I work with both buyers and sellers.

Hella, 

I think that most agents work with both.  I think that in this market it is a good idea to go after the sellers.  Markets change and one has to adapt to the changes. A

Hi Hella -- that's the great thing about real estate --- there are many opportunities and options for people.  

I do both. I like working with buyers as well as sellers.

Good morning Hella. It depends on how you design your practice. I know a number of "Buyer only" agents and they are very successful.

I've always found the notion of being 'just a listing agent' or 'just a buyer's agent' a bit limiting. I like having flexibility to move with the markets.

Some folks like to work with buyers.

Takes 2 to tango!

I have been an exclusive buyers agent for 25 years (work in an office that does not list property or represent sellers)

When I started in RE it was taboo to represent buyers, but when I went on listing appointments, I did not like telling the sellers what they wanted to hear. I was not good at brown nosing.

I liked the honestly of not playing games, no BS and no trying to talk out of both sides of my mouth. No conflict of interest.

In Florida there are 300,000 agents and only about 50 that represent only home buyers exclusively. Thats because most  agents would never survive.  It takes someone confident enough, that knows what they are doing to give up listings and successfully represent only buyers.  

Dummies do not become exclusive buyers agents.  You need to have a superior knowledge about the law, contracts, 1031, mortgages, appraisals, negotiations, property values,and a broad knowledge of the real estate market etc.  Your only job is the buyers best interest and no concern about what the seller, or listing agent think.  That alone disqualifies most.

I work smarter not harder.

I do not have to go open up homes for agents who bring unqualified buyers or have to make excuses to sellers with overpriced homes. I pick and choose who I work with and  as far as competition goes,we have none.

Our buyers seek out our unique services, so they are typically educated consumers that respect our opinion and value our services.  They are never time wasters.

If I had to start over tomorrow I would still never list property.

As far as finding inventory, the shortage is only at the bottom of the price for the market.  There had never been a shortage of properties when the buyer has a decent budget and is ready, willing and able.

Eve

Working with buyers educates you about the real estate market . If you do not understand the market and can do a fair market value for a seller then you will never become a listing agent . By viewing houses on the market it allows you to use this data more effectively and more confidently . 

If you have a specialty, stick with it as to not spread yourself too thin.

not everyone has the confidence to close listings....many work buyers because the buyer will let you know when the house is the right one!!  the agent keeps showing them.... listing property is a competitive sport....not everyone likes or has the competitive edge to compete.... that's how I see it!!  

you're a competitive person, just as I am.... we kick butt....

Excellent question!

The reality is, compensation is closer when working with vetted buyers.

The reality is, when a compensation beat-down is successful, it occurs on the listing side, so the buyer agent is treated more generously.

The reality is, today's buyer are tomorrows sellers. Don't let the 'listing crowd' get between you and your new home owner. By contrast, the listing agents client just moved to another state....their business left town.

The reality is, it is easier and less expensive to attract buyers and you have more options regarding your compensation stream based on your assessment of the buyer.

The reality is, it is easier to disengage from a buyer than a home seller.

The reality is, a vetted list of active buyers, is exceptional currency when and if you were to consider listing a house. That FSBO that been on the market 10 months will pay 8% for a one day listing for those on your list, especially in FL where many, many, many sales are CASH.

It really does boil down to the business model the agent has defined, and the genius they possess. For some, buyers ARE the best fit because they can see the problem and they have a great solution, and those solutions have legs that carry them into other opportunities.

When comparing the listing agent and the buyer agent, the reality is, both are required. Don't be deceived regarding one is superior to the other.

That is a very good question. Right now this is a wide open market. Work both sides.

Hella - It sounds like most agents, at least here on AR, work with buyers and sellers. You can count me in with that group. I don't want to limit myself one way or another.

Hella, a transaction has two sides. Someone should be buyers agent, correct?

Based on most answers, like me, most agents work with both.

wouldn't be my thing, because I like repeat business and those who buy want to sell down the road.

I don't know.  I want to leave my options open.

I don't. I work both types of clients and take the business as it comes. Our market is agressive so to make it you do both.

I'm also on board with Cindy Davis.  No reason to limit yourself.

Hella Mitschke Rothwell I agree with Cindy Davis, you have to be flexible with the market.