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Buyer Tip #1

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with MULAMONT REALTY, LLC MI RE License #6502378551

Buying a HomeWork with an agent of your own choosing.

Let's face it.  I've dealt with buyers who decide to work with the listing agent.  You must remember this, the listing agent is working for the seller.  Anything you say or disclose that could possibly advantage the seller the listing agent is obliged to pass onto the seller.

How often is there information of the type that would be disadvantageous for the buyer?  Why chance it?  That's why there are Sellers' (listing) agents and Buyers' agents.  Each has a responsibility specific to either the homeowner trying to selling their home at the highest price the market will bear or the buyer looking to buy the best possible home at the lowest possible price.  Do you detect some potential for conflict?

A parallel to this reasoning is this; would you hire the prosecuting attorney to defend you in your trial?  I don't think so.  But how often will a buyer go straight to the listing agent.  If you do choose an agent other than the one listing the home for sale, just make sure you do your homework.  A poor performing buyer's agent is just as bad as no agent at all.  Just something to think about.

Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

I agree completely.  My analogy is similiar.  Would a divorcing couple use the same attorney?  Now, there are tons of amicable dissolutions -- and a ton more amicable closed real estate transaction.  Just best to have your own side representing you, and your best interest!  (Like your new photo!)

Sep 13, 2010 12:38 PM
Jack Mossman - The Nines Team at Keller Williams in Stockton
The Nines Team At Keller Williams - Stockton, CA
The Nines Team at Keller Williams in Stockton

David - I'm on the agree side too!  I would also point out that not only do buyers need an agent on resales, it helps them on new home purchases as well .... who does that new homes rep work for .... the builder AKA the seller!

Sep 13, 2010 12:42 PM
David L. Montgomery
MULAMONT REALTY, LLC - Pontiac, MI
David L. Montgomery

Thanks for your comments.  I have a bit of an historic perspective on this too.  There is an agent in our office oh about 75 yrs old and she remembers the days of dual agency. It wasn't called that "back in the day"; it was just putting a deal together.  She told me how much of a headache they were and the threats of lawsuits because of serving two masters...you get the picture.

Sep 13, 2010 01:11 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Agreed! Like Jack, I always advise buyers take a real estate agent with them to any builder modles!

Sep 20, 2010 01:14 AM
David L. Montgomery
MULAMONT REALTY, LLC - Pontiac, MI
David L. Montgomery

Realtors -- a great undervalued resource!

Sep 21, 2010 08:51 AM
Chris Smith
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

This is the first of many, and perhaps ultimately the most important choice, because a good realtor can make a world of difference.

Oct 20, 2010 04:12 PM
Grace Culver
Michigan Homes Network - home advertising and search - Ferndale, MI
Advertising

It's very important to have a comfortable, trusting relationship with your realtor.

Oct 21, 2010 02:30 PM