How San Diego Home Buyers Can Schedule Their Own Showings

Navigating through the world of San Diego real estate is no easy task.  Real estate agents spend years crafting their services to help San Diego home buyers and sellers through this process.  

However, sometimes a San Diego home buyer sees a house that they just have to look at.  If they are not working with a real estate agent they may question the correct procedure.  At what point is it appropriate for a San Diego buyer to contact the listing agent?

Making Contact Without an Agent

A San Diego buyer who is currently working with an agent should not contact the listing agent directly.  The buying agent is only going to make commission if they are part of the process to buy the home. Bypassing them and going to a listing agent directly is rude and should only be done if the buyer has no intentions of using the buying agent to make a purchase.  Even though the buying agent will not be pleased the buyer has not broken any contracts by doing so.

San Diego home buyers who are not working with any agents should feel free to contact the listing agent. In fact, many buyers find their agent by talking to listing agents.  Even if they do not buy that exact house they may form a relationship with the agent and continue to work with them to find the right property.

Avoid Signing Paperwork Without Reading

There is a rare occasion where a listing agent will slip in a contract with a buyer to view a home.  This contract may state that the listing agent is now the agent that the buyer must use when purchasing a house.  It is a sneaky way to obtain a client and it is important to read any paperwork given before signing.

However, that does not mean all paperwork is bad when it comes from a listing agent.  There are some documents that are provided to be signed by potential buyers when viewing a San Diego property.  These documents may say what agency the agent works for and what services they will provide to the buyer.  

Is an Agent Required?

There is no law saying a San Diego home buyer needs to work with a real estate agent to view or buy a property.  It can be much easier for most buyers to work with an agent, but many do go out on their own.  

Some San Diego buyers want to view homes and go to open houses to get a feel for what home they may want to buy.  If they are not serious about buying it may be best to avoid a real estate agent until they are thinking about making a purchase.

Finding an Agent

A buyer is not obligated to work with an agent.  However, they should keep in mind that the listing agent does not work. As a result, they have the best intentions for their client – the home seller – in mind.  This can mean they may pressure a buyer to make a higher offer or talk up the house more than it is worth.

Finding a San Diego real estate agent that is working for the buyer makes it easier to know if they are giving all the information.  No agent will lie about a property, but they may want to be blissfully unaware of certain characteristics the house holds. The buyer’s agent will dig up all the dirt they can and give insight to their client.

Working with a San Diego real estate agent has advantages.  To learn more about how we can help contact us today.

However, a buyer does not have to have an agent to view homes.  They are able to contact the listing agent directly to schedule a view, but they should be aware they are going in alone and unrepresented.