Let's say you're searching the internet for homes or just driving around a neighborhood and see a house you like. You just call the listing agent and ask to see the home, after all it's their listing, they know it better than anyone. Sounds like a good idea , but here's the problem.......the listing agent represents the seller! The listing agent is bound by a fiduciary responsibility to the seller to act in the seller's best interest creating an agency relationship with the seller. The listing agent's job is to get the best price for the seller's home and on the seller's terms.
Sure, the listing agent can write an offer on your behalf and submit it to their client, the seller.
But remember, that agent's duty is to get the best deal for their client, not you as their customer.
If all parties are in agreement, the listing agent can represent both the seller and the buyer in what is called dual agency, but that can be tricky because then the agent is limited to ministerial acts and is not allowed to help either party to negotiate the best price.
On the other hand, if you have your own agent, that agent has an obligation to work on your behalf to help you negotiate the best price and the terms most favorable to you, his client. A buyer's agent can give you objective advise on the home, the neighborhood, the current market value of the property, help you with financing, the inspection process all the way through the closing process, looking out for your best interest the whole time.
When you are ready to begin looking for a home be sure to find the right realtor to represent you as a buyer!
Thomas Tolbert
Keller Williams Realty
Office 912-232-8580
Direct (Best way to reach me) 912-308-6839
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