Salem, Oregon...Can Your Agent Pass this Simple Test? If not they are not an Exclusive Buyer Agent...

When buying a home you need and deserve to know the facts... 

Can the real estate agent you are considering PASS this simple 5 question test? 

1. Do you EVER list properties for sale, even your own?

2. Does the company you work with EVER list properties for sale? 

3. Do you EVER participate as a "dual agent" where you personally work with a seller and buyer at the SAME time, in the SAME property transaction?

Our answer is NO...NEVER.  

Our agents ONLY represent real estate buyers. We have 100% loyalty to buyers at all times.

If the agent answers YES...

If you have an agent who is working with you AND the seller at the same time, with the same transaction, both the buyer's and seller's negotiating positions are compromised. The agent is legally bound to do NOTHING that will increase the advantage of one over the other. The agent is the only winner by getting a double commission. Both the buyer and seller lack full 100% exclusive representation.

Several states have legislated ground rules for this so-called dual agency and many of the nation's biggest real estate firms now regularly practice it. But consumer advocates say it cheats both buyers and sellers, denying them an agent's allegiance and undivided attention at a time when they're making a major financial decision.

 -Wall Street Journal 

Our answer is NO...NEVER.

Our Company ONLY represents real estate buyers. Not only is EVERY one of our agents 100% loyal to buyers, our company is as well. We provide 100% exclusive buyer representation, advocacy and confidentiality that will not be compromised by a slip of the tongue by the water cooler, or any other agent interaction within an office. ONLY buyers, ALWAYS buyers, ALL the time.

If the agent answers YES...

Even though it might seem better than a "dual agent" scenario, it still leaves a buyer WITHOUT 100% exclusive representation. It would be like having one law firm representing both sides in a legal case. Even if different lawyers are used for each side, the potential for damage to both parties exists and a law firm will NEVER represent two sides of a case within the firm.

"Dual agency (when an agency represents both home buyers and sellers) creates relationships with clients and customers that aren't clear-cut. In a dual agency relationship, (a realtor's) fiduciary duties to (their) client's interests are much more limited. (They) can no longer be an advocate for either party because each client has opposite goals."

 - Realtor® Magazine (The #1 trade publication for REALTORS®), April 2007 

Our answer is YES...ALWAYS.

We sign a an Exclusive Buyer's Agreement with you that carefully details how we will protect your interests, what you can expect from us, and it binds us to you in our pledge of 100% commitment and loyalty in representing you and your real estate needs.

If the agent answers NO...

It is through this written and signed agreement that you receive a pledge and promise of 100% loyalty and 100% representation. If an agent is going to offer you anything, they should put it in writing. If they won't offer you 100% loyalty and 100% representation is this good enough for you?

"Sellers' agents and dual agents do not and cannot by law give a buyer the same degree of loyalty as an agent who acts on behalf of a buyer. ... A buyer who relies on the seller's agent or on dual agency does not receive the same degree of legal protection as that afforded by an agent acting solely on behalf of the buyer."

 - Oklahoma Supreme Court, SNIDER v. OKLAHOMA REAL ESTATE COMMISSION, June 1, 1999