I found a multi family house on a broker's site... but then, in researching, found it listed (more cheaply) on Zillow as FSBO. Any idea what the etiquette is here? I've emailed with the broker a couple of times now. Should I keep talking with the broker but try to get the cheaper price? Or go straight to the owner through Zillow and cut off contact with the broker? This feels like kind of an odd situation but maybe it's more common than I think?
Im very green and could use all the advice you’ve got.
Well, if the owner has a listing agreement with broker, trying to cut him out completely is tort.
If you have been taking up the brokers time inquiring about that specific property, its kinda crummy to try to cut him out of the buy side regardless. Remember that agents, like yourself, dont usually enjoy working for free.
Youll burn some bridges in the long run trying to do what you want to do.
@Mike Alber It is unusual when the seller has a contractual agreement with a broker; trying to sell for cheaper price outside the listing agreement. Unless; the seller put that before entering the contract and forgot to remove it. If the seller still wanted to sell for a cheaper price; be transparent to your agent (if they spent time with you already on this property or given your access to see the lists), and settle for agreeable compensation.
Even if you and the seller reached an agreement without using the broker a commission would be due because you discovered the property on the broker's site. Per your post above the broker was the proximate cause of bringing you and the seller together.