Seller's Resources -
Agency Report
Should I Work
With A Buyer's Agent?
A Seller's Agent? A Dual Agent?
In the past, real estate agents always represented the seller,
whether the agent helped a seller to market and sell a home or
helped a buyer find and purchase a home. In other words, agents
were at one time legally bound to represent the seller in a
residential real estate transaction. In that scenario, the
seller paid both the listing agent and the agent who brought the
buyer.
Today, agents either represent the buyer, the seller, or both.
If you want to sell your home, you can work with a "seller's
agent." If you want to buy a home, you can work with a "buyer's
agent." Most states require real estate agents to disclose to
consumers who they represent. Sometimes an agent will represent
the buyer and the seller. A buyer who elects this situation
should receive full disclosure on representation. In some
states, dual agency affects the real estate professional's
fiduciary responsibilities to the seller. The real estate agent
you choose should fully disclose how they work with individuals
and the options available to you.
Keep in mind that real estate laws differ from state to state
and even from locale to locale. For more in-depth answers, talk
with a knowledgeable real estate professional and ask about
local practices. Be sure you understand and are comfortable with
the services of the real estate agent you engage.
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