Friday, March 30, 2007

The Difference Between an Exclusive Buyer Agent and a "Buyer Agent"

Unfortunately - most of the general public isn't aware of the distinction...

In the 1990's NAR defined the difference in one of their brochures - but that is the last we've heard from them in terms of the definition. Only two states proactively let the public know that Exclusive Buyer Agency is a choice that they can have when they are purchasing Real Estate -- Ohio and California.



An Exclusive Buyer Agency is a real estate agency employing only agents working with buyers - and never engaging in agency for sellers. They have a fiduciary obligation and service to buyers, independent of all obligations and inducements to adverse interests (example - sellers, other agents, service providers).

An Exclusive Buyer Broker would be the managing broker of such an agency.

An Exclusive Buyer Agent is an agent who represents only buyers and neither accepts listings nor works in an agency which represents sellers or accepts listings. They work for the broker of the Exclusive Buyer Agency. They can never get in a dual-agency conflict of interest situation with their client.

A "Buyer Agent" works for a company who lists property for sale - and they list property for sale themselves. They can get into dual-agency conflict of interest situations with their buyer client - and unfortunately for the consumer - typically disclose that they can when the contract is written - rather than up-front with the consumer - as is typically required by most state laws.

An Exclusive Right to Represent Agreement does not give the right for a Buyer Agent to call themselves an Exclusive Buyer Agent. It only means that their buyer is working exclusively with them - and no other agent. They can still get in dual agency situations for example.

Labels: , , , , , , ,

1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Rick!
Really Great post~

I think you'll apreciate this one:

http://chicagoviprealtors.typepad.com/chicago_metro_vip_realtor/2007/01/hey_bubba_ink_t.html

Be well~

GSC

March 30, 2007 1:57 PM  

Post a Comment

Links to this post:

Create a Link

<< Home