I agree with Gail and John. If the showing agent didn't $crew you over, why cut him out totally and double the seller's agent's commission.

But realize, all along, that the first agent and the seller's agent both work for the seller unless you hire the first agent as a buyer's agent, which I am not sure you can do after seeing the house as a seller's agent.

So although you should do the moral and ethical thing and go with the first agent, this doesn't mean you have to drop your pants, apply the vaseline, and squeal like a pig.

I don't know, it's the "secret book" that buyers have when they come up with strategies like I have seen. Another one is looking into refrigerators and closets to determine seller motivation. :)

JR, did the listing agents author this book? The notion has to be suggested somewhere...what a mess.

Some people use the listing agent because they think they'll get a better deal. It's one of those tips in that secret book buyers use to determine their "strategies". You know, the book none of us have ever seen, but judging from the similar comments from buyers, they've all read. :)

Jack, I share the curiousity by Gail and Chris- what would compel you to work through the listing agent, when another agent showed you the property? I guess I'm confused as to why the switch (which, by the way, is well within your rights- there may be more to this than we're understanding). Why double the income of the agent hired by the seller to look out for the seller's best interest, with no one signing up to look out for your own, when that choice is available to you? Have you reviewed the NYDOS agency disclosure, and do you have a comfort level with the representation being offered? This is a big purchase- I'd think hard, regardless of the first agent, about entering into this purchase without a set of eyes operating on your behalf.

It sounds like the first agent may have helped you find the house. If that is the case then it only fair to let the same agent write up your offer. Sounds like he did a good job so far, let him him finish the job.

If you are not in a contractual agreement, you are not legally obligated to work with the original agent.

If the original Realtor was not offensive, nor was there a reason not to work with that person, calling them regarding the home they introduced you to is the courteous, moral and ethical thing to do; they have already invested their time and efforts in helping you find the right place.

Jack,

The trouble that you are facing in the immediate future is that you have no representation if you use the seller's agent to fill out your paperwork.

If you don't like the first guy or don't care to use him, GREAT! You are likely not bound to him, nor do you need to use him.

However, I would NEVER use the listing agent to help you fill out your paperwork, because that is all that he can do for you by law. He can't help you negotiate a price or advise you on anything. It is UNLAWFUL for him to do so.

Get your own agent and protect yourself!!!!