I was talking with a couple of ladies in my office yesterday about their frustration after having had worked with "clients," only to hear some time later how these people purchase a home on their own or with another agent,  The conclusion was that the people probably just didn't understand how a real estate agent makes a living.

Here at Keller Williams, we don't work FOR the broker.  We are affiliated with Keller Williams, but we are independent contractors.  If we as individual agents don't sell something, we don't get paid.  That is what some folks don't seem to understand.  Jenny and Judy told me that they heard from one of the people they working with had purchased a home with another KW agent, but after Jennie's Buyer's Representation Agreement had expired.  The buyer thought that since she purchase with another Keller Williams agent that things were OK and everyone would be happy.  Not so.

This is one of the reasons that I ask people to sign a Buyer's Representation Agreement.  The primary reason really is to be able to represent a buyer, but I have to look at my time and expenses, which add up.  By the way, if you are a buyer and are hesitant to be tied to a REALTOR, sign a Buyer's Rep for just a weekend or a specific property you are shown.  Once you get to know the agent better, you can extend the agreement.

I hope this post isn't misinterpreted as complaining, I simply want people to know how things work.