If you are selling a Los Angeles home,  you will be using just one real estate agent because you will sign an exclusive listing agreement with that agent which means, yes, that you work exclusively with that agent.  The work involved in selling a Los Angeles home warrants  that kind of loyalty, and you as a seller will be paying commission to that agent and the co-broker who brings the buyer.  Makes sense, right!

Now, if you are buying a Los Angeles home, or renting a Los Angeles home why would you not use an agent exclusively?  There is something called a Buyer Representation Agreement which some agents ask the buyer to sign before working with them, but since they are not really enforceable many of us work on trust.

Los Angeles Realtor

Many Los Angeles home buyers and renters do not fully understand the role of the real estate agent in the transaction.

Who pays the realtor's fee?

An agent does not get paid until a deal is consummated, on the listing side or on the buying side.  And, as a buyer, you don't pay the agent, the seller or landlord does.

Why should I use one agent?  Won't I get more choice if I use several?

No.  Every agent has access to the same information - listings on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).  This is the only place you are going to find an active listing.  In some cases an agent may have access to a pocket listing (a home that is not listed on the MLS), but this is extremely rare, almost like finding a needle in a haystack.

Won't I get a deal if I go directly through the listing agent?

I doubt it.  Dual agency (where an agent represents both sides) can be a slippery slope.  Although that agent is bound to represent both sides equally and fairly, remember who is paying the commission....   And, many brokerages don't allow dual agency.  Would you not rather be represented by someone who is 100% committed to getting you the best deal and terms possible?

And why would you want to constantly be searching the internet looking for properties.  You are not going to find anything that your agent won't know about if they are worth their salt, and since the only accurate representation of what is truly available is the MLS, you could be wasting your time, finding properties that are already off the market.  Never mind trying to get hold of ten different agents to set up appointments on ten different properties, half of whom don't call you back.

If you are buying a Los Angeles home,  or even renting, find an agent you trust and put yourself in their hands. You have no idea how much easier your life will become.

Buying or Selling Los Angeles Real Estate

Buying or selling a Los Angeles home can be a daunting process in a city this size, especially if you're new to L.A. Town. You'll need a resident expert to show you around and help you narrow down the areas where you might like to live. I will help you find the perfect home in the right area to fit your lifestyle, budget and needs!

When I list and sell Los Angeles homes for my clients I strive to make the experience a pleasant one. My mission is to provide outstanding service while utilizing the best practices and systems available.

If you are an absentee owner, you'll need someone to handle all the details that you can't handle remotely. That's where I come in - I'm there when you can't be. I also specialize in lease property in Los Angeles.

Westside Los Angeles Real Estate, including, but not limited to:

For more information on how I can best serve your Los Angeles real estate needs, don't hesitate to fill out the contact form or give me a call at 310-473-6919.

Jane Peters, connecting you to the L.A. real estate scene

Buying or selling real estate in Los Angeles can be an overwhelming process.  Contact Jane Peters, Los Angeles realtor specializing in absentee owners, out of town buyers, and those who need that extra attention, in order to make the transaction a smooth, trouble-free, and fun experience.

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28 Comments on Why Use a Real Estate Agent When Buying a Los Angeles Home

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

SEP
02
2011
1,120,483 Points 102 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Oh thanks Jane.  And like I said I truly never plan to do it, but it has happened a few times.  But I've certainly seen it done where one party or the other got the shaft.
9:00pm • #9
SEP
03
2011
762,343 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Carla,  LOL

Tammy,  there you go.
12:27am • #10
637,065 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jane - dual agency is almost never used here in Tennessee, buyers are allowed to be unrepresented, but the agents duty is to the seller. I always notify unrepresented buyers that they should not tell me anything that they wouldn't say to the seller. You know little things like I want to offer $150k but I would go up to $160k. What do you think the seller will do when I tell them that?
2:03pm • #11
607,072 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jane - I am so glad you addressed the dual agency issue, many buyers think that by going to the listing agent they will get a "deal". Larry did make an excellent point. When there is a dual agency, an agent has one foot on both sides of the line.
5:45pm • #13
762,343 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Larry,  that is an excellent point.

