Expert: Sue Bernstein - 9/20/2007

Question
Dear Sue,
I've looked through your past answers and didn't see this precise question, so I hope I'm not being redundant. I've been working with an agent to buy a property. We looked at several properties, although ultimately I located and contacted the property in which I'm now interested. To be clear, I am NOT seeking to disengage my agent because I happened to find the property; rather, I've just found the agent to be unhelpful - she knows less than I do about the neighborhood and the property, she has not been timely in her inquiries about the property, and she has even possibly interfered with my purchase of the property by disclosing to the seller my intentions. There is no contract in place between my agent and me, but I am close to making an offer and at this point, I don't know how much more harm the agent can do. At the same time, I hate the idea of this incompetent agent getting a significant commission from this sale. Any advice?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Diana,

Get a new agent.  You definitely need representation but not bad representation.  You should not have any obligation to this agent as you have not yet written the offer.  I would just let this agent know that you are not happy with her representation and will be moving forward with another agent.

Hope this helps and good luck

Sue Bernstein