Expert: Karyn Foley - 6/26/2007

Question
When I was looking to buy my first house I looked in MLS and found some houses I wanted to see.  While looking online I must have had to enter some contact information and so I was contacted by a realtor.  She sounded nice and she volunteered to show me a few of the houses I had seen.  I looked at a couple but started to feel like she wasn't really a good fit as my agent, she did nothing egregious, I just didn't feel comfortable, wasn't sure she was looking out for my best interest and I wasn't really a priority for her.  I put an offer in on a house and was out bid, which was fine, but since then I started shopping for agents as well as houses.  I have no signed contract with this woman and thought that I had no real obligation to her.  I have now found a better agent and am putting an offer in with him.  My question is this - my first agent keeps emailing me - do I have to "fire" her or can I just stop returning her e-mail?  Is there any issue with using more than one agent at a time if you have no signed agreement?

Answer
Dear Jennifer:  Congratulations for having the personal responsibility to do what it moral.  You do not have any accountability to your first agent you met on line, but you should give her the courtesy of telling her that you are presently working exclusively with another agent.  However,if you change your mind and wish to look with more than one, then feel free to do so.  If this is what you choose to do, please be careful not to sign any broker-buyer agreement.  Most agents understand that the feeling of being comfortable, what you mentioned, is very important in choosing an agent to represent you.  I wish you success and good luck in find the home you wish.  Let me know if I can answer any more  questions.  Karyn Foley