I've called brokers. When the listing agent is the broker I've sent personal notes to sellers stating: "No return calls, text nor emails??? Since your agent doesn't seem to want to sell your home, I thought I'd ask you if you want our offer?"

80% have no business in our business.

Problems with the Industry never go away.  You can rant and rave but the golden rule definitely applies here.

     Document your efforts to reach the LA.  Then, go to the Broker.   If Broker does not respond, go directly to the Seller. 

    *If you are a Buyer's Broker, your fiduciary to your principal (the Buyer) probably overrides any NAR COE.  See an attorney for legal advice.

Fred Griffin nailed this one!

In my market you would not be allowed to contact the owner directly. If the agent won't call you back, contact the broker. If the agent is the broker, then I would send a certified letter to both the broker and the owner stating you have been trying to contact the agent for months and have interest in the property and see what happens then.

The tactic is often used when owners attempt to obtain funding and use the property as collateral. To the outside world it is officially being marketed to satisfy lender requirements although to its principals it is not. Additional scenarios can include it being the associate's personal home for advertising purposes yet without a true intent to sell it.

Lazy?

I love these agents because  most people will NOT wait for a return call

A mystery yet to be solved.

A question for the ages....

Some agents are just not professional.  I'd try the broker for the office and if all else fails, knock on the owner's door.

must be for visibility of the name for the thought of getting another listing or buyer call.... 

Sorry, but I always return phone calls.

John DL Arendsen If it is no longer in the MLS it probably isn't listed any longer. The owner more than likely letting the agent keep their sign on the property. As far as not returning phone calls your guess is as good as mine. Call the agent's broker to get the facts. Since the property may no longer be listed as least in the MLS, give the owner a call after speaking with the broker.

Contacting the broker would be best not the seller. Possibly the broker doens't know the actions of the agent & he can give you the info that you need.

That sign can't be up with some sort of signed agreement - there's something the broker has to look into.

Having that issue now with several agents & principals. The wild card  as well as the connection is human nature. Stay frosty & focused...it will come

That will never make any sense to me.

We see this a great deal in San Diego and It is my feeling that they do this to try to sell the homes themselves through passive non-cooperation. Too  bad; very unprofessional.

IT is not in the MLS. (A clue)

Is the agent a member of the board?
IF yes you have recourse.
If no, they have elected to participate in the new economy, not the NAR economy. You will need to get used to it.

Why do they do this?
The may see times are changing or they and the seller have an agreement of which you are unaware but may assume to know, or the property is not yet ready for prime time (coming soon) or this is a list building strategy, or creating scarcity for an event previously agreed to by agent and owner.

Lots of reasons.

Sure, you can go to the broker.

But YOU can not contact the owner directly. The club rules suggest you will get your knuckles smacked if you do.  John Q public can.

Good question and an endless one as well

It is frustrating, call the broker if you're not getting satisfaction

John,

You mentioned that the property is not in the MLS and it has been months since no response. I would send a letter directly to the owner or leave a message on the door. Do try calling the broker first.

I would call the broker. This is not good practice.

John DL Arendsen - you tell me! 

I may have similar question coming up!

John,

I don't think there is an answer.  This is one of the mysteries of the universe!

Probably a millenial and they are waiting for you to text them or fb them.

After this much time a call to the broker and the owner seems far overdue.

It is well within your right to contact the managing broker and voice an interest in the property.  

Whether you can contact the owner directly depends upon the laws, regulations, codes, etc. that you are required to follow.

I don't comment on the business practices of other agents as I am not familiar with their situation.

I would call her office and ask for her broker.

Never and always I avoid.

"Professionals" don't do this type of activity.   

While it's not common, it is definitely frustrating and others have suggested possible solutions.   Good luck.  

Yes, that practice is called Rude and Inconsiderate. 

I would be in touch with the broker.

In one word "lazy".

Call the broker.