We just started our home search, and found a property on Zillow. We plan to talk to a few realtors in our area for the home search, but found something on Zillow before that process. We requested a showing through Zillow. Since we didn’t have an agent yet, the Zillow assigned agent reached out to us and set up a showing. He informed me about the touring agreement that is valid for 7 days and is mandatory for him to show the house. We don’t know that agent before. So I am a little hesitant to proceed with him if we like the house. After the showing, can we change the agent before the 7-day period (or even after) if we plan to put an offer for that house that he showed? If we can do so, will the new agent have a problem with proceeding with the transaction? I understand it is not fruitful for the agent showing the property for us, but at the same time, I don’t want to feel pressured or forced to go with him.
Be a good person.
If you don’t want to use this person, don’t reach out to them to show you a home. If you know you want to interview agents, then go interview agents first and then see houses.
Be respectful of your fellow humans and don’t use them.
@Vine
This. I’ve had to change my business model from ‘I want to just meet people and show them homes, and from there I will find clients’ to ‘I need to nail the interview where people can see the good advice, since they won’t just casually see homes.’
This is the change in the industry. Forget the homes, shop the agents, and you’ll have more options (and better ones) afterwards.
It’s as if no one asked the exact same question today. Or in the last week.
Tell them to send you the agreement to review between requesting the appointment and going to the house. Make sure it’s the standard Zillow Touring agreement, because that one obligates you to NOTHING.
@Kim
There are actually a fair few states that feel like that doesn’t actually give the buyer enough information, and have said that that is not enough to be able to open the door for somebody.
Some states— not California, I don’t think— but you hear people complaining about it regularly.
I use the Zillow Touring Agreement in Virginia & I think it’s good that this touring agreement is in place because it allows you to set the appointment and not risk getting fined for not staying in compliance with the new guidelines. The touring agreement should state that the services are simply for touring properties, no money is due, and it expires in 7 days. It should state that if you do move forward and other services are provided then you will have to enter into a brokerage agreement, which then outlines the amount of money the agent charges. The touring agreement is good! It allows the buyer to see the property, meet the agent, and they can decide from there if they want to continue working with them or if they want to work with someone else. Just be honest and upfront with the agent. Zillow connected you with that agent because that agent pays to receive phone calls for properties in that zip code. It doesn’t always mean they are a good agent or the right one for you. That’s for you to decide. 
You can also request a non-exclusive buyer agency agreement in some states. Still, it’s not wise. Read the fine print on the agency agreement for this one. Specifically, look at how to cancel or terminate it. I would probably find an agent first if you already know you don’t want to use the one Zillow is sending.
The silver lining of the NAR settlement from 2 months ago is that if you buy the house with another agent, the initial agent who showed you the house is entitled to the commission, so essentially you will be paying for two agents’ fees.
Zillow also gets a cut of the commission too.
This prevents the initial agent from getting screwed over.
All you people out here lately trying to screw agents over amaze me!
He put in the work to show you houses. Maybe you should have found an agent BEFORE you started looking at homes. Just a thought. And yes, I hope he goes after you for the commission if you buy a house that he showed you!
You can change agents, but it’s not cool. That agent put in the work to show you the house. If you like them, give them a shot. If not, be upfront about wanting to work with someone else. The new agent might hesitate to take you on. Be honest with everyone involved.