If a person doesn not want to work with an agent - that's fine. Wish them well and move on.  I wouls not create an 'agency' and possible get stuck in the middle of a messy situation all because someone who doesn't want an agent created it and said - that agent told me to....blah blah blah. That's just nuts. Wish them well.....

The laws of engaging real estate representation vary by state. That said,  I think it is wise to choose people who are a good match for you and who want to work with you. Connections matter. With people.  And in lots of other things. Good luck.

I could not say it any better than Michael Jacobs. 

In Texas that would be know as sub agency.  You just need to insure the listing broker will pay a sub agent.

We have had that situation occur many times....we advise them to secure a buyer's agent; we offer to set them up with one in our office.... if they refuse, we explain agency thoroughly including scenarios that could possibly happen in the future.... 

we always represent the seller....and we have an agency disclosure that everyone signs.... this is not a license to lie....but when push comes to shove, the seller will win, if there's a conflict.... we say that and several have refused another agent be brought into the showing....

If we walk like agents, act like agents, quack like agents...we are agents.

 Wide open topic here but basically treat them as you would be like to be treated.  your Best Use of Time applies.  Are they going to be time vampires or could you possibly benefit personally from helping them.  Learning how to deal with people is part of your skill set you need to work on continually.  

CAREFULLY. You do not want to 'imply' agency EXCEPT yours with your seller.

SIGN them on an agency disclosure that plainly states YOU REPRESENT THE SELLER ONLY. First 'meaningful opportunity'.

The tricky part is, 9/10 the 'customer' doesn't know JACK and keeps coming to you for info.

NO ADVICE can be given. Direct to attorney or title company. You can only provide seller's disclosures and listing offering.
They will tell you what they want to offer, you write it up again with clear disclosure of your agency status.
You take it to seller, they respond and make that in writing.
So in essence, the customer is 'their own agent' and you deal with them as such.

If I cannot gain their trust and loyalty, NEXT! Good luck to you

Chris,

Read what Michael Jacobs wisely advised.  Life and business are really simple, either you are a match or your not.  You can try to intimidate and manipulate someone, but in the long run you will lose.  A

Are you talking about FSBOs?  Not sure what you mean by a "customer whom we don't represent."  If they're a customer of mine, they're a client.  Are you referring to a random bloke or blokette on the street that asks a question or comes into an open house?

Well, it is true, you have to earn their trust and their business.

The buyers give their email to everyone who asks them about it ( when they start shopping for a house, checking public websites, attend open houses), and they do receive the same notifications since we all basically have an access to the same database. 

You should always treat people with professionalism.

I think Ken Jones summed that one up for you as best as possible.

In Illinois, we have something called "implied" agency.... you are working for the person that you 'seem' to be working for.... so if your actions make it appear as though you're working as a buyer's agent..... you are.

The study of human nature should be mandatory at the high school level. Why? It covers and addresses the human participation (or lack) and then the subject matter. Knowing people is the beginning of summoning the necessary results. Knowing yourself is the beginning of command & control

Basically i see it as a transaction actio as they call it here in NH. I can show the home, write a contract but offer no advice. Of course all that is gone over and signed by the customer that they want to stay a customer and not become a client

I refer them.

Depends upon which state you will be working in. The law is different state-to-state.

Good luck!

Why wouldn't you show houses to customers? It's their choice not to be represented and what's the problem with doing so as long as they know you are now a subagent of the seller and representing the seller's best interests in that capacity? The entire concept behind buyer agency is that the buyer has a choice as to level of representation. Our buyer agency agreement has a section where they initial their understanding that you represent the seller in situations like this. I developed a document years and years ago titled "Are you a client or a customer?" that I include with our state approved agency document. It clearly explains what I can do for a customer and what I can't do for a customer and what I must do for a client. 

I never wasted any time with "customers" Chris Marston . Everyone I came in contact with was asked to sign an agency agreement and if they refused that was pretty much the end of it. 

If they have no interest in being represented wish them the best, hand them your card, for future reference, ask them if it is ok to stay in contact with them since time has a way of changing needs. BUT never tell them or act like you are representing them.

We would not waste our valuable time

 Chris Marston 

The technology has affected the realtor's role to a much greater role. Anyone with an in- state license can hang a sign for sale 100s, 1000s miles away.  Majority home seekers these days do not want to be presented to be driven around the same way as before.  The same with business opportunities or commercial properties. Sellers do not want to pay buyer agent a commission. You need to ask for compensation from buyers if they don't know how to find deals themselves. MLS sites allows those sellers do not want to pay coop fee to be posted.  Suppose the coop commission is just a 1%, is it worth your time in this popular new model? That is the decision agents need to make. 

Never have had one.  

You still need to  be honest and fair-and continue working in your actual CLIENT's best interest. You only owe fiduciary duty to CLIENTS, not Customers. 

Move on to a more realistic prospect.

Rules are made by NAR, so it does not vary by states. Follow the law of agency.

Either you are representing someone (fiduciary) or not ( arms length)

A customer receives...not much.

• NO advice
• NO comps
• NO loyalty
• NO confidentiality

Eve

This typically only comes up when a buyer wants to make an offer thru the listing agent and the listing agent's policy is always represent the seller (never be a dual agent). The buyer not being represented is not owed the same fiduciary benefits as the seller - the agent is acting strictly in the sellers best interest. IE if the buyer happen to let it slip that they aren't really too worried about anything on the inspection report but want to ask the seller to fix a few things - the agent that is solely representing the seller is going to advise his seller of what the buyer's comments about the inspection were. A dual agent or an agent that is only representing the buyer is not going to pass along the buyer's comments.