and money. An agent can help you throughout the entire buying, selling, and overall downsizing process, but in this particular case, we're talking about having representation to assist you as a buyer. You should never rely on the listing agent to represent you and you should never walk into an open house for a home in which you’re interested without an agent. This could make you appear vulnerable and an easy target, and the listing agent could easily take advantage of you. Remember that the goals of the seller’s agent and the buyer’s representative are different: the seller’s agent is focused on helping the seller get the highest price in the shortest amount of time, while a buyer’s representative looks out for the buyer’s interests to secure the best price throughout negotiation. Because these goals can conflict, many states regulate how agency relationships work. In fact, dual agency—where one agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction—is illegal in eight states (Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Texas, Vermont, and Wyoming) because it can create an inherent conflict of interest and limit the ability of an agent to advocate fully for either side. Even where dual agency is allowed with full disclosure and written consent, it can make it harder for an agent to negotiate aggressively for either party, since they are required to remain neutral. That’s one of the reasons having separate representation is generally recommended: it helps ensure your interests are fully protected and advocated for at every stage of the home- buying process. When it comes down to negotiating as a buyer (as we’ll discuss in detail later on), it’s just too risky for you to try to navigate the negotiation process, including the final sales price as well as
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