This is another example of an all too common story about an educated consumer who sought competent representation, and was tricked by a traditional agent who typically works in a dual agent role, masquarading as a buyer's agent. Unfortunately, all professions include the good, the bad, and the ungly. It appears that Terry stumbled upon the "ugly", and was not as educated about the process as she could have been. In regard to written agency agreements, no one should sign such an agreement without thoroughly interviewing the agent (and/or broker). Sellers seldomly sign listing agreements with agents without interviewing agents with a number of firms. Why should buyers? In fact, a buyer should not sign such an agreement until they have been out at least once with their agent. This way, they can see first hand how professional, knowledgeable, and experienced their selected agent actually is. If the "first date" is not what was expected, break the relationship and pursue another agent/firm. However, don't be relucatant to sign a 30 day buyers-agent agreement with a competent agent that has proven their worth (7 months is way to long). As a skilled buyer's agent with the proper agency agreement can find properties that are not known to be on the market, and sometimes have more inventory than that of the large traditional listing firm. Other questions to ask a prospective agent is how long have you been in the business, how many hours per week do you work, are you familier with the area that I am looking for a home, how do you develop your negotiation strategies, are you available on weekends, etc. etc. If there is something important specifically to your needs, as that question too. Unfortunately Terry was on the right track, but was not fully aware of what to ask or expect. The moral to this story is Caution, and be careful of Dual Agents in disguise. The only true buyer's agents are EXCLUSIVE buyer's agents. If you are buying a home you deserve representation, and most of the time it costs no more that working with a trad.

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