Sharon,  and you know which way they are leaning.
6:02pm • #14
355,728 Points 19 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Don't get a home without an agent. It's the best money a Buyer will never spend. Great summary, Jane.
11:43pm • #15
762,343 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wayne, I love it.  The best money they will never spend.
11:48pm • #16
SEP
04
2011
715,935 Points 69 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jane - Wayne said it perfectly.  I do a lot of Dual Agency, Single Agent transactions because I bring the buyers to many of my listings (which is why I call it Fairfield County's Hidden Gem), but it requires me to educate both sides to the point where they can represent themselves.  That's a lot of work and stress!  I didn't realize that Buyer Agency Agreements weren't binding in your area.  They are binding in my area and taken very seriously.
10:13am • #17
762,343 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gail, we do have a buyer agency disclosure as well as seller agency, we don't have a binding buyer broker agreement.  And we have to disclose dual agency.  But we are allowed to do dual agency, although some brokerages' policy is not to allow it.
2:49pm • #18
471,280 Points 26 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master

Hi Jane, you explained it all very well, I've tried to do the same in other posts but I like your style. Buyers don't understand how simple their search will be when the decide to work with one agent and I think they still don't necessarily understand the MLS concept.  We have seller agency, buyer agency and transaction brokerage in Colorado - transaction brokers can help both the buyer and the seller in a transaction without being an advocate for either....
8:31pm • #19
565,074 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jane--I find it puzzling that so many still believe they will save mone if they deal directly with the listing agent. I had one buyer tell me that the commission is negotiable. I told him he was correct; it has been negotiated between the seller and my broker. What a buyer pays is also negotiated but it will be zero if I am compensated by the seller in the transaction. Too many informercials and bad real estate advice gurus out there I guess.
9:20pm • #20
314,457 Points 17 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Jane, I am a big fan of the exclusive buyer agreement and strongly recommend that my agents use it. It is good for the agent AND for the client! The buyer can cancel if not happy and so can the agent. It is a relationship after all and I like to make it official :D
10:27pm • #21
762,343 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mary,  that's a new one, transaction brokerage.  Thank you for the compliment, but I am sure you do very well at explaining the reasons to use a realtor to buy or rent.  It just makes sense.

Teri,  everyone is looking for a deal, yet sometimes they will end up paying more and being more stressed than if they had let someone handle everything for them.  They can even save money that way.

Patty, in our neck of the woods it is extremely rare to have a buyer broker agreement.  The buyers don't sit still long enough to sign them.  :)
11:58pm • #22
SEP
05
2011
620,207 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Nicely explained, Jane. We don't use Buyer-Broker agreements here in San Mateo County and Silicon Valley either. I've sometimes thought we should, but ultimately, the trust needs to be mutual to make a relationship work. Buyers NEED an agent working on THEIR behalf.
2:13am • #23
762,343 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Lottie,  I agree 100%.  I don't think those agreements are natural.  Forcing someone to be loyal is not going to work out and those contracts are not binding anyway.
2:16am • #24
314,457 Points 17 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Jane, it is the exception here too... but I still like it and recommend it to be used.
8:44am • #25
942,700 Points 95 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

I especailly like the part about dual agency and getting a deal. People have many false impressions.
10:49am • #26
762,343 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Patty,  they are great if you can get them.

Melissa,  they do. I think dual agency is scary.
3:25pm • #27
SEP
10
2011
590,125 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I dislike it when buyers call the signs and already have a realtor!  We try to educate buyers CALL me I can show you anything and yet they still go around calling agents on the sign.

If I get a call on my listing and the buyer wants to write an offer I become a dual agent which I also dislike...hard to not be bias in my opinion how can you service both clients yet we have agents making a living at both sides here in LA.
12:45am • #28
762,343 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Marilyn,  I really don't get it.  I had someone call me on a listing she thought was mine (on my site) a $35K rental.  Her agent was out of town.  I wouldn't show her and I wouldn't give her the listing agent's no.  I told her to contact her agent.....
12:47am • #29

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Jane Peters - Los Angeles Real Estate DRE# 01439865

Los Angeles, CA

More about me…

Power Brokers Int'l

Address: Beverly Hills, CA, 90210

Office Phone: (310) 473-6919

Cell Phone: (310) 473-6919

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A Los Angeles Realtor® specializing in absentee owners, out-of-town buyers and those needing extra assistance with one of the most important transactions of their lives. Just sit back and relax! You are in capable hands.

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