CAN YOU GUESS WHICH AGENT IS THE EXCLUSIVE BUYER AGENT?
Buyers -- BEFORE you begin to search for a home, hire an agent that specializes in the representation of buyers.
Selecting an agent to represent you should not be left to guess work. Not all "Buyers Agents" are the same.
Make sure that the agent that you select is working for YOU!
To insure that the agent you hire is looking out for your best interrests, make sure that your are working with an Exclusive Buyer's Agent.
Only an agent who works in an office that does not practice "disclosed dual agency" can provide undivided loyalty to the Buyer.
New Hampshire law, RSA 331-A:2 defines Disclosed Dual Agency ...
"Disclosed Dual Agent" means a licensee (agent) acting for more than one party whose interests may differ in a transaction with the knowledge and written consent of all parties for whom the licensee (agent) acts. This means that the same agent/company that is representing you is also representing the Seller. It is like a lawyer trying to represent both parties. There is a great likelihood of conflicts of interests with disclosed dual agency.
Below are some questions to ask when interviewing agents:
- Do you or anyone in your company represent the Seller or take listings?
- If you represent me as a Buyer's Agent and I chose to purchase a property listed with your office, can you guarantee I will not end up in a "Disclosed Dual Agency"?
- Will you ask me to sign an Agreement Consenting to Disclosed Dual Agency?
- If I did sign an agreement Consenting to Disclosed Dual Agency, who would represent me?
- In a Disclosed Dual Agency relationship, could you help me in determining the best price and terms relative to the property and help me with develope an effective negotiating strategy? Could you be my advocate if any inspection issues or other issues arise?
- How many homes have you sold in the past year? How many times did you represent the Buyer only? For those homes sold in the last year, how many resulted in a "disclosed dual agency"?
- Do you like working with Buyers?
- What Buyer Agent courses have you taken? What Buyer Agent designations do you have? What was required to get the designation?
- How many "negotiation" classes have you completed?
- How long have you been representing Buyers?
- How many transactions have you closed in the past year where you have represented the Buyer only?
- Do you use the same Purchase and Sales agreement with Buyers that you use with Sellers?
- What contract clauses do you include in an offer that will protect the Buyer?
- Will you show the Buyer "For Sale by Owner" properties and represent the Buyer if the Buyer wants to purchase a "For Sale by Owner" property?
- What property records do you routinely provide to Buyers?
- Will you present the Buyer's offer to the Seller in person?
________
(c) 2007-2008 JOAN WHITEBOOK
Comments(14)