While many companies preach "customers first," I say customers are SECOND.
Before you send me a scathing email or voicemail please let me explain. In real estate you are either an agent's customer or their client. I put CLIENTS FIRST and customers second.
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If you are a CUSTOMER (no agency relationship) and contact the listing agent, an agent will: |
If you are a CLIENT (agency relationship), your agent will: |
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Maintain loyalty to the seller’s need |
Pay full attention to your needs |
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Tell the seller all that they know about you |
Tell you all that they know about the seller |
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Keep information about the seller confidential |
Keep information about you confidential |
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Focus on the seller-client’s property |
Focus on choices that satisfy your needs |
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Provide just the material facts |
Provide material facts as well as professional advice |
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Only provide price information that supports the seller’s listing price |
Provide price counseling based on comparable properties and their professional insights |
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Protect the seller |
Protect and guide you |
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Negotiate on behalf of the seller |
Negotiate on your behalf |
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Attempt to solve problems to the seller’s advantage and satisfaction |
Attempt to solve problems to your advantage and satisfaction |
* This chart is for general illustration purposes only. Agency laws vary by state; and specific terms of individual agency contracts will vary from one agent to another.
The best way to be certain your interests are being considered and protected is to sign a buyer agency agreement with a trained buyer’s rep, which clearly establishes client-level services and spells out what services you can depend upon.
