Should You Call the Number on the Sign? Here’s Why I Say No

You’re driving through Crown Point, St. John, Schererville, wherever — and you spot it. A “For Sale” sign with a phone number, sitting outside a house that just caught your eye. Your first instinct is to pull over and call that number right then and there.

Don’t.

That number belongs to the listing agent. And the listing agent represents the seller — not you. What you need is a buyer’s agent in your corner instead.

Why Calling That Sign Can Work Against You

They Represent the Seller, Not You

This is the part buyers don’t think about in the moment. That agent’s whole job, contractually, is to get the seller the best price and terms possible. When you call that number, you’re calling someone whose loyalty is already spoken for. It’s not that they’re bad people — it’s just not their job to look out for you.

Dual Agency Gets Complicated Fast

Here’s where it gets sticky. If you call the listing agent directly, they have the option to ask the seller if they can do a dual agency transaction — representing both you and the seller in the same deal.

Ultimately, you want what’s best for your client. How can you fully do that when you represent both sides of the same negotiation? There’s too much private information a listing agent is privy to — pricing flexibility, motivation to sell, and more — that could accidentally get shared with the buyer, or vice versa. When it comes time to negotiate, it’s hard to stay unbiased and truly represent the best interest of either party.

Unless it’s a truly cut-and-dry situation, I don’t do dual agency. That’s a personal rule of mine, and it’s one every buyer should understand before they pick up the phone.

What Actually Happens When You Call

If you call the listing agent and they’re representing the seller, they can ask the seller for permission to represent both of you. Sometimes there’s a benefit to the seller in this setup — the agent may reduce their commission a bit since they’re now getting paid from both sides of the deal.

But the risk of shared information, for either side, is inevitable. Even with the best intentions, one agent simply can’t fully protect two opposing interests in the same negotiation.

Why You Need a Buyer’s Agent Instead

Get your own buyer’s agent. Find a REALTOR® of your choice and sign a buyer’s agency agreement. That gives you legal representation for negotiations, and someone to guide you through the contracts and every step of the transaction.

Someone who’s by your side. A partner.

The Biggest Myth About Buyer Representation

Most buyers don’t realize this is even an option. They don’t know they’re able to get their own representation — and that’s the best way to have an ally in your corner throughout the whole process. Click here for my FREE Buyer’s Guide.

Two Other Myths Worth Busting

“Calling Direct Gets You a Better Deal”

Absolutely false. If you call that number yourself, you don’t have anyone negotiating for you. You’re going up against a trained professional whose job is to get the seller top dollar, with no one in your corner doing the same for you.

“It’s Faster”

This one’s nonsense, too — and honestly, buying a home is not a transaction you want to speed through. There’s so much to make sure of along the way, including:

• The condition of the home
• Insurance and tax rates
• Making sure the title is clear and there are no liens on the property
• No encroachments, and the lot lines are correct
• Getting the best loan for your situation, with time to actually research your options
• Time to investigate any needed repairs and what they’ll cost

None of that happens well when you’re rushing to close a deal with the seller’s agent on your side instead of your own.

So next time you see a sign outside a home you love, don’t call the number on it. Call me instead. I’ll be the one in your corner, not the seller’s.