Negotiating with RE agents

[Sage Jankowitz]

I just received a lead from a burnt out landlord, but they have the property listed with a RE agent now for over 7 months. I'm looking to negotiate directly with the owner, but is this realistic? At the very least, can I expect to negotiate with the owner while the RE agent is present? Or will the RE agent be the only one I can speak with?

[Bill Gulley]

Hi Sage! If the agent is the procuring cause of a sale they are entitled to a commission. If you knew the landlord or found it without any effort by the agent and it is sold during the listing period, the agent is entitled to a commission. If the seller terminates the listing which he can do at any time and he sells the property to anyone and that agent was the procuring cause of that buyer the agent may still be entitled to a commission. If the listing is terminated and a buyer who is procured by the landlord without any action by the agent, the seller could sell without having to pay a commission. I'd suggest you find out what the seller wants to do after six months and not speak to the agent until the seller makes up his mind which way he wants to go. Good luck, Bill