Buyers have the right to shop around for Realtors just like homes. If you signed an Exclusive buyers representation agreement then that a different story. And could be exspensive for you to switch with out a signed release. (you can call the office manager for more info). When you find the Realtor you are comfortable with out of respect you should let the others know as to not waist thier time.

I tend to agree with the answers below but I believe there may be exceptions. For instance, there is an agent here who blasts to large numbers of people to get them on his daily updates, no strings attached. A customer may receive this daily update for any length of time and then decide to go with another agent which upsets this person no end.

I have been contacted by some of his mail list people who have told me they wish to work with me even thought they've been on his mailing list and is that okay? Since his mailings are not personalized nor intended for any one person nor tailored to their needs or wants, I tell them yes, they can choose their agent unless they have a signed representation agreement with him.

I do tell them that if he has done work specifically for them then they should honor that relationship unless there is some underlying reason for them to work with another Realtor. I believe that a customer/client has the choice of Realtor to work with and in a case like this, there has really been no personal relationship created.

Aloha, Marina... I agree with the posts below and wanted to add a comment as well. Those of us who "work the internet" abundantly are quite used to buyer prospects who ping multiple agents at one time to gain information - and I believe this is valuable process for a buyer to sort through their various agent choices from afar. We're in an unusual spot here in Hawaii in that the vast majority of our buyers are off-island, and can't just walk into our offices to meet us face to face and connect with us and see which one of us they prefer to work with. Obviously there are many choices and you should pick the agent/broker who you are most comfortable with, and who you feel will best represent your position during negotiations. Don't be surprised if the agent/broker asks you to sign a "Buyer's Representation Agreement" as this is a way to solidify your business relationship and a way for you to ultimately "prove" your loyalty to one agent. Best of luck to you in your search - it's a great time to buy on the Big Island!! Warm aloha, Katie Minkus, R(BIC). Broker-in-Charge, Hawaii Life Real Estate Services, LLC.

Marina,
As Real Estate agents, it is our duty to work as best we can for our clients. We are also bound by our Code of Ethics to disclose any information that would affect the feduciary relationship we have with our clients (such as Dual Agency), even those clients we do not have written agreements with! It is a courtesy of the same magnitude to inform the all agents you are working with that you have not yet selected the one to represent you in a sale. Then it is up to the agents themselves to decide whether to court you as their exclusive client or to wish you well in your search and stop spending time with a client who has no intention of buying through them.

Beth's comment about Agents having access to the same information via the MLS is also absolutely correct. Most of us get our information from the same local MLS pool, so there really is no point in "playing the field". Plus many buyers prefer to do at least some of their own online shopping (via realtor.com, etc) and send their favorites to their agent. Again, the point is that it does not benefit you as a buyer in any way to keep more than one Realtor working for you.

Bottom line: It is on your best interests to select one agent whom you can trust 100% and work with them exclusively on this very important purchase.

Best of luck in your home search!

Susan

Hi Marina,
Unless you encounter an agent who does not subscribe to the MLS, all agents will have access to the same information about listed properties. There would be no point in having several competing to research the same data. If you pick an agent who provides solid representation, and who lives and works in the market in which you are interested, their value to you will be their judgment, their knowledge of the neighborhoods and even the history of individual properities, their professional attitude and their commitment. An agent like that is also likely to be very busy, and it is not fair to them to ask for them to devote time to you without a reciprocal commitment.

I think it is absolutely fine to interview more than one agent, even to ask for recommendations. It is never offensive to an agent to let them know you are shopping for the right agent for you, and sometimes I actually refer to another agent who I feel would be a better fir for a prospective buyer and their priorities. But once you've found an agent you feel is competent and whose style is a good fit for you, they deserve your loyalty.
Happy house hunting!
Beth

Hi Marina,

I agree with Glenn. It's best to stick with one agent. Sit down and make it clear what you are trying to do/what your goals are and most agents will work really hard to get you there. Let the agent know up front that if that person doesn't work out, then you will need to find someone else. Of course, the level of market knowledge varies among agents considerably, however, the vast majority will do their best to find what you're looking for.
Also, be sure to make it clear what you want. Sometimes the agent will show properties that don't suit you, but it may be because they are not clear on what they should be looking for.

Aloha,
Frank Diaz, MBA (RA)

In my opinion yes, unless you tell the agent who most likely at that point wouldn't spend the necessary time. You are better off finding one hardworking agent and committing to them. In turn they will give you the 110% you want and deserve and everybody stays happy. Realtors only get paid when they close a deal. There is always a chance a deal will never happen but don't increase the workload if you are increasing the chances they will not get paid.

Thanks,

Glen