2 brokers

Now isn't THAT a sticky wicket? I'm not sure there is etiquette for this mess but I think I would call the 2nd broker & thank them profusely & then explain that you're working with the other broker now & you're sorry for creating the confusion. There was a thread on here recently about a young guy who got himself in a fix like this & some of the posts made him seem like such a stupid thoughtless oaf; it appeared like a sad blunder to me but some feedback was merciless. Should you send broker 2 flowers or a plant with a little mea culpa & DON'T DO THAT AGAIN? ! ? You really need to put yourself in the shoes of these brokers & think how you'd feel if somebody were jacking YOU around. [The case I just spoke of seemed more innocent than this one - "I've been working with 2 brokers"]

Its really not a big deal. Dont listen to Broker #2. Pick the one you want to see the apartment with, and tell the other that you've already made an appointment the day before with another broker you are working with to see the apartment. I used 3 different brokers in three areas on NYC when I was looking and there was overlap from time to time. Reall ynot that big of a deal.

#2's example is a TOTALLY different situation...in that case the buyer told the seller he wasn't using a broker and then decided to use one, which ticked off the seller's broker.

#3 is right. You don't owe these brokers anything so don't worry. Just may want to keep track of which units you are seeing so you don't overlap and they find out about each other. But if you're looking in only one location than using one broker makes sense...otherwise both will be showing you the same listings.

The first time I bought I used >1 broker...and one found out about the other (wanted to show me the other's exclusive), then called me and chewed me out. I thought he was very unprofessional so I decided to go with the other one. So just beware, if you're using 2 brokers.

OP here. Thanks 3&4. I am inclined to agree with you. There is no exclusive agency agreement between me and either of them. In fact I've been very clear with the second broker (who I've done less work with) that I am working with someone else. End of the day, I trust the first broker's knowledge of the market and representation more than the second broker.

Brokers appreciate your honesty as you indicate here. It is the buyer's right to choose the broker they wish to represent them in the sale. What you said is key here - "I trust the first broker's knowledge of the market and representation more than the second broker" - If you find yourself working with someone you trust AND who has market knowledge, stick with them. Work as a team and you will accomplish more in your search than if you are working with two or more brokers. Brokers do not work as hard for you when they sense you are not loyal - also - do you want someone who's just looking at your deal as money in their pocket, regardless of whether you are happy or not - or do you want a broker who working with you for the long term relationship - which means referrals down the road? Having one truly experienced broker help you find the home, evaluate different buildings and neighborhoods against each other and also has your long term interests at heart - that is the broker you want. Sure, anyone including you can find properties on line.

The business is made up of people - broker to broker relationships, how your buyers broker presents your offer, especially for a coop, who they connect you with for the whole process, and how they are able to a) negotiate and win you the deal in a multiple bid - b) get you through the purchase process to closing as smoothly as possible - these things all make a difference in New York.

If you are working with a broker and you are not happy, tell them. More helpful than just going off to work with someone else- it's a small business. You don't need to stay with them - in the end, you are the customer.

Lastly, if you are working with 'two brokers' and decide to make a bid on a property that both sent you - and it's a multiple bid - which buyer will get the deal more likely? The one who's offer is not complicated by two brokers claiming a commission (rightly or wrongly) or the buyer who's broker has a solid relationship with the buyer and has presented their buyer in the best light possible to the seller's agent?

Whoever you choose to work with, be clear with both of them. It will save time in the end. For all of you.

The best thing to do though, if you can, is go to the seller (FSBO) or seller broker directly without a buyer broker. I listed my apartment as exclusive with a seller broker and when offers come in, I gave priority to a buyer without buyer broker because I only have to pay my listing broker 4% for direct sale instead of 5% for co-broke.

#6 has stated it perfectly.