I read many posts on the "Home" forum about the lack of good house inventory. Bt this does not mean you have to wait for MLS and then react when a new listing comes out.

Pro-active House searching has been around for a while. Just many buyers are skeptical because they feel they get tied into a contract with an agent.

Yes, I am talking about Buyers Representation but the name just gives you the title. It does not give you all the features of what a "Pro-Active Realtor" does.

The word "Pro-Active" gives a positive feeling, which means ahead of the curve.

Some Realtors are doing it to some extent without even knowing they are doing it. Good examples are, a relative or friend of the buyer. They are working in the buyers best interest. Many of these Realtors though, are only looking on MLS.

As buyers, you can be pro-active and find your own house by knocking on doors, talking to friends, getting the word out. Yes, it is time consuming and many buyers do not have the time. Many just feel strange knocking on doors asking a homeowner if they or someone they know is thinking of selling. Then negotiating direct is very hard, emotion on both ends comes into play.

I guess that is way we have Realtors. I would love to hear any thought or stories on Buyer Representation you have.
Good our bad what do you think.

Arthur