Buyer's Center
Am I a Client or a Customer?
Clients vs Customers
When you choose to work with a real estate licensee, he or she may or may not be "your" agent. An agent owes certain duties to a client, but has different obligations to a customer. You need to be an informed consumer and must know whether you are a customer or a client in a real estate transaction. It is your decision how you will work with the licensee, but be certain to know your rights before you make the important choice.
WHO IS A CUSTOMER?
As a buyer you may decide you don't need your own agent. The seller's agent may be able to provide you with all the information you require to buy real property without your being represented by your own agent; however, if you are a customer, the licensee's primary loyalty is not to you. It is to his or her client. The agent must convey all known information to his or her client, such as your urgency to move or your willingness to increase your offer.
WHO IS A CLIENT?
A buyer becomes a client of a real estate company by requesting a licensee to be his Buyer Agent. Such an arrangement must be in writing and clearly establish the obligations of both the buyer and the agent.
WHO IS AN AGENT?
An agent is the licensee who, at your direction, acts for and represents you, above all others, as his or her client. (In North Carolina, once an agency relationship is created, the broker-in-charge of the company is considered to be the agent of the client, and all licensees within the company become sub-agents of the broker-in-charge representing the same client. Agents of that company cannot represent a buyer in the purchase of any of the company's listings because they are already legally obligated to represent the seller.) Acting on your behalf, an agent in a real estate transaction will negotiate the best price and terms for you. An agent owes utmost loyalty to you, the client, and must convey to you any information obtained which might influence your decision to buy or not buy any given property.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A CUSTOMER OR A CLIENT?
Do you want to receive services (customer) or be represented (client)? If you are not sure, we can discuss this matter further. I work with Buyers only. I do not list properties or work for a company that does. For this reason, I never represent sellers. When we sign a buyer agency agreement, you receive 100% buyer representation from me, 100% of the time.
It is your choice and you need to decide whether you will hire me as your agent or work with an agent who may or may not represent you when it comes time for you to avail yourself of the counsel, advice and negotiation skills which are the primary reason you chose to have your OWN agent .
At your discretion, it may be advisable for you to obtain legal or other professional advice in connection with a transaction. It is your continuing responsibility to protect your own interest.
Exclusive Buyer Agency that I offer guarantees that your interests will be protected from agreement signing to signing of the papers to close the transaction that makes you the proud owner of your new home.