Why Calling the Listing Agent Could Cost You Thousands
Should You Call the Number on the For Sale Sign? Here’s Why You Might Want to Think Twice
Calling the listing agent feels like the natural first step. You see a home you love — maybe online, maybe while driving through your favorite neighborhood — and you want answers fast. But before you dial the number on the sign or click “Call Agent,” there’s something every buyer should understand: the listing agent works for the seller, not for you. And that simple phone call could end up costing you thousands.
Here’s why: Picture this: you’re driving through a neighborhood in Boca Raton you love, and there it is – the house.
Perfect backyard. Beautiful landscaping. Maybe even an extended screened-in lanai or a pool.
In the yard is a big “For Sale” sign with a smiling face and a phone number. Or on the search engine is a smiling face with a phone number. Same difference.
It feels natural to want to call, right? After all, who knows more about the house than the agent on the sign?
Well, that’s not the smartest move.
Why?
The Listing Agent Represents the Seller First
The listing agent has a signed contract with the seller to get them the highest price possible.
And while they can assist both the seller and the buyer in the same deal, don’t ever forget they work for the seller.
Remember that.
Sure they can send you comps. They can write the offer for you, but they can’t advocate for you, the buyer.
Why?
Because the listing agent’s first job is to help the seller market their home and get the best price and terms possible.
Simple.
Then why would they help you, the buyer?
Because they will, most likely, collect a higher compensation if there is no other agent involved in the transaction.
Make sense now?
Same thing goes for a builder. Don’t make the mistake of going to a builder alone.
How Can This Hurt You
True story.
A buyer texted me about a house that just hit the market. She’s out of town and her phone went off. “And it has a new roof!”
So I proceeded to look into the property, and this is what I found: The house had previously been on the market from February through May with no sale. The listing was canceled in May, but in the broker remarks’ it said, “Please Note: Mold is Present inside house.” The new listing went up today with a “new roof in 2025, new carpeting in the bedrooms, a/c less than one year old, brand new stainless steel appliances and freshly painted.” But no mention of mold or any remediation of mold.
Any buyer who sees this house for sale or calls this listing agent will only see the new listing – not the old one – just as my buyer saw it.
Do you see where I’m going here? If you don’t, call me and I’ll explain.
And yes, the listing agent was the same on both listings.
A Buyer’s Agent Works for You
Buying a home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. There’s a lot going on, and in Florida real estate moves fast.
You need someone in your corner. Someone who’s watching out for your interests. You need a great buyer’s agent.
I once had a woman call me in tears. She was under contract and through the inspection when she found out that the community she was buying in only took one dog and she had three. It happens. That’s when she started looking for pet-friendly realtors and found me. But, had she looked first, she would have saved herself a lot of money and a lot of misery.
Ask me – oh, the stories I can tell you after 22 years!
When you call the listing agent, you’re stepping into a situation where the advice you get is limited by their obligations to the seller.
I know this, because there are times I work as a listing agent, too.
Limited Representation Means Limited Advice
As a transaction broker, the listing agent has a duty to treat both sides fairly — but they can’t tell you anything that would hurt the seller’s position.
Need to know if you’re offering too much? Or whether the seller might take less? Or how to push for better repair terms?
The listing agent cannot give you those answers.
But your buyer’s agent can.
It Could Cost You More Than You Think
Without a buyer’s agent running the numbers and advising you, it’s easy to overpay—or miss issues that could cost you thousands down the road – like the mold among other things. And don’t think the neighbors don’t know!
Remember – the listing agent’s job is to get the seller the best possible deal, not to save you money.
Talking Too Much Might Work Against You
Tell the listing agent, “I have to have this house!” and – whether they mean to or not – your enthusiasm may make its way to the seller. That can weaken your negotiating power.
Listing agents also like to engage you in conversation as soon as you walk in the door. Oh, where are you from? Do you know so and so? Do you have dogs? Why are you moving? The more you say, the more it can hurt you.
I heard one seller say, “I heard where he was from. I knew he could pay more.”
The Bottom Line
In Florida or any other state, calling the number on the For Sale sign doesn’t mean you’re saving money. It means you’re entering into a transaction where you don’t have full, loyal representation.
The smarter move? Find your own buyer’s agent—someone whose only job is to protect your interests and fight for the best outcome for you. And if you have pets, find yourself a real pet-friendly buyer’s agent!
For more information about pet-friendly housing in Boca Raton FL and Boca Raton Real Estate, please contact me. I am a Boca Raton Real Estate Agent. I can be reached at (561) 716-7824, by text or email at Elyse@ElyseBerman.com
PS – I also work with people who have no pets. It’s my pleasure to do so.
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