Buyer Agency

Buyer Agency

real estate Whether you are a first time homebuyer, or you have bought and sold homes many times in the past, working with a Buyer Agent you can trust can help save many dollars & lots of possible headaches! You want someone who can help guide you through the maze that is Home Purchasing in the 21st century!

Why is this important to you?

Seller agents call the buyer's attention only to flaws in the home, as required by law!
Seller agents must furnish their clients with any information obtained from you or any other sources that is material to the transaction which may influence the seller's decision to sell or how to negotiate any contracts.
The buyer is a customer - not a client!
Therefore, a word to the wise - do not give the seller's agent any information that could put you at a disadvantage in negotiations!


A Buyer's Agent represents the interests of a buyer, not a seller. The buyer become a client of the buyer's agent, not a customer. With a seller's agent, the buyer is just a customer to whom the seller has no obligations.

You have probably heard that, in order to have the proper representation, you should never use an agent who works for a full service company. This is not true! You should, however, use an Agent who will represent you as a Buyer Agent. This is why, many years ago, I made a decision to not be a Dual Agent. This means that if I have a listing that you see, and you decide that you will want to write up an offer on it, I will suggest that you either have another RealtorŪ help you write up an offer or refer you to another RealtorsŪ who can help you, so that you will have your own representation in the transaction.

When you are purchasing a home, there are many thngs that have to be done. Although many people have purchased a home using the seller's agent, and have had no problems, please keep in mind that all transactions are as different as the parties involved in the transaction. Having your own agent to help guide you through the various processes can help keep a transaction from potentially becoming a bad transaction.


So how does this affect you when you are out looking for a home?

Example 1: You see a home advertised in the newspaper, home magazine or on the internet. You contact the listing agent & make an appointment to see the house. The Agent is friendly, informative and tells you what you believe is everything about the house. Is the Agent representing you or the Seller in this case? If I were the listing agent, I would immediately make you aware that I am representing the Seller & would suggest that you not tell me anything that you don't want the Seller to know. I would show you the home and point out any material defects I am aware of in the home. I would also let you know that, should you decide to write up an offer, that you may wish to get your own RealtorŪ to represent you in this transaction , or I would refer you to another RealtorsŪ. You may also wish to represent yourself; however, I would require that you sign a form indicating you know that I am representing the Seller, and will not be representing you. I will still treat you fairly and honestly and have to make you aware of any known defects in the home. If you are out looking at homes, or go into an open house, make sure you are aware of who the RealtorŪ you are speaking to is representing and insist on having your own representation if you so desire!

Example 2: You are working with an Agent, who shows you 25 different homes over 3 weekends. The Agent buys you lunch twice, knows all 4 of your children by name as well as all of your personal likes & dislikes, but does not offer Buyer Agency. You feel comfortable with the Agent, revealing important personal information. Is this Agent representing you or the Seller? Well, the answer to that question may be "It Depends". It is always preferable to sign a Buyer Agency Agreement, which will spell out the duties that the Buyer Agent will owe to you. However, if you choose not to sign an agreement, this does not necessarily mean you do not have a Buyer Agent working for you. The actions of the Agent may constitute an implied Buyer Agency Relationship. However, in order to protect yourself, I generally recommend that you sign a Buyer Agency agreement, with an "Easy Exit" clause!


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