How often does the listing agent sell their own listing?

Answer 1

This actually happens a fair amount, but so-called "dual agency" is a really bad thing for both the buyer and the seller. Worse yet is the buyer having no representation agreement, but the agent gets both parts of the sale without having any duty of care to them.

This is why part of why buyer's agents are a good idea.

http://www.searchlightcrusade.net/posts/1142923043.shtml

Answer 2

Not as often as you would think. Chances are the buyer for your house is already working with a REALTOR.

There are some listing agents who don't work with buyers. There are some buyers agents who don't work with sellers. You aren't hiring the listing agent to sell the house you are hiring them to market it and cause it to sell. Most of the time it is another agent who brings the buyer.

So getting their stats on how many of their listings are sold by them is useless. You want to know the percentage of their listings that sell as opposed to expire.

Answer 3

This is not uncommon since agents often work with both buyers and sellers and it is not unusual or unethical for an agent to show a buyer his inventory first before looking elsewhere. In such a cas, the agent would make commission as a dual agent for both buyer and seller.....in some cases this is actually a good thing since the agent is highly motivated to reach the best deal for both sides.....

Answer 4

I would take it a step further and suggest that the consumer ask the Realtor for information regarding his/her track record. This would be the best way to determine if that particular agent is able and/or has the ability of selling his own inventory. You will also be able to determine for what percent of the asking price he/she is able to sell his listings. These are all important items to consider when hiring an agent for the sale of your home.

Answer 5

It's been a while since I've done research... but typically less than 20% of the time.