Do you feel there is a need for a buyers agent? Do you think you'll get a better deal from the listing agent ??

I have watched it happen sooo many times and I rarely ever see the buyer walk out benefitting from a double ender. The listing agent will build a relationship with the seller and will watch out for the sellers best interest.

I always reccomend having an agent represent you. There are a few reasons, first of all, if you are not a client then that agent is working for the seller, and their job is to get the best deal for the seller. Secondly, there is generally no deal to be had by working with the listing agent; I myself offer no deals to anyone if I find a buyer for my property and agents who do offer deals if they sell a property they list give that deal to their seller. So in short, I reccomend finding a REALTOR you trust and want to work with to represent you in your home buying. E-Mail me if you want more info.

The listing agent is always working for the seller, think of it this way, would you ever hire the same lawyer as your opponent, since he probably knows the file better and what his client would settle for?

I love to act for the Buyers ...as a Buyers Agent...it is the satifaction that I have gone above and beyond the Buyers needs to negotiate the best deal for my client possible

I think if the agent represents both side he/she might lower their commissions so it might be beneficial to both the buyer and seller.

Its extremely important to have your own agent looking out for YOUR best interest. And in most cases, working with a buyers agent is of no cost to you; so you really have nothing to loose!

Generally double ending only benefits the seller, as sometimes listings agent will rebate some of the commission to the seller if he/she double ends. The buyer will generally get little or nothing out of the deal.

Easy answer - who is the listing agent working for? not the buyer who just walked in off the street. Now if that listing agent signs a buyer rep agreement to provide full service to the buyer, that is what they are supposed to do...but the agent can no longer suggest price to either side. A difficult situation for sure. As an agent, I prefer to just be on one side of a deal. You are working for one clients best interest and avoid the many potholes that are involved with multiple representation.