The Hidden Truth About Listing Agents

When you call the agent on the “For Sale” sign, you’re contacting someone who has already pledged their complete loyalty to the seller. When they signed the contract to list the sellers house, they became legally bound to the seller to do what is best for the seller, not the buyer.

This creates an interesting dynamic that many buyers don’t realize. Here’s what you need to know about working with a listing agent as an unrepresented buyer:

Limited Property Options

The listing agent’s primary focus is on selling their seller-client’s property. This means they:

• Might not show you properties they have listed
• Might not be focused on expanding your choices to meet your needs
• May not give you first access to new listings that could be perfect for you

Example: You call the Listing Agent to ask about the house. You realize it’s not quite the right fit. Instead of showing you better options, they focus on selling that house. Meanwhile, a perfect home just hit the market—but you’ll never hear about it because the listing agent works for the seller, not you. With your own buyer’s agent, you’d have access to all available homes, not just the ones a seller’s agent wants to show you.

Restricted Information Sharing

When you call the listing agent directly, you’ll receive:

• Only the basic material facts about the property
• No help comparing competing properties
• No strategic advice about the property’s value or potential issues
• Limited information that doesn’t disadvantage their seller

Example: You ask the listing agent about the home’s condition, and they share only the basics—because their job is to protect the seller. What they don’t mention? The roof is 20 years old, the basement had past water damage, and the neighboring property is about to become a commercial development. With your own buyer’s agent, you’d get critical insights on potential issues before making a costly mistake.

If you didn’t follow the above advice, and are attempting to do this on your own, well… it’s not good.

The following only applies if you have NOT agreed to allow the listing agent to also “represent you”, known as dual agency, I’ll cover that in a different post.

Negotiation Disadvantages

• Share everything they learn about you with the seller
• Negotiate exclusively on behalf of the seller
• Work to strengthen the seller’s negotiating position
• Only provide comparative market analyses (CMAs) if they support the seller’s listing price
• Suggest financing options that benefit the seller, not you

Problem Resolution

If issues arise during the transaction, the listing agent must:

• Attempt to solve all problems in the seller’s favor
• Protect the seller’s interests throughout the process
• Include contract clauses that safeguard the seller, not you

Example: You tell the listing agent you love the house and could stretch your budget if needed. They immediately share this with the seller, strengthening their position. If they offer comps, they’ll only support the asking price—ignoring lower-priced options. Need financing guidance? They might push options that benefit the seller, not you. When negotiations start, they’ll coach the seller every step of the way—while you’re left to figure it out alone. With a buyer’s agent, you get someone fighting for your best deal, not the seller’s.

The Better Alternative

Instead of calling the listing agent, consider working with a dedicated Realtor, or a Buyers Agent, who will:

• Focus exclusively on your needs and interests
• Show you all available properties that meet your criteria
• Provide honest advice and property comparisons
• Negotiate specifically for your best interests
• Keep your personal information confidential from sellers
• Help resolve problems in your favor

Example: Instead of calling the agent on the sign, you call your trusted Realtor, who quickly pulls property details, disclosures, and key insights you won’t find online. They also suggest other homes that fit your needs.

During the tour, they spot potential issues—an aging roof, signs of past leaks, and vacant land that could be developed—and ask the right questions to get you answers.

You love the home and mention you’d pay more, but your agent keeps it confidential—working for you, not the seller. When you’re ready to offer, they analyze recent sales, advise on negotiations, repairs, and closing details, and help you get the best deal possible.

Conclusion

While it might seem convenient to call the number on the “For Sale” sign, remember that the listing agent’s loyalty lies with the seller. In today’s complex real estate market, having your own representation can make a significant difference in finding the right home at the right price with the right terms.

Don’t navigate one of life’s biggest purchases without someone in your corner. Take the time to find a buyer’s representative who will put your interests first and guide you through the entire home-buying process.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out.