The agents who's name is on the "For Sale" sign has been contracted by the
Seller to sell their property. Their number one goal is to get the best price possible for the Seller of that property.
One of the things I never thought about when buying my first home was who should I have help me in
getting the best price for the home. I just called up the person whos name was on the sign.
Personally, I do not think that you should call the Agent who's name is shown on the sign. You need someone to represent you totally. Someone that has only your interests at heart. Someone that will negotiate for you and help get the best deal for you.
When an agent represents both Buyer and Seller it is called Dual Agency. There are a few states in the nation where it is still legal to do Dual Agency, and Illinois is one of them. Many people still do Dual Agency in Illinois, especially in a small town where you personally know the agent. When you know the name on the sign and you trust them, then by all means go with the Agent you know and trust, just remember that they are working for both of you.
And let me clarify that I personally think that it's okay to call the Agency listing the property, but just be exrta careful when picking the agent you want to represent you. The Agency may have other agents in their office that could represent just you.
Remember, any agent in Illinois (no matter what Agency they work for) can show other Real Estate office's listings.
So ask around, find an agent you can trust to represent you. Then let them help you in your search.
Let us help you find that home. Call, e-mail us or stop in at Ken Kophamer Realty and ask for us.