Before working with a real estate broker, you should know that the duties of a broker depend on whom the broker represents. A broker who acts as a buyer’s agent represents the buyer. A broker can assist you in locating a property, preparing a contract or lease, or obtaining financing, without representing you. A broker is obligated by law to treat you honestly.
The broker becomes the buyer’s agent by entering into an agreement to represent the buyer, usually through a written buyer representation agreement. A buyer’s agent can assist the owner but does not represent the owner and must place the interests of the buyer first. The owner should not tell a buyer’s agent anything the owner would not want the buyer to know, because a buyer’s agent must disclose to the buyer any material information known to the agent. If you choose to have a broker represent you, you should enter into a written agreement with the broker that clearly establishes the broker’s obligations and your obligations. The agreement should state how and by whom the broker will be paid. You have the right to choose the type of representation, if any, that you wish to receive. Your payment of a fee to a broker does not necessarily establish that the broker represents you. If you have any questions regarding the duties and responsibilities of the broker, you should resolve those questions before proceeding.
Before working with a real estate broker, you should know that the duties of a broker depend on whom the broker represents. A broker who acts as a buyer’s agent represents the buyer. A broker can assist you in locating a property, preparing a contract or lease, or obtaining financing, without representing you. A broker is obligated by law to treat you honestly. The broker becomes the buyer’s agent by entering into an agreement to represent the buyer, usually through a written buyer representation agreement.
A buyer’s agent can assist the owner but does not represent the owner and must place the interests of the buyer first. The owner should not tell a buyer’s agent anything the owner would not want the buyer to know, because a buyer’s agent must disclose to the buyer any material information known to the agent. If you choose to have a broker represent you, you should enter into a written agreement with the broker that clearly establishes the broker’s obligations and your obligations. The agreement should state how and by whom the broker will be paid. You have the right to choose the type of representation, if any,that you wish to receive. Your payment of a fee to a broker does not necessarily establish that the broker represents you. If you have any questions regarding the duties and responsibilities of the broker, you should resolve those questions before proceeding.