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DISCLOSURE - In Washington, an agent must fully disclose who he/she is representing in a transaction even when it is no one. This disclosure must be made prior to preparing a purchase and sale agreement. The agreement must contain a statement that confirms that the disclosure was made…. there are times when the agent is working for the seller, at other times the agent may be working for no one and is considered a "transaction agent." Without this disclosure, many buyers might fail to recognize that although the (selling) agent may spend more time with the buyers in helping them locate the home they are looking for, the agent's main duties and loyalties are to the seller or perhaps neither party.

THE LAW OF REAL ESTATE AGENCY - The Agency Law Pamphlet is Washington State's required informational and educational brochure for the public. The cover page is intended to summarize in simple terms and to refer the reader to specific sections for provisions of interest. This pamphlet is required to be given to all parties with whom Washington licensees work, but is not specific to a transaction. That is, in multiple transactions involving the same party, the pamphlet is required to be given to a party only once. 

Client - Agent relationship agreement WE "DEALS" WILL ENTER INTO A SINGLE AGENCY AGREEMENT TO REPRESENT ONLY THE BUYER IN A REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION - To date and to the best of our knowledge, no one in our Bristow Virginia Clark County, Washington area practices exclusive buyer representation, meaning the agent and the agents company represent 100% buyers 100% of the time. We feel with the screening process we have built we Deals are as close as you can come to one in our area. If we hear of someone beginning true exclusive buyer representation we will be happy to inform those interested who that is and how to reach them upon request.

KNOW WHO REPRESENTS YOU WHEN YOU ARE BUYING OR SELLING REAL ESTATE! - When you as a Seller or Buyer enter into a discussion with a real estate agent regarding a real estate transaction, you should from the beginning understand what type of agency relationship or representation you wish to have with the Realtor in the transaction.

ASK THE BIG QUESTION -   Whether you are a Buyer or a Seller, you should find out who the real estate agent represents.  When you work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands his or her agency responsibilities, your chances for a comfortable, successful and secure transaction are that much greater.  Ask each salesperson you deal with, "WHO DO YOU REPRESENT?"  It could be the most important question you ask in the entire transaction!

If you are buying or selling real estate, you will meet many licensed real estate agents willing to help.  It is important that you understand what your relationship is with each sales agent.  A competent real estate agent can guide you through the many complexities of the real estate transaction and save you time and money.  If you choose to have an agent represent you, then SELECT YOUR OWN AGENT AND DO SO CAREFULLY.  You may be held responsible for the conduct of your agent who is acting on your behalf.  The professional agent will not mind answering your questions about his or her capabilities, education and experience.

SHOPPING OPEN HOUSES OR FOR A NEW HOME? You should know that many real estate agents represent the Seller, or are a non-agent, unless special arrangements are made to represent you.  When you walk into an Open House to view a property, the salesperson who greets you and answers your questions is working for the Seller.  You are the salesperson's Customer, but the Seller is his or her Client.

EXAMPLE - In a new home subdivision remember the site salesperson represents the builder, so you too should have representation. Many Clark County area builders are now using their own Purchase Agreement and related forms written by their attorney. It should be expected the terms and conditions in such forms will be slanted to favor the builder. Your agent is not an attorney and therefore cannot give legal advise on such matters. However your agent should insure language is incorporated in the documents allowing you a reasonable time period to have your own attorney review and approve the Agreement.

DO YOU GIVE A GUARANTEE? We Deals approach our business and representation of our clients very seriously. If you aren't satisfied with our services, we have failed at our job. Therefore, we offer our clients our guarantee .

 

Client Representation
vs. Customer

Agent's duties/responsibilities to the client and the customer...

Client          This column     Agent     This column        Customer
1. Salesperson works for client 1. Salesperson works with customer
2. Loyalty (good faith) 2. Good Faith
3. Confidentiality 3. Honesty
4. Full disclosure 4. Disclosure of facts/property description
5. Obedience 5. Good service
6. Accounting for all aspects of transaction 6. Accounting for escrow funds
7. Care, skill and diligence 7. Reasonable care, skill and diligence
8. Advice 8. Information
9. Advocacy 9. No advocacy
10. Relationship based on highest degree of trust and confidence 10. Relationship based on ordinary degree of trust and confidence.
 
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