1. They may not have total confidence in their agent

2. They are control freaks and think they know better than anyone else.

3. Their agent has not educated them on the etiquette of who deals with whom.

The reason I hear most often Jack Lewitz is they "didn't want to bother me" and then I very gently let them know that if they don't the situation will become very complicated and they may loose some of their bargaining power.

They wanna deal, they want to get in before anyone else & they think it's a great idea. Just had a buyer tell me that a couple of days ago. 

They need a better education and more attention from their agent.

If their agent has not fully informed them of the process, then it should come as no surprise that they do.

Vareity of reasons. Don't really like thier agent, think they can deduct 3%, think they are slick, don't know any better, etc.

Because the listing agent is just that charismatic?

1.  Most buyer agents do a crappy job.

2.  Buyers do not trust their agent, because they talk out both sides.

So buyers go elsewhere to learn the truth...sometimes they even call us. 

Yesterday we got a call from a buyer under contract  in Palm Beach asking us questions because his "fake" buyers agent was worthless...

Eve

PS:  In more than 25 years I have never had a buyer call the listing agent...why?  Because I do my job!

Blame the buyers agent, not the buyer....

Because they were out driving around, they saw a sign--and they lost their brain for a few minutes.

I get those calls every single day, Jack Lewitz - they don't want to 'bother' their agents!  They've lost multiple homes in bidding wars and think they can get a leg-up by speaking directly with the LA. Their agents need to instruct them that this costs them in negotiating - LAs are going to ask the right questions - they represent the SELLERS!

Dumb move on their part as well as their agents'!

I think there are many reasons. The one main reason I hear is they don't want to bother their agent on their day off or on vacation. How kind and considerate they are.

        If you work with somebody like that, make sure that you have a commission agreement in writing.    One of those LA's is going to snag that buyer, and all you will have is a long shot at procuring cause.

the buyer's agent is usually laze; or doesn't return phone calls; or possibly sends the buyer directly to avoid being bothered....

Because they can't get ahold of their agent! I had one call last week or so and wanted me to help her - really?  I suggested she call the broker and he/she could assign somebody to help her while her agent was out of town.

The instinct to "handle" kicks in. Then, they never agreed to the rules that agents live by and lastly, its my money my decision? Perhaps it's just an old fashioned "ants in the pants" at work.....

Many buyers do not feel there is a need for a middle man. They are to be treated as a Supra door man or a contract space fillers.

If they have agents they do not want to show 100 homes. Those who let their clients to wonder around are often C rated discount realtors. 

Either the agent has not explained the process to them or they don't listen when their agent speaks. A

You can't fix stupid!

They come with the territory.

It is a very perplexing problem and one that can backfire on buyers very quickly.

I wish we knew.

Always working an angle! Plus we live in an instant gratification world and their agent is one extra step they don't want to waste time on. I personally do NOT talk to them!

They don't want to bother their agent.  They don't know the difference.  Their agent won't bother showing them properties they are not qualified to purchase.  

Have had that happen where the buyer wants to find out a lot of information about the property from the listing agent before they go back and make the offer through their buyers agent. They probably feel the listing agent knows more about the property, which they do. When I get those calls, I always ask if they are working with an agent and only answer questions if they say they are not. But buyers don't necessarily tell the truth, as we all know. What I do is just tell them what I have on the MLS for the public. Anything else is for a time when I believe they have become a client.

Because they just don't understand how it all works (because their agent hasn't educated them), they think they'll get a good deal, they think they can get in faster to see the place... You name it. 

That is rarely happened in my 26 years.

They think their agent won't find out. 

I think the vast majority have NOT been explained the process. However, some agents stick their clients on a "drip" system and encourage them to get out and look at the property without the agent. They encourage them to go by open houses, etc. It's a wonder they call the listing agent? On the other hand many buyers call the listing agent directly with the idea of relieving us of our brokerage fee. They always say I am getting both ends of the deal so make THEM a deal on the brokerage--kickback-rebate, etc. Shades of Redfin!

All of the above. But sometimes it is as simple as they drove by a property, saw the sign and wanted the info now instead of when their agent could get the answers and get back to them. We are an instant gratification society after all.-Kasey

They either don't trust their agent to present their message properly, they are micro-managers that have to do everything themselves, or they aren't smart enough to understand the protections their agent provides them.

without reading through the other posts - it's because they think they can get a better deal by only dealing with the listing agent.  I dont care what the buyer gives as an excuse or reason.  It's all about the money.

Yes, but not as much any more.  Used to be they'd contact me to see the house and to buy it.  Now they are becoming more loyal to their agents.

It boils down to not taking the time to educate the Buyer. Most seasoned Buyers know not to weaken their position by doing that.

I wish I knew.  Yet, Nina Hollander provides three great thoughts on the subject.

I have found 2 main reasons:

1. They hope to get a better price - which will never happen
2. Their agent failed to educate them on the process

Jack Lewitz Some think they can get some inside information on the listing from the listing agent. Little do they know.

Very often, they tell me, it's because their agent isn't responding to their calls or doing what they want.

Bob Crane nailed this one!

The reasons likely vary by person and can include:

They don't know any better.

They think they may obtain some additional insight.

They don't want to "bother" their agent.

Fill-in-the-blank.   

must be in control

Ignorance.  Or possibly an agent that they can't get in touch with.

Usualy no patience to wait or they have a buyer agent who is not working fast enough for them or not working fo rthem at all

Jack Lewitz - well, they don't want to bother them...

They are ty[pically with low service, no communication agents. 

It's a reflection of whom they chose to rep them.

I have had some say their agent is not calling like they say they are.

Lots of people are online doing a lot of research on their own. Thye have acess to lots of information.

as a buyers agent, agents need to be proactive and bery responsive to keep their clients happy and motivated to see homes with them.

BINGO  Nina Hollander !!!

For many reasons, unfortunately some are because they are not confident with their Buyer's agent.

I explain why they do not do that and do not have a problem.

no idea