I don't think I would call it a trend.  Don't you think many people want to get a "deal" and that perception often is a reality in real estate and elsewhere.  The value of proper represtentation is not as clear.  

There isn't any trend? Just the surge from I Buyers that haven't figured out why that's not the best for them. They are not around in my area yet.

Did find something that I should post about Ibuyers across the country. Percentage of market in different states.

Some buyers think that the listing agent who will gain from making more commission with share the commission with them or bend over backwards in some legitimated or illegitimate way to make more $$$.

Some also believe that working with the listing agent will give them an advantage in a multiple-offer situation.

It is human nature for people to try to cut corners to their advantage. All another reason for us to diversify

I did a lot of dual agency through out my career Peter Mohylsky so I don't see it as a trend. To me agencies that are Buyer or Seller only are the trend. Buyers and Sellers trusted me alike. Most people chose to work with an agent they trust irregardless of if they have both sides or not. It was never said to me but I would guess some Buyers and Sellers get tired of the lag time between two agents on a transaction if they've ever been in a transaction where one of the agents were lazy or just a plain old ass.

I have not noticed that trend in our market.

Those buyers "dream" to get better deal.

I don't agree that it's a trend - at least not in our area. There have always been a certain percentage of buyers that call the listing agent for vaious perceived reasons (may or may be true, but perceived) - the listing agent  knows the most about the home and seller,  you don't have to worry about clash of egos between agents, and of course the perceived opportunity to get a better deal by negotiating all or some of the buyer's agent fee off the price or to go towards closing costs.

People think they are saving money despite all.

I think the better-stated Q is "Why would a buyer choose less than full representation?"

It's not really a 'trend' but something that has always existed (as long as I've been around, anyway!)

A: Several reasons:

1. Buyer can't get answers to questions about property from a buyer's agent, either due to laziness, overwhelm, lack of resourcefulness or it simply takes them time and buyer perceives that LA will have an immediate answer (they usually would, one would hope)
2. Buyer thinks that one agent is gonna be less likely to 'muck up the works' than two (that is possible!)
3. Buyer thinks they will get 'a better deal' via the listing agent (they may but they also may not)
4. Buyer thinks they can dip into LA's pocket without another agent's split (possible but may not be the case)

Do they understand the relationship between LA and seller? Well, they should as LA should have explained it to them!

I realize everything I said is full of 'subject-tos'.

"...don't they understand the relationship behind the listing agent and seller?"

Of course they do.

The real question to ask is "Why are BUYERS willing to take this risk?"

The right answer does not exist in the logic of NAR or even the iBuyer and FSBO trend, but does exist if an agent can get "out of the real estate agent echo chamber" and asks intelligent, probing questions of buyers and sellers in their area.

I think most agents who have both sides are just looking to make the deal work, which at the end of the day is what we are here to do.

In markets where hot properties fly off the shelves these buyers believe that by going to the listing agent they have a competitive edge & a better chance that their offer will be accepted. 

That is not a "trend." It's something I've seen for 25+ years now. For some reason they think they'll get a better price.

Peter,

It happens, and it is not necessarily a trend.  A

No trend Ihave noticed. Some over the years think they can get a better deal. After an explanation of agency, some seek an agent. Some never understand.

Most of the buyers today think they will get better deal......

I don't know if it's a trend but I do think that buyers definitely don't understand the listing agent/seller relationship.

Finding someone you can trust and if not going to the source is the movment

No, they do not understand the relationship.  IF they did, most would not do it.

It is common that listing agents LIE to the buyer by convincing buyers that it is better to let THEM (the listing agent) represent them also. 

I don't see this as a "trend"...this has been going on forever.

Take for instance Florida...no mandatory agency disclosures required. Transaction brokers are allowed to use the word "represent" even though the florida ONLY meaning is "that the buyer or seller cannot be liable for the actions of the broker"...what part of that is representation?  None.

Eve

Peter this isn't new to me.....I've been hearing since my first year in the business 1987,  They do think somehow they'll be getting a 'deal'.

Just to safe money.  They think that the way it should work.

There is no trend. There are some who think they can save money by dealing directly with the listing agent.

Please, bring this trend to my listings!!!!

I haven't noticed that here. If there is a problem, it's our own fault. We have not properly educated buyers and sellers on agency! IMHO an agent can not serve two masters

I have been seeing it as long as I've been in the business - everyone wants a deal and now that prices have gone up, it's more of a challenge.

Now, it's becoming a big thing again - "Maybe we can save a little if we go with the listing agent."

They think they are saving  the commission paid by the seller on the sale side if they don't use a REALTOR.

People need to be educated.

buyers are thinking only of the money....and they try to negotiate some funds from the future commission....stupid..... however, there are agents who play that game just to make a sale.... they give up a big chunk.... dumb...

I have no idea. It's all about the Benjamins

Its not a trend, most buyers don't understand the role of the listing agent.

I haven't seen this trend.. That being said, many people who are not in the real estate industry do not understand who represents who. It's up to us to tell them.

Second question ... likely not.  They are clueless and the listing agent certainly ain't gonna tell them! 

I think it has been a common theme for quite some time.

That's not new. I believe there are seminars where people go to learn how to make money in Real Estate. I've had a buyer or two tell me so. And they advise them to go strait to the listing agent and ask for a price reduction based on a certain percentage. What they weren' told is the comm. is negotiated with the seller regardless of whether an agent is involved or not. At least that is how it is in our area.

Those buyers believe if they work with the listing agent they will get a better deal because you will cut your commission for the pleasure of doing both sides for half price. Fantasy Land

I'm sure it was in a book on how to be a savy buyer.

Why would they understand the relationship behind listing agent and seller- not all agents truly understand the concept of agency relationships.

I sell it simply- you don't go into a courtroom and see the same attorney representing both sides- would would you want that kind of relationship for such a signficant purchase?

We saw this years ago, but around here, feel they understand the importance of buyer representation now.   I have not had a sign call in quite some time.

Is it a trend? Buyers always think (misguidedly) that they will get a better deal if they work directly with the listing agent by cutting out an "intermediary".

It's been going on long before any of us were first licensed.  They don't realize that they are only doubling the income for one agent and not getting the representation they deserve in many cases.

For thirty years in my career that has always existed.