I know this topic may bore you or you may say, "Why do I care who an agent represents?"  The truth is that you should care who your agent works for. 

Maybe I should begin with the question: What does an agent do for a client? 

Some would say we sit around and collect a fat check at the end of the transaction.  A good real estate agent works diligently for the client by finding them the best home to suit their needs, gives sound advice and then helps by holding the hand through the process of buying a home and all the pitfalls that may and do occur.  There is so much behind the scene stuff that until something goes wrong, most people don't understand all that is involved with being a real estate agent.

Selling a Home 

Selling a home not only involves negotiating for our clients but it is fairly intensive marketing strategy that goes along with selling a home.  It's not t just putting a home up on the multiple listing service (mls) and praying for someone to come along.  A good agent has a marketing plan that not only includes the mls but the internet, print advertising, email and a systemized plan for getting your home sold for top dollar!

Now Back to Those Agency Relationships.... 

So, what's the big deal about agency relationships and why should you care?  In my opinion, real estate is all about the Relationship.  In fact, one of the forms that you should sign when writing an offer on a home is the "Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationships."  This form has nothing to do with your purchase but it has everything to do with understanding the agent's status in the transaction.  The very first line reads: "Before you disclose confidential information to a real estate licensee regarding a real estate transaction, you should understand what type of Agency relationship you have with that licensee."

  There are basically four types of agent relationships you may have with an agent...

  A Buyer's Agent represents a buyer by promoting the best interests of the buyer.  Just as the Seller's Agent works for the seller, the Buyer's Agent tries to find out pertinent information that will aid the buyer in purchasing the home.  This includes keeping up on the market by knowing what homes are listed that might meet a buyer's needs and desires in a home. The Buyer's Agent works for the Buyer!

  Finally, a Transaction Coordinator is an agent that assists the parties in putting the transaction together but doesn't represent either side.  In this role, the Transaction Coordinator doesn't negotiate on price or terms.