Consumer Options on
Agency Relationships
 for Home Buyers
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Exclusive Buyer Representatives

These agents work exclusively for home buyers.  Exclusive Buyer Representatives are 100% loyal to buyers 100% of the time as true fiduciaries.  They generally adhere to a strict Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics through membership like the Massachusetts Association of Buyer Agents.  There obligations to home buyers include negotiating for the lowest price and most favorable terms for the buyer. They also conduct an extensive search for property, give buyers reasons not to buy, advise them on property flaws for negotiation purposes, and they render opinions of value.

This is our favorite choice (of course) and the number one recommendation of consumer advocates!

Seller's Agents

These traditional agents represent the property seller in all dealings with potential buyers.  Many traditional agents are “listing machines” and specialize in the listing side of the business.  They treat buyers as customers and while helpful in providing information and showing property, they are legally bound to negotiate the best price and terms for the seller and to disclose to the seller all they know about the buyer (including your top dollar!!).

An adequate choice for sophisticated home buyers who can conduct their own research (property value, environmental, community, schools, etc.) and do their own  “DUE DILIGENCE”.  But if you do not get a discount on the commission, why lose out on the opportunity to get representation at no additional cost?

Dual Agents

Theses licensees attempting to represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. Undisclosed dual agency is illegal.  Disclosed dual agency is only legal if there is full a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and the implications of this watered down service to both the Buyers and Sellers of real estate.

 Under this arrangement both the buyer and the seller agree to give up their rights to loyalty, advocacy, opinions of value and negotiating help.