Hayzlenut5,

If you do decide to go with another realtor, just make sure you interview a bunch of them. Dont fall for the first one who just writes something confusing and then states "call me and i can explain more".

Hard sell is so 1980's realtor.

Go under find a pro on trulia. Read through some realtors comments local to you and interact with them. Interview a few. Get a feel for all the different kinds of realtors. Your example is just one of the reasons why realtors can a bad rap. There are countless other examples sadly. Thats why it is important to not only do research on how to buy a home but to do research on how to hire an agent.



Sean Dawes

Dear Hayzinut5,

I am not sure what type of contract you might have signed. When you first began working with an agent you should have signed the Consumer Information Statement, this is not a contract. If you signed a Buyers Agreement you have signed a document that you can easily get out of by writting to the agent an terminating the agreement. This is expained in pragraph 4 of the Buyers Agreement.

I do not know why your agent is not meeting your needs and showing you the properties that you want to see. I would be more than happy to assist you in finding your first home and I will make sure that you are aware of all financing & downpayment assistance programs that are available to First Time Home Buyers, especially in the Atlantic City Area. I am with Keller Williams Realty and specialize in finding homes for First Time Home Buyers. I can be contacted directly at 609-457-7397. You asked if what you are experiencing is normal. My answer to your question is that it may be normal in some agencies but it most assuridly not normal in our office.

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience. If you would like to cancel your agreement and your agent is using the standard NJ buyer agency form you may cancel your agreement any time in writing and the other agent is required to release you within 3 days from your agreement.

If you would like a second opinion I would be happy to meet with you. Call me at 609-484-9890 ext. 132.

Best wishes,

Matt

read the agreement you signed, then following the terms you have agreed to, fire the bum.
You picked homes you wanted to see, if still available there is no excuse for him not showing them to you provided you can afford.
Not normal (makes us really look bad)

Hayzlnut,

Thanks for responding to my post. Ok, we'll need to have a look at the Buyer's Agency agreement to see the expiration date and the terminiation procedure. If you have it, and have access to a fax, get in touch with me at the number or email below, I'll give you my personal fax number and I'll have a look at it for you.

I understand as a 1st time buyer your being a little sheepish, which just comes from not being familiar with the steps involved in a real estate transaction, which is exactly why you hire a Realtor to guide you through it. I think all of us who posted here are discouraged to hear stories of agents who treat their clients in this way. I'm happy to say though, that there are many agents who are professional and trustworthy and take their responsibility to their clients very seriously.

Please get in touch so we can set you on the right path & get you into a home that fits your needs, not those of the agent.

Best Regards,
Barbara Smith ABR, GRI
NJ/PA Licensed Realtor
cell/text: 609-980-7593
email: BarbSmith321@comcast.net

Hi Hayzlnut -

"At office, realtor had me sign contract before even seeing property" I would like to assume that the realtor had you sign and agency agreement, meaning that the agent was telling about the rules of agency and that he/she would be your buyers agent and if you saw a property with that agents company the possibility of dual agency would arise. .. that is nothing but a designation of agency and does not commit you to that agent at all.

If he/she had you sign an exclusive buyer agreement, meaning that that agent would get paid on any property you see with no mattter whom you see it with... that is a different story.

I personally would never ask a buyer to sign an exclusive buyers agreement. It is not fair to the buyer, especially if you did this at an initial meeting and did not get toi feel out, work with the agent. This happens somethimes with agents that bleat about only being a "buyers agent" .. then they go and wrap up buyers by signing a contract that makes sure they get paid... so in who's best interest do they really work?

Can you fax a copy of that document so we can determine what you signed?

You need to find a good agent that you feel comfortable with and is responsive to your inquiries and needs.

Office: 732-863-6969
Cell: 732-213-1409

Fax: 732-863-6699

Ok - 1 more thing and this might make things much easier...

The buyer's agency - Do you have a copy of it? If not, request 1 from the agent or office.

On the buyer's agency, see if it says "Expires on a certain date OR on notification from the buyer that they wish to disolve the agreement". Usually, that clause IS in there and all you usually have to do is email, fax, or hand deliver a letter stating that you want out. 24 hours later, you're out.

The last bit of advice I could give you is to level with your Realtor and say "Hey, I don't want to see something I'm not going to buy - Show me what I want to see or I'm outta here!" As a Realtor, I would like to be "straightened out" by a client before they get rid of me - But its entirely up to you. Again, feel free to contact me if you have any questions - I don't use Buyer's Agency Agreements (though it makes me less popular with fellow agents).

Hi Hayzlnut5, as a First Time Buyer, one important aspect of the process that is new is selecting an agent to entrust your business. It sounds to be as though you have singed an Exclusive Buyer Agreement at this agent's urging. It is not uncommon for agents to request this at first meeting, however, I may present the concept but do not ask that it be signed until the buyer understands what he/she is signing and I have earned their trust.

Based on what you have recounted here, in my opinion the agent has not earned the right to advance with you. I suggest you explain that there is a disconnect between your service expectations and what is being delivered and that you plan to make other arrangements. If necessary discuss with the agent's manager/broker.

Think about what you've learned from this experience - and look for the skills/attributes that you value in the next agent. When you do find that agent, reward them with your loyalty.

Good luck to you!
Best,
Jeannie Feenick
"Unwavering commitment to service"
Find success at http://www.feenick.com

I meant I signed a contract to use this person as my realtor--Buyer's Agency agreement.

I was too sheepish to say: Hey, I don't want to see this $150,000 house, beautiful though it is!

When I give a list of 10 properties I like from Realtor.com, and they're all between $50k and $100k, I figure it's kind of self-evident that I don't want to see a $150k property, isn't it?

Did you sign a contract for sale for a specific property or a Buyer's Agency agreement? Buyer's agency usually only requires written notification to the Broker that you want out of the contract & there may be a waiting period of a few days before you can engage another realtor.

There was enough in your message above to send up the red flags. If you're in a Buyer's Agency agreement, the agent has a fiduciary responsibility to represent your best interests, not his/hers, and to follow your instructions during the real estate transaction (as long as they are legal!).

If I can answer any further questions or be of any help, just call or email.

Regards,
Barbara Smith ABR, GRI
NJ/PA Licensed Realtor
cell/text: 609-980-7593
email: BarbSmith321@comcast.net

I personally take issue to several parts of this. Absolutely right that you should contact the agent's broker and have yourself released from any obligation. Another problem is my fear that you are under contract with a property and don't even know your rights regarding that property. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk more about that situation because I would want to guide you through the task at hand and make sure you are not involved in anything without knowing full well your responsibilities and obligations.

KevinSouthJersey@Yahoo.com
609-517-4014 (Direct)
ReMax Preferred

Why is he showing you properties that you do not want to see? Did you ask him that?

If you have an issuew it the realtor, you can contact their broker to ask to be released from the buyer/broker contract which you signed if he truely isnt helping you.



Sean Dawes