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Can You Work With More Than One Real Estate Agent? Here’s What You Should Know
It’s a question many buyers quietly ask: “Can you work with more than one real estate agent?” The short answer: yes, you can, but only if you haven’t signed what’s called an exclusive buyer’s agreement.
That contract binds you to a single agent or brokerage. It means that even if another agent shows you a home and helps you put in an offer, your original agent may still be entitled to a commission. Without such a contract, you’re legally free to consult with multiple agents.
But here’s where things get tricky. Just because you can doesn’t mean you always should. Having multiple agents on your side may sound like it gives you a competitive edge, but in practice, it often causes overlap, confusion, and weakened relationships. The decision depends on your goals, your market, and how much coordination you’re willing to manage.
When Working With Multiple Agents Can Help
Though not always ideal, there are a few scenarios where using more than one agent could actually make sense.
1. Geographic Diversity
If you’re buying across several regions, you might consider working with agents who specialize in different areas. For example, maybe you’re considering Applewood in Mississauga but also exploring downtown Toronto condos. An Applewood-based agent will likely know local schools, zoning quirks, and upcoming developments, while a Toronto condo specialist will have insight into maintenance fees, building reputations, and transit access.
Local knowledge is powerful. By splitting focus by geography, you may gain better insights than relying on one agent to cover a wide territory.
2. Specialized Expertise
Real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some agents are great at finding fixer-uppers for investors. Others focus on luxury homes or first-time buyers. You might want an agent who understands multi-family properties if you’re investing, while also having one who’s skilled at guiding families through the process of buying their first detached home.
For example, imagine you’re an investor exploring rental properties in Applewood but also considering a primary residence for your family. You may feel comfortable having one agent handle the numbers-heavy investment search while another agent focuses on lifestyle-driven criteria like schools, parks, and commute times.
3. Competitive Markets
In a hot market, homes may sell within hours of hitting the MLS. Buyers often feel like they’re always “too late.” Having more than one agent can sometimes mean quicker alerts and more opportunities to view homes early.
One agent might have a connection to a listing before it goes public, while another may know about an upcoming property through their brokerage. If timing is everything, doubling your coverage could help.
4. Test-Driving Agents
Sometimes buyers don’t want to commit too quickly. Maybe you’re new to the process and want to see how different agents communicate and whether they “get” your priorities.
Trying out more than one agent without an exclusive agreement can help you assess who is responsive, who explains things clearly, and who makes you feel most comfortable. It’s like dating before committing to a long-term relationship.
When Multiple Agents Can Backfire
Although there are situations where it may seem practical, using more than one agent usually comes with significant drawbacks.
1. Reduced Effort
Agents are paid on commission, and that only comes at closing. If they know you’re working with multiple agents, they may hesitate to invest time and energy into you, because the odds of getting paid for their work are slim. Agents often prioritize clients who show loyalty. If you’re spreading yourself across multiple professionals, none of them may give you their best.
2. Duplicate Listings
Almost all licensed agents use the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This is a central database that feeds into consumer-facing sites like Realtor.ca or Zillow. If you work with two or three agents, you’ll almost certainly see the same listings again and again. Instead of gaining access to more homes, you’ll just create clutter.
3. Communication Overload
Imagine juggling three group chats with different agents all sending you listings, updates, and reminders about showings. The result? Overwhelm. You may double-book showings, miss important messages, or struggle to keep track of who said what. When the stakes are high, clear communication is critical, and multiple agents can muddy the waters.
4. Commission Conflicts
If two agents both feel they introduced you to the property you end up buying, things can get messy. They may dispute over who deserves the commission, dragging you into an uncomfortable position. These conflicts can sour relationships and even delay your purchase.
5. Lack of Trust and Rapport
Real estate is personal. Agents who sense that you’re working with multiple people may hold back emotionally. Building loyalty and trust is essential for an agent to advocate fiercely for you. If they feel replaceable, they may not fight as hard during negotiations or go the extra mile to track down hidden opportunities.
Can You Use More Than One Real Estate Agent?
Let’s emphasize this again. Legally, yes, you can use more than one real estate agent if you haven’t signed an exclusivity agreement. But should you? Most industry professionals say no, with rare exceptions.
Instead of scattering your energy, you’ll usually get better results by picking one strong agent. Their loyalty, effort, and willingness to go above and beyond almost always outweigh the marginal gains of working with multiple people.
How Exclusive Agreements Change the Game
Most agents prefer buyers to sign an exclusive buyer’s agreement. This formalizes the relationship and assures them you’ll use their services exclusively for a set period.
- Pros: They’ll dedicate more time and prioritize you, knowing they won’t lose out to another agent.
- Cons: You’re locked in. If the relationship isn’t working, you may need to negotiate an early termination.
It’s worth reading the fine print before signing. Ask about the term length, whether it’s tied to a specific geography, and how you can exit if things don’t work out.
Alternatives That Work Better
If you want the benefits of multiple perspectives without the chaos, consider these alternatives:
- Interview multiple agents upfront. Instead of splitting your time during the search, do your due diligence early. Talk to three or four agents, compare their styles, and then pick one to work with.
- Look for agent teams. Many brokerages operate in teams where multiple agents collaborate on your file. You’ll benefit from a team’s availability and expertise, but with the clarity of one unified relationship.
- Clarify boundaries. If you must use more than one agent (for example, because you’re shopping in different cities), be honest. Let each agent know your arrangement and assign clear responsibilities.
Final Thoughts: Should You Do It?
Yes, you can work with more than one real estate agent. But unless your situation is very specificlike covering multiple cities or property types, it’s usually not recommended. The downsides, from communication overload to reduced agent loyalty, outweigh the potential benefits.
A better strategy is to carefully choose one agent who understands your goals, communicates clearly, and commits to your success. That partnership is worth more than scattering your efforts across several people.
Searching in Applewood, Mississauga?
If you’re buying or selling in Applewood, Mississauga, you don’t need three different agentsyou need the right one. Mississauga Homes’ Real Estate Agent Applewood combines deep local expertise with personal commitment, ensuring you don’t just find a houseyou find the right home.
Contact Mississauga Homes’ Applewood Agent today and experience the difference of working with a professional who gives you undivided attention.
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