Listing Agent showing home - Obliged to use him/her as the buyer's agent?

[New_in_PA]

Pennsylvania.

We recently sold our home and moved to PA. We now are looking to buy a home.

At this point, we are not sure if we want a buyer's agent.

First Question: We have a fairly good idea about what we want, where we want and also good at reading disclosures, inspection reports etc. We are considering representing ourselves to get ourselves a better deal in the price of the home. Is it possible to do this?

Second Question: We have seen some homes with the listing agents. That is, each of the homes we have seen so far, we have seen with the agent that has listed the home. If we decide to buy a home that has been shown to us by the listing agent, can the listing agent claim the buyer's agent fee from the seller? We have not signed anything with the listing agents and in each case we have got in touch with the listing agent to show us the home.

Any help is appreciated!
new_in_paWhat is the name of your state?

[seniorjudge]

I am NOT a real estate agent.

But if I were in an unfamiliar place like y'all are, I would certainly want an independent buyer's agent.

[nextwife]

Originally Posted by New_in_PA

Pennsylvania.

We recently sold our home and moved to PA. We now are looking to buy a home.

At this point, we are not sure if we want a buyer's agent.

First Question: We have a fairly good idea about what we want, where we want and also good at reading disclosures, inspection reports etc. We are considering representing ourselves to get ourselves a better deal in the price of the home. Is it possible to do this?

Second Question: We have seen some homes with the listing agents. That is, each of the homes we have seen so far, we have seen with the agent that has listed the home. If we decide to buy a home that has been shown to us by the listing agent, can the listing agent claim the buyer's agent fee from the seller? We have not signed anything with the listing agents and in each case we have got in touch with the listing agent to show us the home.

Any help is appreciated!
new_in_paWhat is the name of your state?

If you have gone to seen the home with an agent, his/her having shown it to you would be "procurring cause", and they are entitled a commission if you buy. DON'T have someone show you the home if you plan to buy through someone else! The person you want to buy through should be showing you the home.

"We are considering representing ourselves to get ourselves a better deal in the price of the home." How can that happen? You are NOT licensed and cannot share the commission that the seller is paying. The commssion will NOT go back to you! It is illegal to do so.

I agree with Seniorjudge. Don't wing it yourself in an unfamiliar market where you have no idea what the SOPs are or what local issues you need to be aware of.

[PghREA]

Originally Posted by New_in_PA

Pennsylvania.

We recently sold our home and moved to PA. We now are looking to buy a home.

At this point, we are not sure if we want a buyer's agent.

First Question: We have a fairly good idea about what we want, where we want and also good at reading disclosures, inspection reports etc. We are considering representing ourselves to get ourselves a better deal in the price of the home. Is it possible to do this?

Second Question: We have seen some homes with the listing agents. That is, each of the homes we have seen so far, we have seen with the agent that has listed the home. If we decide to buy a home that has been shown to us by the listing agent, can the listing agent claim the buyer's agent fee from the seller? We have not signed anything with the listing agents and in each case we have got in touch with the listing agent to show us the home.

Any help is appreciated!
new_in_paWhat is the name of your state?

Here in PA (and all the states too). When a Seller lists his home he agrees to pay a certain percentage in commission to the listing agency. You as a Buyer, are not part of the negotiating process on what happens to the commission that the Seller pays. The entire commission is paid to the listing agency. However, if you are represented by an agent, the listing agency will pay "your agent" (co-broker). If you try to represent yourself or use the listing agent - the entire commission goes to the listing agency. In other words - you ARE NOT saving money by not having your own agent represent you.

So to answer you question - Yes, the listing agent gets her percentage for listing the property and she also get her percentage for selling the property. We as Realtors like it when people are dumb enough to use us to buy a property we have listed from us.

It is in your best interest to have your own Realtor - a Buyer's Agent represent you.

[Gadfly]

Those of us who get paid for what we sell really dislike people who want us to show properties, then use someone else to actually make the deal happen. It's a chance we take, but do you want to be added to the jerk list?

As other posters have said, how do you think you are going to save any money? The seller still has to pay the listing company.

[New_in_PA]

Thanks for all your replies.

The answer is loud and clear - will get an agent asap and then continue the search.

Thanks, once again!