Going through listing agent for normal sale

[Bienes Raices]

When you have a normal sale (not REO or SS), is it still a good idea to go directly to the listing agent and have them act as a transaction broker? Or is it better to use a buyer's agent since the contract and negotiations may be more complicated than in an REO transaction?

[Bill Gulley]

I suggest you get a buyer's agent as the transactional agent will not, can not, advise, they only facilitate the deal. Unless they are willing to take only the listing commision, there are nothing but down sides not having an agent. Not only would a buyer's agent advise, but they accept risks for the representations made, disclosures that should be made.