Agents are paid a commission when they:

(1) Find a property that the Buyer wants,
(2) complete a fully executed agreement by all parties, and
(3) conclude settlement on that property.

This can involve substantial time and effort on the part of an Agent. If you
have decided to work with a particular Agent, then it is important to avoid pitfalls wherein your Agent will not be able to represent your interest.

Problems do occur when a Buyer interacts with another agency or developer without the participation of their Agent. If you attend an open house without your Agent or contact another agency for information on a particular property directly – you may endanger your ability to work through your preferred Agent.

To avoid these problems:

(1) Let your Buyer Agent accompany you to any open house. In the event that this is not possible then inform  the agent holding the open house of the name of the Agent with whom your are working. This can be accomplished by having your Agent’s business card and giving one to the person conducting the open house.

(2) If you see a for sale sign or an advertisement and want information pertaining to that property – contact your Agent and have them contact the listing agent directly. Your Agent can obtain considerably more information which in the long run will better serve your interest.