JD,

You are doing the right thing. No agreement, No commitment. Send the agent a gas card and a thank you note and move on. If you really feel you need to do more let her help you find another agent so she can get a 25% referral fee.

I've worked with many first time buyers and my wife is also a real estate attorney so you will be represented well and have a good understanding of your transaction from top to bottom. I work out of Gwinnett, but used to live in the Kennesaw/Powder Springs area and know the market well there. I'm currently working with another buyer in that area and would be happy to assist you as well. In addition my company is the Local Listing Broker for HUD homes in that area. HUD homes are great opportunities for first time buyers for the following reasons.

1. You can get a great deal.
2. $100 down & move in with FHA loan.
3. Property is pre-inspected (savings of $300-$400 for inspector)
4. Pre determined repair escrow can pay for items that need repair such as carpet/paint etc.
5. Free Termite Letter. If termites are found HUD pays for treatment.

If I can help in any way just give me a call. I would be glad to assist you in finding your first home!

James Dudley
ERA Sunrise Realty
678-781-7418
james.dudley@era.com

Mon Aug 4 2008, 12:25

Hi J.D.,

First off I have to give you "kudos" for wanting to get out gracefully. I think a lot of people would try to avoid the situation completly and stop returning phone calls.

Since you have not signed an agreement yet you have no obligation to that agent. My thoughts are (as someone else suggetsted) that you should contact the original agent. If she is still unable to assist you or you still feel uncomfortable about the situation then I would move on to another agent. Buying a home, especially your first home, is a major life decision and you need to be confident in your agents abilities.

Hope this helps J.D. and I wish you the best in finding a house that you can call home.

Mon Aug 4 2008, 10:42

J.D.,
Business is business. The agent should understand this and also maybe learn something from this experience. Like everyone has mentioned previous, you need someone protecting your interests. Buying a house is a huge, huge, decision and you have to feel confident with all the factors. Trust your instinct and be honest. The nicest thing you can do is to tell the agent WHY you have decided to go with someone else. I don't think that reimbursement is in order because this is the way it goes sometimes and it is all part of becomming a professional. I respect your thoughtfulness regarding this matter. There should be more people like you in this world :) Valerie

Mon Aug 4 2008, 10:37

Hi J.D.,

The answers below are correct. You do need to have confidence in your agent! You are not contractually bound to use this agent, however, it is good of you to be concerned about this agent that you spent the day with. I am sure she researched various homes for you in Kennesaw and it is respectful of you to value her time and money. As another agent suggested, a note with a gift card is a nice way to thank her and a graceful exit. Of course, the agent who assigned her to you will probably get in touch with you.

Of course, like any other buyer's agent, I would love an opportunity to meet with you and discuss your buying needs in Kennesaw. I am a buyer's agent as well as a certified relocation specialist and I am a member of the Kennesaw Business Association. I have client referrals posted on my website so you can read their opinions.

Good luck and happy house hunting.

Kim Perez

Mon Aug 4 2008, 08:25

J.D.

Bottom-line, you need an agent who has a better grip on the market. Working with someones assistant probably isn't giving you the attention you need. Since you've never signed an agreement, just tell her you are working with someone else (be courteous of course).

Just like everyone else here, we'd love to work with you. Kennesaw is in our backyard, that is our home town. Click here read testimonials from my past clients, you'll see I'm one of the best buyers agent out there at getting my clients more than what they need. http://shroyer.yourkwagent.com/atj/user/TestimonialsGetAction.do

Sun Aug 3 2008, 05:24

Hi J.D,
If there is not an agreement in place and you did not feel like you and 'the assistant' were a good fit, then you have every right to move on.
Please advise if I can be of further assistance.
Best of luck.

Sat Aug 2 2008, 20:23

J.D.

Well first off I want to say thank you for being passionate about this. It's better to be honest with your agent then not returning any of her calls. It's all about doing the right thing.

It is very important that you click with your agent, you will be spending a good amount of time together and if you do not get along or are not on the same page then you need to move on.

I personally think even a gift card and a thank you note for her time would be very much appreciated and you can just let her know that you feel things are not working out.

Good Luck!

Sat Aug 2 2008, 19:34

Be gracious, maybe break it to her over lunch - your treat this time. Then, get a personal referral to an agent. Although some accreditions are very helpful, I think personal referrals are best. Likely, the mortgage broker picked the agent that sends him the most business - and that's not a bad thing - but that's how you got to someone TOO busy for you; and then got passed on. So, looking for someone that has a strong business, but enough time to devote to you is important.

You may also want to go back to the agent you were originally referred to - that person might be willing to refer you to someone that will fit your needs better.

I hope this helps. If you'd like me to try to tap into my network to find a good referral for you, I am able to do that. You can email me at vchrisner@kw.com

Sat Aug 2 2008, 18:05

JD,
I understand your pain...go to http://www.rebac.net/MembershipDirectorySearch.aspx and find an agent who has an ABR Designation (Accredited Buyer Representative). Only 2% of all realtor take the time to get this designation and the training/certification to represent you properly with your search for your home.
Or just give me a call at the number listed below.

I will be happy to answer any questions about representation.

Malcolm R. Boartfield, ABR
Prudential Georgia Realty
Fine Home Specialist
404-915-5891
mboartfield@prudentialgeorgia.com

Sat Aug 2 2008, 17:31

I think you just have to be honest, thank her and tell her the reason why. You are trusting your agent with one of your most important purchase in your life and you need to feel comfortable and have the trust and feel confident that your agent can find the best property that suits your needs.

Tell her the reason why you want to get a new agent, thank her for her time and effort. I would not pay her back - to me, it's part of business expense. But good thing is you realized this early on so you are not spending more of her time.

Sylvia

Sat Aug 2 2008, 17:25