listing agent when they purchase real estate.
A buyer who goes directly to the listing agent and allows that agent to “manage” both sides (dual agency) of the transaction are dealing with an agent who has conflicting responsibilities. Their job is to get a good price for the seller, and they might not diligently represent the interests of the buyer. In the state of Texas, a license holder may not represent the buyer and seller simultaneously. According to TRELA §§1101.561, if the broker will represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction, the broker must act as an intermediary. One may not agree to act as a dual agent and comply with the Real Estate License Act. Those who market themselves as buyer’s agents indicate they are only working for the buyer in a real estate transaction. The buyer’s agent's commission is paid by the seller, with rare exceptions. They either get paid directly by the seller or set up the transaction so that the seller provides a “credit” to the buyer for how much the real estate commission is — then the buyer pays the commission.
MORE ACCESS TO THE REAL ESTATE MARKET
Agents who are REALTORS® will have better access to the market and a special knowledge of local conditions. A REALTOR® acts as a full-time liaison between sellers and buyers. A REALTOR® will have ready access to properties listed by other agents. Buyers’ and sellers’ agents know how to put a real estate deal together. Locating and purchasing a home can be a daunting experience, a REALTOR® can ease some of the anxiety and strain by locating homes, contacting sellers’ agents, and scheduling appointments for viewing homes. These important duties can be time consuming and challenging for a buyer who is also having the stressors of relocating or starting a new career.
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