buyer or the seller whenever they have substantive contact with a customer or prospective client. Be sure that the agent will show you all listings or properties on the market that meet your requirements, not only those handled in-house. Buyer’s agents have the legal duty to put the buyer’s needs ahead of their own. Even when an agent will be paid more for selling an in-house listing, they must inform you about other available, suitable listings and take you to see viable prospects. A good buyer’s agent will provide a home-buying education. The listing agent will point out all the features of a home; a good buyer’s agent will point out the faults, or advise when they can be overlooked. Competent buyer’s agents help buyers think clearly as the home- buying process unfolds. For example, if a house is a good buy, a buyer’s agent might suggest looking past the dated bathroom and kitchen and looking at the space above the garage that will make the perfect art studio you desire. Likewise, a cute house with all the amenities but with knob-and-tube wiring or a 40-year-old roof might not be worth the asking price. If you decide to buy to build an addition, the agent should advise you to check the zoning before making an offer. Agree to sign a buyer’s agency agreement after you have met with an agent. Some people sign an agency agreement after attending a showing that the agent gives. According to an article by Amy Fontinelle of Forbes’ Investopedia, working unrepresented with a seller's agent is a mistake . Any information you reveal will become leverage the seller can use in a purchase negotiation. A buyer’s agent is legally required to maintain your confidentiality, disclose material facts, and maintain loyalty. These are fiduciary duties.
If you choose to use a real estate agent who’s also a member of
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