UPDATE WITH ANSWER: If we went to an Open House and did not mention our buyer agent, are we allowed to use her to negotiate?

The subject says it all , but we went to an Open House, signed in, but were not asked if we were working with a realtor.

Now we are considering making an offer, but would like our buyer agent to negotiate. Since we didn't mention her at the Open House, are we allowed to use her? It's not like we set up an appt without her; we just happened to see the sign...

Message edited 8/21/2008 1:12:25 PM.

Re: If we went to an Open House and did not mention our buyer agent, are we allowed to use her to negotiate?

Not 100% sure but I know we stopped in at an OH, signed in and then at the end we mentioned we had a realtor and the listing agent there said...well since you signed here you couldnt use them to buy this, you would have to bid through me...... She actually was nice and told us to use a fake name to avoid issues if we went to other OHs.... Again not 100% sure if it is true. Maybe have your realtor bring you to see it..GL

Re: If we went to an Open House and did not mention our buyer agent, are we allowed to use her to negotiate?

I believe since you signed in and didn't mention that you were using another broker, the selling agent may not deal with a buyers agent. BUT, in this market, I would think a sellers agent would rather work something out, then see a potential offer disappear, assuming she doesn't have other activity on the property.

It's not up to them to ask you, you need to give that information as soon as you step foot in the house. Once you signed in, you probably bound yourself to that agent.

Message edited 8/20/2008 9:21:07 PM.

Re: If we went to an Open House and did not mention our buyer agent, are we allowed to use her to negotiate?

sure... DH and I went to a bunch of open houses w/o our realtor. Your realtor can still negotiate the deal for you.

Re: If we went to an Open House and did not mention our buyer agent, are we allowed to use her to negotiate?

NOPE! we just went through this, went to an OH did not mention our buyers agent, signed in and guess what our agent cannot negotiate at all!!! You have to mention them b/c it changes things for them bigtime when it comes to commision. Your buyers agent should have told you like ours should have as well- you dont sign anything, you tell them you are working with a buyers agent and usually you have to provide their business card.

we also called to see a house and the agent would NOT show us the house b/c we have a buyers agent! so the buyers agent has to contact them and set it all up- its a real PIA and holds things up but I am hoping pays off in the end.

Good luck!!

Re: UPDATE WITH ANSWER: If we went to an Open House and did not mention our buyer agent, are we allowed to use her to negotiate?

I just spoke to our agent--since we just signed the sign in sheet at the Open House, and did not sign a disclosure form, she IS allowed to negotiate for us. Great news! Had we signed a disclosure form, we would NOT be able to have her work with us.