Resources
The
Contractual Relationship Between You And A REALTORŪ
Once you are convinced the agent can do a good job representing you, you need
to decide on the kind of contractual relationship you will have. It used to be
that agents always 'represented' the seller of the home. Today you can choose
the kind of relationship you will have with your real estate agent:
- Buyer's Agent: The buyer's agent works only for the buyer and is bound to
represent you above all other interests. This is clearly the best choice if you
are buying a house.
- Seller's Agent: The seller's agent works only for the seller of the home.
This means that they essentially look out for the seller's interest - not yours.
- Disclosed Dual Agent: In this arrangement, the agent works for both the buyer
AND the seller. This often occurs when an agent sells a property they have also
listed for sale. The problem here is obvious--the agent is serving 2 masters and
cannot put the interest of one above the interests of another. As a home buyer,
you're better off working with an agent who is bound to look out for only you.
Many inexperienced home buyers call real estate offices based only on a sign in
the front yard of an advertised property. What they often don't realize is that
the agent who shows them that house becomes their agent for the sale. Cold calling
a group of real estate offices is a lousy way to select the professional who will
help you through the biggest purchase of your life.
Selecting the agent first--based upon the agent's experience, reputation and your
personal comfort level--is the best way to be certain your agent truly "represents"
you! |
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As
your Real Estate Specialist, our job is to help you..... help you find a
home that meets your lifestyle, location and budget requirements within
the time frame that you need to purchase and occupy the home. 
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