There are a number of common myths about working with real estate agents that if not avoided may make the experience a far from productive one. Here are a few of them and what the reality about working with real estate agents is:

Myth #1: You’ll get the best deal on a property if you call the agent on the “For Sale” sign directly:

Quite possibly not. The agent listed on the sign works for the seller already, and although they can represent you as well they are already duty bound to consider the sellers needs and requirements first. They are trying to get the best deal [possible for seller and that is unlikely to include giving you, the potential buyer, any real room for price negotiation. Finding your own buyers’ real estate agent to represent your interests may be a better alternative.

Myth #2: The real estate agent I choose made me sign a Buyer Agency agreement but now I am unhappy but I am stuck with her.

It may take a couple of meetings before you can really decide if a certain real estate agent is the right fit for you. Before you sign any agreements like this ask the agent about alternatives. You could ask them to work on a verbal agreement for a short time (many states allow this) or write an agreement that only runs for a short period of time, just a few days or weeks. You could also inquire whether they would be willing to draw up a noon exclusive agreement that will allow her to work with you without you being prohibited from “seeing” other real estate agents.

Myth#3: I will find more homes for sale by calling lots of agents.

Not really. The Multiple Listings System that the majority of real estate agents work with gives each individual agents access to pretty much the same listings, whether they belong to them or not. Ask real estate agents what specific geographical areas they cover, some agents in smaller areas may cover several counties while urban real estate agents may work only in a specific section of a major city.

Myth #4: I should be working with the real estate agent with the most listings.

Maybe, maybe not. If an agent  has a great many listings that certainly means that they are good with sellers but how many of these listings do they actually sell? And if they have so many listings how much time will they actually have to spend on your particular real estate hunt. A new real estate agent can be just as good as seasoned pro. Getting along with your real estate agent is the real key to success, whether they have been in business for 12 months or 12 years.