Contract expires with real estate agent. Will she still get paid?

Question

I am working with a real estate agent right now on buying a home. My situation is, she recommended this house to us but it was out of our price range. To come to find out we know the people selling the home and their contract ends at the end of Oct. which they told us. We went and looked at the home on our own without the realtor. If we end up buying the house when the contract expires at much more reasonable price will the sellers still have to owe her commission. Since she didn't show us the house and we did it on our own.

Answer 1

The seller will owe a full commission to the listing agent.  The agent was the person who introduced you to this property for sale, and that is what she is paid to do.  Would you have known of this house without the advice of your agent ?  It seems not, and accordingly, she is due a commission for presenting it to you.

You might want to ignore earlier advice.  Your agent need not write an offer or anything else.  If she introduced you to the property (and it seems she did) she will collect a commission, and rightfully so.

Answer 2

To get paid she has to show you the house.  Not just mention it to you.  Would you be willing to pay her a flat fee to allow you to be unencumbered by any contract with her?  She would sign a paper saying Paid In Full.

Answer 3

I'm sick and tired of theiving buyers and sellers trying to weasel their way out of commissions! You dirt bag losers should be made to pay twice - for WASTING THE AGENTS TIME!

Answer 4

This can become a tricky situation. If you had a contract with your agent (she represents you as a Buyer's Agent) than you have to examine your contract closely. Here in NC, whenever we enter into a contract as a Buyer's Agent, we stipulate that even if the contract expires, if you purchase a home that we showed (also referred as procuring cause) or informed you about within a certain time frame (common in my contracts is 90 days) than we are entitled to commission. This prevents some people from using our services and than, to cut us out, wait for the contract to expire and purchase on their own. Sounds like the communication between you and your agent needs to improve. Though you may be able to get it cheaper and without paying commission, there are other concerns to remember such as writing the offer, doing the homework on the property to check for any problems, coordinating inspections and mortgages, etc... If you feel your agent isn't doing the job you want her too, speak with her. As for me, if someone was unhappy with my services, I would gladly release them from their contract as my own beliefs prevent me from collecting a commission I didn't earn. As with any other contract, it is always a good idea to consult an attorney.  

Answer 5

But you said she did show you the house...if your real estate agent does not represent you (write the contract, negotiate with the sellers and their agent, look out for your best interests, explain what you don't understand, and accompany you at the signing) then no, she is not entitled to a commission.

A lot of people are shown homes and buy them and don't use the real estate agent who "introduced" them. If your agent told you about the house, and didn't show it, AND, your agent is not included on the purchase contract as receiving a commission, AND the closing agent does not receive a "demand" from your agent to be paid a commission, then no, she is not entitled to a commission. I'm not saying I agree with it and you really shouldn't waste people's time. This is how they earn a living.

Answer 6

they should look at their contract and see what it states as far as showing or telling someone about the property and the lenght of time from the showing and selling it themselves to the same person. ask their  lawyer about the situation.  read the small print in the contract. good luck

Answer 7

You have to read the listing agreement with the agent, and agreement you have with your agent. There is no universal rule and no short cut here. Read the contracts,