Two very good questions.

First, even if an agent is exceptionally busy, there is no excuse for not staying in communication.

Second, it is always best for a Buyer to be represented by an agent of their own. You are correct the listing agent has a fiduciary responsibility to the seller, and that agent is looking out for the best interests of their Seller to get them top dollar. The Listing Agent can provide you with information but they can not take on a fiduciary relationship with you at the same time they represent the seller. They can present your offer to the seller if both parties (buyer and seller) agree to a single agent in the transaction, but the listing agent cannot negotiate or advise you during the transaction process. That agent is looking out for their Seller only.

It would be best for you to have representation of your own, one who will look out for your bests interests in getting you the best price possible. Your agent can advise you on every aspect of the transaction, from pulling the comps, suggestions on what to offer, handle any counter offers that may come, helping with the inspection period, the Buyer Inspection Notice & Seller’s Response, title, escrow, homeowner’s insurance, mortgage, etc.

Providing you up to date information on any listing is very easy. It can be set up within the Tucson MLS itself to notify you of any price changes, or status changes of a particular property or listing.

We were not particularly impressed with either Realtor. The first realtor we located over the internet. He was a nice young man but not particularly familiar with the community we wanted to concentrate on. This was in March. In July we came back and met with a realtor the specialized in the community. She knew her stuff but only wanted to show us the listings her office had. In fact when we said we wanted to see one of the houses we had seen on our first trip we felt like we were pulling teeth. This has turned out to be the house we have the most interest in.

I have also contacted the listing agent of this house by e-mail and she is not in anyway jumping at the opportunity to keep us informed about this particular property.

None of the realtors we have contacted have done any follow up on our visits or inquiries. We are well queried buyers and may even pay cash for the house before selling ours home in California, so there is no financing issue.

My first question is – Is business so good in Tucson that realtors don’t feel they have to sell the property or be pro-active? No one likes to be bugged but you would think that they would at least keep in touch and inform you when a particular piece of property you showed interest in is reduced in price. You feel like if you don’t buy that day you are a dead beet even after you have told them up front you will be buying later in the year.

My second question is – Is it better to make an offer through the listing agent or select a second agent to represent us in negotiating the offer? And why? I understand the listing agent has to lookout for the interests of the home owner and not give us any information that may be to our advantage. In this market we want to get the best price we can.