agent exclusivity?

[landlord to be]

We own an apartment that we want to rent out, and I contacted a couple of agents that I could see online that had listings for the same condo. One of them wants me to sign up that he is an exclusive agent - that feels odd to me. Shouldn't I have a couple of agents? Is there anything wrong with having several agents?

[dump him]

Dont do it and dont call him back - agents like that are trouble.

[Cynical]

Do not use and Agent.  Save all the trouble and a months rent as commission.  Do it yourself and save (not just money but the hassle).

No agents and no commission.    What could be fairer than that?

[Confuse too]

That's exactly what I felt too!  I approached 1 agent to express my intention to rent my apartment.  He explained everything to me and even showed me on the draft of TA.  But, here I am thinking if I could approach other agents to expand my chances to get tenant faster.  I'm confuse too...Seems like I'm obligated to just stick to 1 agent...

[Agent XYZ]

Do not use and Agent.  Save all the trouble and a months rent as commission.  Do it yourself and save (not just money but the hassle).

No agents and no commission.    What could be fairer than that?

Dear oh dear. 

This is the WORST and most offending post I have ever read in all my years.

I am banging my head against the wall while reading this advice.   

Who on earth told you this ?

This is the sort of drivvel that just angers me.

[Agent can]

I say use an agent but limit his exclusivity period. Agent must rent out in the given time. Once pass send invites to others. Of course your expectation for rent should be fair.

[xclusivity]

PP is right.  A good agent can be helpful but have a clearly defined time limit to the contract.  Ask the agent what he proposes to do for the fee. 

Would he advertise your property in newspapers?  Would he make it "property of the week" and send to his list of clients?  Ask to see the kind of particulars he has done for others.  Are they printed on good quality paper with nice pictures.  Have a look at his web site to see how things are laid out.

Basically, an agent who bothers to do the above things, incurs a fair bit of time and expense and deserves a period of exclusivity to try and recoup his outlay.  However, this cannot go on forever.  8 weeks should be plenty.  Afterwards, throw it oen to competition and have two agents or three.