, but it is a courtesy that you should extend to both agents.

Typically, when a buyer employs more than one agent, it is because each agent is specialist in a specific geographic area--for example, an agent in Tempe and one in Tucson. However, if you're using two agents for the same area, they're likely to cover the same listed homes and the same information, thus doubling up--rather than adding value to--the information you're given as a buyer. Letting both agents know that you're working with multiple agents will do one of two things: 1) Cause one agent to drop you as a client or 2) Cause both to work that much harder. However, you won't know the outcome until you talk with both.

Further, I might add, that an unsuccessful offer on a home is, generally, not the fault of the buyer's agent. If the buyer's agent did a competent review of the prices and presented the best possible offer you could make for the home, then the decision falls into the hands of the seller. Unfortunately, how a seller chooses or why is not within the power of the buyer's agent to control, so if you're changing because the last offer was not accepted, I'd ask your agent why, and get some hard facts. Perhaps your offer was too low or the bank wanted a cash deal or the seller wanted only an "as is" sale--all of these things are critical to the successful outcome of any purchase.

Finally, whatever you decide to do, be professional and not sneaky, and talk with both agents to let them know how you'd like to work with both.

Good luck!

Sincerely,
Grace Morioka, SRES, e-Pro
Area Pro Realty
San Jose, CA