Maureen O'keefe

Hi Todd. Using the same agent to represent both sides is a very gray area in many cases, because many people feel that they cannot possibly be well represented by the same realtor. If you express your wish to have your own agent rather than the seller's agent, that wish should be respected by any professional realtor. If you explain to your agent(buyer's agent) that you would like to compensate the seller's agent something for having been the first person to show the house to you, your agent should offer that agent a finder's fee and/or a referrral fee, which in my area, is typically 25%. - Tue May 13 2008, 16:02

Hi, I have had many clients who were searching for homes with more than one agent. Their philosophy was to have as many people searching for them as possible with the idea that more eyes were better. I certainly appreciate this way of doing business though I think you can discourage some agents from wanting to give you 100% knowing that you may still go with someone else. I, however, just felt that if I worked hard to find exactly what my client wanted and presented it right away, I would write up the purchase offer. Most of the time, I have been the agent to do the deal. I think that it is very important to inform the agents honestly that you are doing this, so they can decide if they wish to participate or not. Honesty is the key here. - Tue May 13 2008, 15:54