JUST TALKING WITH REALTY AGENT DOESN'T CREATE AN AGENCY

DEAR BOB: Recently I stopped in a real estate office in a town where my husband and I are thinking of relocating. We spent about 15 minutes talking with an agent. She took my name and phone and said she would get back to us. After checking her out on the Internet, I learned that agent has been there just two years and really didn't know the area that well. I would rather deal with a more experienced agent. Is it possible to change agents within the same brokerage office without having to pay two commissions and creating a mess? --Mrs. B.J.

DEAR MRS. B.J.: Just because you talked with a real estate agent for 15 minutes and gave her your name and phone did not create a buyer's agent relationship.

Unless you signed a "buyer's agency" contract with that agent, you are free to work with any licensed agent you wish, including another agent with the same brokerage firm. As a buyer, you won't be paying any sales commission anyway.

(For more information on Bob Bruss publications, visit his
Real Estate Center).

Copyright 2006 Inman News