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It's not your job to sell me a home?

By
Industry Observer

First time buyers are sometimes surprised when I tell them that it's not my job to sell them a home.  As their buyer's representative, the only selling I do is when I am charged with selling my clients' offer to the current owners.  As buyer representative, it's my responsibility to help my clients find the best property that comes closest to meeting their wants and needs.  The next task is to do accurately determine the market value of the property, followed by doing all possible to negotiate on their behalf to obtain the best price and terms possible.

The buyer's broker agreement mandates the level of my service and the commitment to place my clients and their interests ahead of all others, including myself.  We are fortunate to live in a state where there is really no half way in buyer (or seller) representation.  Before performing any acts as a buyer's representative, a licensee (that's what the state of Minnesota calls us) must enter into a written buyer's broker agreement.  The agreement mandates the licensee's fiduciary performance, along with the buyer's acceptance of the terms of engagement.

So, if you don't want me to sell you a home, call now.  We can talk about how we're going to find that perfect place and get it at a very fair price. 

Posted by

 Mike Carlier  Lakeville, MN

 

612-916-3033

 

Team Honeycutt
Allen Tate - Concord, NC

I totally agree with your post. I have alwaays said my buyers didn't ask me to make a decision for them, only to show them the best that I can so that they can make a good decision.

Betty

May 18, 2012 06:30 AM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

So, (isn't that the way we talk in Minnesota?) my latest buyer client has her "friend" along when I am showing property.  I ask her to sign the Buyer's Rep agreement, and she is cool with that.  But, hold the phone, he has to read every line...and dispute every line.  And, tell me that when he and his now ex-wife bought their home, they never signed such a document.  Okay.  Next.   

But, after some discussion, she signed it.   He isn't even going to be on the deed or financing.  And, she happens to be a friend of mine.  How and where did he get his license to dissect a Buyer's rep agreement?  "oh, he knows a lot about finance."  Please. 

Sorry, for the rant.  But, really, we are there to help them not make decisions for them.  Really well-written, Mike.

May 18, 2012 06:41 AM
Mike Carlier
Lakeville, MN
More opinions than you want to hear about.

Hi Betty, thanks for reading and commenting.  Many first time buyers are surprised to learn that we are on their side.

Suzanne, that's why my clients get the paperwork done (in the office) before we start the leg work.  It's really hard to not act as a buyer representative when accompanying a buyer on a home tour.  Without the written agreement, we have no choice but to be a virtual custodian, unlocking doors and doing little else. 

May 18, 2012 11:17 PM