Pinetop White Mountain Blog

Good Afternoon Everyone,

A fellow REALTOR® and I were talking this afternoon and we realized that many potential buyers don't understand Buyer Representation.

Many buyers will always call a Listing Agent for information about a property.  Did you know that any Real Estate Agent who services a particular area can help you with any property if it is listed on the MLS?

It is not necessary to call the Listing Agent for information or showing.  That is the whole purpose of a Multiple Listing Service.  MLS was created to provide an avenue for Real Estate Professionals to share information with each other and the public.  It was created to provide a means for cooperation between Agents.  By cooperation I mean that every listing on the MLS is available for showing and for sale by any other Real Estate Agent who participates in the MLS system.

I can't tell you how many times I have gone out to show a property only to find out that the buyers had an appointment with another agent that same day to show another property.  That isn't necessary.  If you find an agent you like and would like to represent you, stick with that one agent.  They will be happy to show you any listing in the areas they serve. 

What it all comes down to is that you as a Buyer will have an Agent who is working in your best interest and can help you buy any property you see that is listed.  You will ultimately have better representation than you would through the listing agent.  Listing Agents represent the seller and in trying to represent both parties in a transaction they truly cannot represent either party.  Their representation is limited by the very fact that they are acting for both parties.  They can only act as a go between for the parties.  They cannot advise or even in some cases disclose what they know because they would be violating fiduciary duties to the parties involved. 

The next time you are thinking about buying a piece of property, find one agent you like and feel comfortable with and stick with them.  They can provide you with the same information that the listing agent would provide and they can help you much more effectively than if they were representing both you and the seller.  Limited Dual Agency is just what it implies, it is limited representation for all the parties involved.  It can create conflict and frustration for everyone because in the dual role the agent has to be very careful what they say to either party. 

Hope this help explain what Buyer's Representation is and why when you are looking for a property to buy, you should find one agent and let them help you with any property you are interested in.

Thanks for Reading, have a wonderful rest of the week.  Until next time...

Sandra Paulow, Associate Broker, GRI, SFR, REALTOR® (928) 242-0300