its personal, just like everything in this business. i went through this recently. i started scoping out some new agents in a new market, while making sure my current reps were cool with it, they didn't say NO, and then I realized I'm the one in control anyway, so I went for it, I talked to one I was excited about working with but as soon as she found out I had rep in NYC she was like OH NO WE DONT DO THAT, like her ego was bruised or something (and i wanted to say, bitch didn't you even look at my resume or website before you emailed me back and took this phone call? their info is all over my shit, be prepared lady!!!), so that phone call sucked, but literally 2 seconds later I got an email from a BETTER agent in that new market who was TOTALLY COOL sharing me, because they are confident in their abilities to sell me in their market. everybody is different. just remember to make sure everybody is cool with it before you make the decision, but ultimately it is your decision.