The other advice below is very good. Your best bet would be to work with an agent representing you.

However, more generally, you can approach a seller at any time. In fact, you can approach someone who isn't selling and ask if he/she wants to sell his/her home. Now, as is noted below, if the house was recently listed, the seller may owe a commission to his/her former agent. And also, as is noted below, you're likely to get a lot of value out of being represented. But, as they say, it's a free country. And even more to the point, remember that agents are just that--agents representing the buyer and seller. Ultimately, any transaction you arrive at is going to be between you and the seller. So, you can approach the seller/ex-seller/non-seller at any point. In most cases, though, you'd be better off with an agent representing you.

Mon May 12 2008, 15:15

Hi Elizabeth,

Hire an agent. You lose nothing and stand to gain everything. Buying a home is too large of a transaction with too many pitfalls to try on your own. Plus having two unrepresented sides creates twice the possibility of something going wrong. Negotiating face to face with a seller may pose more of a challenge than you think. Again, hire an agent. You'll be glad you did.

Mon May 12 2008, 15:04

Most of the time in the listing contract there is a clause, that covers this kind of situations.
If you are working with an agent, have her/him contact the listing agent, and take it from there.
Probably the seller got tired of the showings and all the hassles, the homeowner might be thrill to know your interest. Out of curiosity what area in Scottsdale.

Mon Apr 28 2008, 17:09

Your best bet is to hire the agent that had the home previously listed as that agent will be most familiar with the home and the personalities of the seller(s). Have the agent contact the sellers to let them know of your serious interest in the property and see if they're willing to accept an offer and get the home sold. If you don't feel comfortable working with the previous listing agent as your agent, (as you do NOT have an obligation to work with that agent as you didn't have a signed buyer's agreement with that agent) find your own agent and have them contact the sellers (we as agents have ways of doing this!). In most states, buyers get professional representation FREE! Why not call a Realtor? You're protected throughout the entire transaction and sellers & buyers win! Good luck! Paige Arnold - Memphis, TN

Mon Apr 28 2008, 12:53

I agree with Lucinda. Find an agent and either make an offer directly to the seller, which may result in a commission due the original listing agent due to the carry over clause, or find another one with your agent and buy it!

Kevin

Mon Apr 28 2008, 12:51

Brad is absolutly correct. Also, the agent probably spent a lot of money marketing trying to sell thier home. It may be in your interest to get hire your own agent to protect your interests. You may find a smiliar home or a better bargain in the area.

Lucinda

Mon Apr 28 2008, 12:45

Typically an agent has a clause that extends to anyone that has seen the property during the listing period. In all fairness, you visited the property while that agent was marketing the home and doing their job. You wouldn’t have even seen the home otherwise? If you think you are going to have a better negotiation with the seller you may be in for a surprise. You might call the agent let them know that you are interested. I you have and the agent can’t get you inside for another showing, call the seller direct. Just know that the seller may owe that Broker a Commission.

Mon Apr 28 2008, 12:38