I found a home that I am interested in purchasing. I called the listing agent and set up an appointment to see the house. A friend told me that I should have a buyer's agent (which I agree is a good idea). But, I thought if I liked the house, I could retain their services prior to making an offer. My friend says I can't because the buyer's agent won't get his commission if he was not there for the initial showing. Should I postpone the walk through until I retain a buyer's agent?

Do the walk through and during the walk through or even at the end of the walk through state clearly something along the lines of "Looks great, I will have my agent be in touch" or "I may be interested I will have my agent contact you for another showing" Just put it out there that you do have an agent but do it after the walk through yet still at the property. If you mention a buyer's agent before the walk through the selling agent may not show it until you secure a buyer's agent and set up the appointment with them causing you to possibly lose out on valuable time if say another interested party were to walk through before you.

You could still use one, claiming conflict of interest.However, make things easier on everyone and show up for the walk thru with an agent. I would even call and cancel, most homes do nto require the selling agent to be rpesent at all.While it is legal for the agent to represent both sides, they are also legally obligated to favor the seller. They MUST get as much money out of you as possible. It is much better to have your own guy/girl in there pitching for you!Since you don't have an agent already let me make a recommendation....pick one that has been around for a long time. This market is simular to the market 15-20 years ago and it a differant game tehn the one played in the last few years. You will do MUCH better with someone who played this game (buyers market) in the past and survived.