Does The Buyer Have To Work With The Listing Agent? | REALTOR ...

Q: When purchasing a home can a prospective buyer choose to work with a specific agent or must they work through the listing agent?
?Greg, Macomb, MI

A: In our area buyers can choose their own agent, including using the listing agent if desired. Most buyers and sellers prefer their own agent.

In some areas the listing agent CANNOT represent the buyer too. In California they can.
Teri Andrews Murch is a Realtor? with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn, CA.

A: Hello Buyer -

Prospective buyers can absolutely use their own agent; they do not have to use the listing agent.

In fact, it is highly recommended that a buyer use his/her own agent . Using your own agent ensures you have a professional working for your exclusive benefit. It does not cost you any money to have your own agent.

When a seller hires an agent to sell his/her house, the seller agrees to pay the agent commission (usually 6%, but it?s negotiable). That agent agrees to split his/her commission with any other agent who brings a buyer. In essence, the seller of the home pays for the cost of you having your own agent.

There is no reason not to have your own agent and every reason TO have your own agent.

I also recommend using a Realtor, not just an agent. Realtors are agents who voluntarily elect to work under a higher standard of ethics than the law mandates. If you have a grievance during or after your transaction, you have two resources to file a complaint; your state department of real estate and your local Association of Realtors.

You can find a Realtor near your location through the realtor.com website! There?s a tab at the top of the page for Find Realtor. Even though I?m in California, I am happy to find and screen a Realtor for you, in your area.

I hope this helps!
Denise Shur is a Realtor? with 1:1 Realty in San Jose, CA.

A: My answer will be as if you were buying in the state of Florida. Most states have different rules but having said that, in Florida if you work through the listing agent as a buyer you are pretty much on your own and the listing agent is probably working as a transaction broker, which is standard in the state of Florida. That means that they can not represent both the buyer and the seller but owe fudiciary responsibility to both as well as confidentially. I myself usually represent my seller as a single agent which means I can?t represent them and you at the same time. If it were me, I would always work with your own buyers agent representative and make sure that that agent represents you and you alone so that you have someone properly advising you without regards to keeping the seller happy at the same time. If you don?t how it works in your state? talk to a good real estate attorney and understand how each route potentially impacts you.
David Congdon is a Realtor? with Islands International Realty in Satellite Beach, FL.

A: Every buyer has the right to attain thier own ?buyer?s agent?. In many states, a ?listing agent? cannot also be the ?buyer?s agent?. They must honor whichever role they were ?hired? in writing to do- first. That said, the same listing agent may- upon written agreement with buyer- prepare an offer on their listing for the buyer- but may not also be their ?buyer?s agent?. This would only be acheived by a written buyer agency agreement with a separate real estate agent. While it?s always the buyer?s choice- there are most certainly huge advantages to hiring your own buyer?s agent- all of which are FREE to buyers- since commissions for both the listing and buyer?s agents are paid out of the seller?s proceeds. In my opinion, best to hire your own agent who will provide comparables for you to examine, suggest strategy for negotiating, and have your priorities- as buyers- in mind at all times. Best of luck!
Jennifer Chaney is a Realtor? with Champion Realty In Stevensville, MD.

A: You should choose an agent before looking at property. The agent you choose represents you and your interests and not the interests of the seller as a listing agent would.
Jim Basquette is a Realtor? with Huff Realty in Cincinnati, OH.

A: You can work with any realtor or agent you prefer to work with. You do not have to use the listing agent. Make sure the person you contact can give you the service you are expecting. To do that, you both need to talk about what is exptected and what is going to be delivered. Just as in any relationship, the agent will not know what you expect of them if you dont tell them. Just like will you not know what they normally do to help a buyer. Make sure you both know up front, that way neither is upset if the expectations are not met!
Lana Lavenbarg is a Realtor? with RE/MAX Ideal Brokers, Inc.in Grants Pass, OR.

A: I would encourage a prospective buyer to hire an agent to specifically represent them. The listing agent has a fiduciary obligation to seller and must negotiate to in the seller?s best interest. If you are being told otherwise, I would question the listing agents motivation.
Gina Nyland is a Realtor? with Prudential Owens Realty in Austin, TX.

A: You absolutely have the right to your own representation. Think of a lawyer representing both sides in court. Would you feel comfortable with that?
Beverly Houlier is a Realtor? with Hilltop Chateau Realty in San Diego, CA.

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Related posts:

1. Can A Listing Agent Be A Buyer?s Realtor?
2. What Is A Buyer?s Agent Used For?
3. Should We Have The Seller?s Agent Represent Us As Buyers Or Get Our Own Agent?
4. If I Attend an Open House, Do I Have To Use the Realtor Who Is Holding the Open House?
5. Do I Have To Work With The First Realtor I Choose?

Source: http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2012/03/20/does-the-buyer-have-to-work-with-the-listing-agent/

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