Richard "RJ" Freedkin, Realtor - SECRETS OF SOPHISTICATED HOME BUYERS

more seriously than just real estate agents. REALTORS® are required to take ongoing education classes to keep their affiliation. For the purpose of this book, I will just be referring to all agents as real estate agents or buyer or seller agents. Real Estate Agents who work on behalf of and in the best interests of the buyer, are commonly called “Buyer’s Agents”. "Listing Agents" typically represent the seller and act in the best interests of their client. As stated previously, a listing agent might be able to represent both the buyer and the seller if they get a signed agreement by both the buyer and seller stating they are acting as a dual agent. I do not recommend dual agency as it creates many conflicts of interest. Buyer’s agents work on commission. The commission is typically paid to them by the listing agent at closing by splitting the commission they negotiated and received from their client, the seller. However, as stated earlier in the chapter this method of payment is now going through some changes and may affect how your agent gets compensated.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST AGENT FOR YOUR NEEDS UR NEEDS

You might feel the urge to pick the first real estate agent who appeals to or approaches you, but that’s something to avoid. Like with any profession, there are degrees of professionalism, dedication, and experience. The “wow slick factor” will simply and quickly wear off. Meet personally with prospective buyer’s agents in advance whenever possible. A good buyer’s agent will want to know whether you have taken the important step of getting “pre- approved” (not just “pre-qualified”) for a home loan by a lender (see more on this in my chapter entitled "shopping for a home loan"). The agent should have a good familiarity with the lending

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