BiggerPockets

Typically how I work with my agent is that I do Internet searches and then e-mail my agent the properties I'm interested in seeing, he sets up appointments, and we see them. That way I pre-screen all properties for my specific requirements. I made a short sale offer with him on one of these properties, but the bank ended up foreclosing.

With some research, I found out the bank involved, called them, and was put in contact with the new listing agent of 1 day. I told him I was interested in placing an offer and he asked me if I would be doing it with him or with an agent. Obviously he stands to gain if I work directly with him. Now I did all of the research on the property, called the bank, found the new agent. By cutting my real estate agent out, couldn't I be making more money since this new agent would typically get double the commission and I could negotiate into this? On the other hand, my agent has been driving me to places the past several months. Would it be unethical for me to leave him and close on the property by myself?

I don't know if I'm being foolish for working with my old agent, but on the other hand, am I like one of those miscreants who only cares for himself/herself if I didn't involve him in the deal?

We will save you a little trouble:

See these threads:

Realtor License?

and here

Don't Rely on Agents - Become One

and here

Would You Recommend Becoming an Agent?

Many of your replys were from agents so I would take that into consideration when reading their responses.

In my experience, I have had agents scew up and cost me money on investments in the past, no one is perfect of course.

My advice is this: If you are doing the work and research, are experienced enough to handle contract negotiations, etc. you can absolutely use the negotiating technique with the seller that they do not have to pay the additional 3% to a buyer's agent and as such, can reduce their price by 3%, or by 1% + 2% cash back to cover some of your closing costs. I do it all the time.

On the other hand, if the agent you have been working with has spent time and efforts with you investigating properteis for you, offering professional advice, etc, you owe them the commission for that property, but not for others you do yoiurself.

In AZ, the commission is not set by law, and in the paperwork, it is written out that the commission is negotiable. Check your state regulations.
Ofgift

I had a similar situation with my agent. Unfortunately, I signed an agreement with him that requires me to pay his commission in the event of a sale. I think this is done incase he shows you a property not on the market or a FSBO. I ended up getting out of my agreement because he asked the seller's broker if they would take 125k when my top was 100k. This demonstrates that he is not representing your interests and my lawyer wrote him a letter of termination. Get everything in writing so if you get sued for the commission later you can prove what has been said. You might not have an out like this. If the seller will pay the commission, let them. You might also try to pay your agent off to get out of the deal.

You said, "I made a short sale offer with him on one of these properties, but the bank ended up foreclosing.

With some research, I found out the bank involved, called them, and was put in contact with the new listing agent of 1 day."
Though I might agree with Mike C, "pay my original agent because I originally made my first offer through him. If I close on that property, I owe him his part of the commission. He represented you with regards to this property," it seems to me that when the bank foreclosed, that ended that deal through your agent, so you owe him no loyalty and no commission.
Mike does have a point, which I made in my post--"I'm also not a youngster, so don't plan to do this for a living for very long." Though I do believe you owe that agent no commission, and he probably would agree except for wanting the money from you, consider approaching it this way, since you are just starting out and as Mike said, have your reputation to consider, talk to the agent-in fact, maybe make a couple of anonymous calls to a few local brokers to find out the local thinking on this, keeping all names out, and if they ask if it's one of their agents say no.
Then maybe talk to the agent and let him know
a) either you owe him the commission and will tell the bank you're working with an agent
b) you don't owe him the commission, but since you've been working together you want to give him a little anyway, and YOU determine if it's the entire amount of the commission or what part of it--50%? 75%? 10%?
Your reputation and integrity in working with agents should be kept at the highest level, but that includes NOT paying when you are not required to. THAT makes you look dumb. Offering to pay -and paying a portion when none is needed, makes you look like a stand-up guy. (IMHO)
Ofgift

Greg said, "The listing agent is working for the seller and trying to get them the best deal"

Remember BOTH agents are working for the seller-AKA THEHIGHEST COMMISSION/ BEST DEAL.

The agent's FIRST loyalty is to the commission. EVEN when your agent says "THIS IS THE BEST", Read the fine print.
For as much as I trusted Joan, my agent of 15 years, I always read each contract, and compared to previous ones. She said they're all the same. That's not necessarily true: Forms/requirements/laws/needs change, and the fine print and contingencies can and do, too.

You need to look after yourself-each agent is looking after the commission.
Ofgift

You're right, and I thought that's what I had in Joan, too, but discovered via a few places she showed me that wasn't true of _our_ relationship. I trusted her, until I learned I couldn't.
That was after I joined BP, and became more observant and aware, and asked more questions.
Ofgift

If you dont feel your agent has done what was best for you in the past then why work with her at all? Find an agent you can trust. There are good Realtors out there that are willing and able to help you and look out for you. You just have to find one.