Special offer

WHAT IS IN YOUR BEST INTEREST? BEING A CLIENT OR A CUSTOMER?

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE

The real estate industry sometimes uses language that appears at first glance to be clear, but do you as a consumer know what some terms really mean? At first glance, the words "Client" and "Customer" seem pretty clear-cut, but they mean completely different things to a REALTOR®. It also means a tremendous difference in how seriously you are taken as a Buyer.

Think we're splitting hairs? The words "Client" and "Customer" and the way they relate to the REALTOR® as individuals make a tremendous difference in the types and level of service you receive. After you read why, you'll know absolutely whether you want to be one or the other.

First, let's start with a little history. REALTORS® have always worked with home Sellers to list their homes for sale on the market. Along with this service comes the responsibility to advertise the homes, network with other REALTORS® to find a Buyer, negotiate the sales contract and guide the Sellers to successful closings. Because of the time and expenses incurred by the sales representative and broker which will not be reimbursed until the closing of the home, Sellers have always been required to sign a listing contract. This contract enables the sales representative/broker enough time to properly market the property, find a Buyer, negotiate a contract and get the property to closing within the time frame allowed. It also protects the agent from home owners who wish to use services without fairly compensating the professional.

The real benefit, however, is for the home owner. Once the home owner has signed the contract, the sales representative/broker has the fiduciary responsibility to get the highest price possible for the home and to protect the Seller's interests above all else. The sales representative must also follow provincial and federal mandated regulations as to ethics and legalities that are enforceable by a provincial council in conjunction with the local Real Estate Association. In other words, the contract is legally binding with the REALTORS® performance at stake.

Now that a contract has been signed, the home owner is a "Client" of the sales representative/broker, and enjoys the full privileges of a close, working relationship.

Buyers have historically worked with REALTORS® too, but it wasn't until fairly recently that they have been asked to sign "Buyer Representation Agreement." This is a change that has come about because of two reasons...abuse to Buyer's agents and increased consumer awareness.

Without a contract the Buyer's agent was particularly vulnerable to working without getting paid. Too often, Buyers would ask them to show them house after house, and then buy from another sales representative. One favourite Buyer trick is to attend open houses without their REALTOR® and tell the listing sales representative they aren't working with anyone. Buyers mistakenly believe that they are learning about more homes without a sales rep. at their side, or that they may possibly get a better deal. The truth is...they don't! They usually pay more for the home than they have to when they buy from the listing sales representative directly.

Then consumer awareness dawned. Buyers began to realize that whoever represented them at the closing table was on the side of the Seller, not theirs. They realized that they deserved to have a true advocate, and the Buyer's agent was born. The only way was to create a binding agreement that protected both parties.

Good REALTORS® didn't want to be burned again so the "Buyer Agency Agreement" (now called the Buyer Representation Agreement) was created. Again, it was a protection for the REALTOR®, but it generates much more benefit for the Buyer. The main advantage is that it releases the agent from a fiduciary responsibility to the Seller and enables the agent to pursue the Buyer's goals without any agenda.

Once the contract is signed, the sales representative goes into motion searching the MLS® for homes, and seeking homes through other avenues - foreclosures, FSBO's, and their own database. At negotiations, the contracted Buyer's agent becomes a "bulldog for the Buyer", unrestricted by the Seller or Seller's agent. Now they can make more demands, get a better price and better terms of sale for the Buyer.

Despite these advantages, some Buyers are still reluctant to sign. They don't want to be "tied down" or they may mistakenly think that getting several REALTORS® to work with them will get them a better home or deal. They won't. Part of the strength of the industry is the REALTOR® communication network. A Buyer working with several sales rep's will quickly become a joke.

Without a contract, the Buyer is clearly not a Client. He/She is a "Customer" and when a good listing comes on the market either by word of mouth, e-mail from another REALTOR®, or on the MLS®, who do you think the Buyer's agent will notify first...the uncommitted Buyer (Customer) or the contracted Buyer (Client?).

A contract makes a difference in other ways. For example, there are things the Seller may not want disclosed to the Buyer such as their urgency to sell, which could compromise their bargaining position. A REALTOR® who then discloses this information is in ethical violation and can be brought before the Real Estte Council of Ontario (RECO) on charges. Some offenses are serious enough to have a REALTOR® license to practice suspended or revoked completely.

But the Buyer has no such protections without a contract! Anything they say to an un-contracted REALTOR® may be passed along to the Seller. Why? Because, any REALTOR® who works for the Buyer without a contract automatically becomes a sub-agent for the listing broker, and is therefore working on behalf of the Seller.

Surprised? It's all spelled out - in the listing contract and in the "Buyer Representation Agreement."

A contract makes the difference in whether you are a "Customer" or a "Client" in a real estate transaction.

 

Posted by

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Mississauga and Streetsville Real Estate


When you choose me to handle your real estate needs, you choose a real estate professional who cares about you and your family, who listens to your needs and who will put your interests first and foremost. I will work together with you, protecting your interests, to achieve your objectives.

I have been uniting families and homes for more than 31 years.. Let me put my 31+ years of knowledge and experience to work for you when selling or buying your next home.

 

Proud recipient of the Platinum award for outstanding serivce with a rating of 100% voted by my clients!!

A great experience starts with a great agent !

Helping You Make The Right Move since 1987. 

Call me at (905) 896-4622 or direct at (416) 717-6331

 www.mississaugarealestateonline.com    gvalvasori@gmail.com            

              

 

No part of this publication, may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, or electronic methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.  Copyright © 2018  Gloria Valvasori, all rights reserved.

 

Comments (2)

Marcia Kramarz
Re/Max Executive Realty - Medway, MA
CDPE,LMC,CBR

Funny we're still fighting this with buyers - yet sellers totally understand the need for that contract - You laid it out nicely - thanks...

Jan 11, 2012 01:41 PM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

You really explained it well and in simple form, enjoyed the read.

Jan 11, 2012 02:32 PM