Beginner's Question

No need to indicate you're working with a broker if you have not engaged one yet. And yes, you can indeed bring in a buy-side broker if/when you want to regardless of where you are in the process.

Bram, I'm not sure that's right for new developments. IIRC you generally had to have a buy-side broker with you at the second visit.

Come on aboutready. You can do whatever you can negotiate.

AR is right about new devs. Most resales you'll encounter are covered by a trade association co-brokerage agreement that does not cover new developments ... and you'll notice when you go to new developments that they'll often have you sign a piece of paper that you are waiving your rights to bring in your own broker. "We'll accept a broker you bring in on the second visit" is true of most buildings, but I don't think all.

ali r.
{downtown broker}

For a new development you can negotiate a better deal if you do not have your own broker.

exactly reallynow, tho inexplicably some new devpmts insist you have a broker.

but b23--if youve been shopping and have narrowed down and are getting ready to make an offer WTF do you need a broker for now?

You need a lawyer, not a broker.

But, for grins, now that youve got pretty good knowledge of the market in which you are looking, interview a broker or two--you will find they have no secret sauce that is worth paying a 3% commission to. and you may well find that they are not very bright and/or knowledgeable, and have potential to f up negotiations and bs you in foolhardy attempts to make a deal happen where it might not make sense for you.

and dont listen to the tripe about how it costs you, the buyer, nothing to have a buy side broker. fact is that the fewer dirty fingers that get in the pie the better the price you will be able to negotiate. simple.

And without a buyers' broker you attract significant attention from the listing brokers, as they greedily consider that they may pocket the entire 6%, if you are dumb enough to let that happen. so at least, initially, your call will be returned quickly.

once you get to negotiation, get a good lawyer who has no connection to your deal other than to you--NOT a referral from listing broker or others close to deal--work with your lawyer as you negotiate price--you will be paying this lawyer to get you through contract and close anyway--it's likely lawyer you retained for appx 2000$ to get you through the close will be happy to advise on how to bid etc--and even if s/he chargees a few bux extra for this, it pales in comparison to $$ you would waste on a buyers' broker--and if your lawyer is worth a damn as they go, he will honor fiduciary to you in ways a broker would never.

Thanks for all the insights. Much appreciated.