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Why Search for a Realtor,
Anyway?
Should You Call the Listing Agent?
First, very few people actually buy the house they call
about.
For argument's sake, suppose that you call the Realtor who is
listing the property you "might" be interested in. It turns
out that the house is absolutely perfect and affordable and
you want to make an offer. Do you want the same agent who
represents the seller to also represent you?
When you make an offer to buy a house, you are entering a
negotiation. The seller wants as high a price as possible and
the buyer wants the lowest price possible. Plus, there is
more to buying a house than just settling on a price. If a
Realtor represents both sides, there is a potential conflict
of interest, although an ethical Realtor can often equally
represent both sides. In such a case, however, the agent
becomes more of a transaction facilitator than an agent
working actively on behalf of either the buyer or seller.
You must keep in mind that there are times when it might not
work out, too. The listing agent may choose to represent only
the seller and that would leave you without your own
advocate.
The Crux of the Matter
Most real estate transactions go fine, but almost every one
has a challenge or two. These challenges are often routine,
but sometimes not. Because the agent has divided loyalties,
one side or another may doubt where those loyalties truly
lie. Mistrust develops. This can take a small problem and
blow it way out of proportion. At that point it becomes a
crisis.
Having an agent on your side as your advocate removes the
mistrust and helps keep things on an even keel. If a
challenge develops, you know where your agent stands.
Plus, the seller pays for it -- you don't.
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