Phyllis
M. Claudson ABR, CRP, CRS, GRI
Broker - Owner
1131 13th St. Suite 103 - P.O. Box 788 Cody, WY 82414
Phone: 307- 587- 4764 Fax: 307- 587- 4768
email: sagerlty@wavecom.net
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Broker - Owner 1131 13th St. Suite 103 - P.O. Box 788 Cody, WY 82414 Phone: 307- 587- 4764 Fax: 307- 587- 4768 email: sagerlty@wavecom.net
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Choose a REALTOR® Some home buyers work exclusively with a buyer's broker, specifically hired to represent them. Some work with sellers' brokers. In either case, choosing the right REALTOR® is a crucial first step in the home buying process. In making this important decision you should understand: Who is a REALTOR®; Using an agent and the obligations that are owed to you; The difference between a buyer’s and seller's broker; and How to evaluate an agent. Who is a REALTOR®? The terms agent, broker and REALTOR® are often used interchangeably, but have very different meanings. For example, not all agents (also called salespersons) or brokers are REALTOR®. Learn who is a REALTOR® and the reasons why you should use one. As a prerequisite to selling real estate, a person must be licensed by the state in which they work, either as an agent/salesperson or as a broker. Before a license is issued, minimum standards for education, examinations and experience, which are determined on a state by state basis, must be met. After receiving a real estate license, most agents go on to join their local board or association of REALTORS® and the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, the world's largest professional trade association. They can then call themselves REALTORS®. The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics (which in many cases goes beyond state law). In most areas, it is the REALTOR® who shares information on the homes they are marketing, through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Working with a REALTOR® who belongs to an MLS will give you access to the greatest number of homes. For important information on buyers' brokers and real estate agency law, read what the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has to say. Back to top Using an Agent and the Obligations That are Owed to You An agent is bound by certain legal obligations. Traditionally, these common-law obligations are to: Put the client's interests above anyone else's; Keep the client's information confidential; Obey the client's lawful instructions; Report to the client anything that would be useful; and Account to the client for any money involved. NOTE: A REALTOR® is held to an even higher standard of conduct under the NAR’s Code of Ethics. In recent years, state laws have been passed setting up various duties for different types of agents. As you start working with a REALTOR®, ask for a clear explanation of your state's current regulations, so that you will know where you stand on these important matters. Back to top The Difference Between a Buyer's and a Seller's Broker Suppose you sign an offer to buy a home for $150,000. You really want the property and there's a chance other offers are coming in, so you tell the broker that "We'll go up to $160,000 if we have to. But of course don't tell that to the seller." If you're dealing with a seller's agent, he or she is duty-bound to tell the seller that important fact. The seller's agent doesn't have any duty of confidentiality toward you. Honest treatment might require that the agent warn you that "I must convey to the seller anything that would be useful so don't tell me anything you wouldn't tell the seller." TIP: If you're dealing with seller's agents, it’s a good idea to keep confidential information to yourself. These days many home buyers prefer instead to hire a buyer's broker, one who owes the full range of duties, including confidentiality and obedience, to the buyer. A buyer's broker is often paid by the seller, regardless of the agency relationship. Back to top How to Evaluate an Agent In making your decision to work with an agent, there are certain questions you should ask when evaluating a potential agent. The first question you should ask is whether the agent is a REALTOR®. You should then ask: Does the agent have an active real estate license in good standing? (to find this information, you can check with your state’s governing agency) Does the agent belong to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and/or a reliable online home buyer’s search service? (Multiple Listing Services are cooperative information networks of REALTORS® that provide descriptions of most of the houses for sale in a particular region.) Is real estate their full-time career? What real estate designations does the agent hold? Which party is he or she representing--you or the seller? The discussion is supposed to occur early on, at "first serious contact" with you. The agent should discuss your state's particular definitions of agency, so you'll know where you stand. In exchange for your commitment, how will the agent help you accomplish your goals? Show you homes that meet your requirements and provide you with a list of the properties he or she is showing you? Consider the location of your new home and choose a neighborhood… Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. © Copyright RealSelect, Inc. 1995-99. REALTOR® is a registered trademark of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Equal Housing Opportunity REALTOR® -- A registered collective trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Each local board of REALTORS® is responsible for enforcing the Code of Ethics. Inquiries regarding the Code of Ethics should be directed to the board in which a REALTOR® holds membership. |
