Here in the Valley of the Sun, the weather has been Chamber of Commerce perfect. Perfect for Cactus League Baseball... perfect for golf... perfect for hiking... perfect for getting out your gardening gloves and planting... and perfect for house shopping! Wherever you go, you can't help but see all the "Open House" signs out there beckoning you to come in. If you are seriously looking to purchase a new home, I want to take a moment to explain why you need to either go to Open Houses with your agent or let Open House agents know that you are working with your own agent. Many people don't realize that Listing Agents represent the Seller. As a Buyer, it is in your best interest to be represented by your own agent, not the Seller's Agent. Can an agent represent both the Seller and the Buyer? Here in Arizona, yes, but this is called "dual agency" and both parties must agree to limited representation by signing a document that includes an explanation of the duties and limitations to both parties. If two agents from the same brokerage firm represent the Buyer and the Seller, this is still a dual agency situation, as the same Broker is representing both sides in the transaction. On the positive side, most real estate agents are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and are bound by a Code of Ethics that requires professionalism in all transactions and has come to stand for "competency, fairness, and high integrity resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral conduct in business relations." Many people do not realize, however, that not all real estate agents are REALTORS® and some may not be bound by this Code of Ethics. All that being said, as mentioned before, it is in your best interest to be represented by your own agent.
When stopping at Open Houses, there is something else to consider. If you are working with an agent and that agent has worked hard for you and provided you with great professional service, be loyal to that agent and respect his or her time and efforts by not jeopardizing his or her ability to be compensated by the Seller, should you buy the house. Going to Open Houses on your own without notifying the agent at the Open House that you are working with another agent can create a situation where your agent will not be compensated.
So, what do you do when the weather is perfect, the "Open House" signs beckon you, and you're not out with your agent? Be sure you have your agent's card with you to give to the agent sitting the Open House and notify your agent of your visit to the house. Remember, should you decide to buy this home, you want YOUR agent representing you and you want him or her to be compensated for his or her efforts.
Enjoy the weather and give me a call if you or someone you know is feeling the urge to look for a new home!
If you've got an agent, be loyal, but, if you don't yet have someone working hard on on your behalf, I hope you'll give me the opportunity to be your consultant, negotiator, and overseer of transactional details, whether you are buying or selling a home.
When stopping at Open Houses, there is something else to consider. If you are working with an agent and that agent has worked hard for you and provided you with great professional service, be loyal to that agent and respect his or her time and efforts by not jeopardizing his or her ability to be compensated by the Seller, should you buy the house. Going to Open Houses on your own without notifying the agent at the Open House that you are working with another agent can create a situation where your agent will not be compensated.
So, what do you do when the weather is perfect, the "Open House" signs beckon you, and you're not out with your agent? Be sure you have your agent's card with you to give to the agent sitting the Open House and notify your agent of your visit to the house. Remember, should you decide to buy this home, you want YOUR agent representing you and you want him or her to be compensated for his or her efforts.
Enjoy the weather and give me a call if you or someone you know is feeling the urge to look for a new home!
If you've got an agent, be loyal, but, if you don't yet have someone working hard on on your behalf, I hope you'll give me the opportunity to be your consultant, negotiator, and overseer of transactional details, whether you are buying or selling a home.
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