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You and Your Agent:

Agents and their salespeople are legally obligated to protect and promote the interests of their principals as they would their own. Specifically, the agent has the following duties:

  1. Undivided loyalty. The agent must protect the principal's negotiating position at all times, and disclose all known facts which may affect or influence the principal's decision.
  2. To obey all lawful instructions of the principal.
  3. An obligation to keep the confidences of the principal.
  4. The exercise of reasonable care and skill in performing all assigned duties.
  5. The duty to account for all money and property placed in an agent's hands while acting for the principal.

You can expect competent service from your agent, knowing that the company is bound by ethics and the law to be honest and thorough in representing a property listed for sale. Both buyer and seller can be represented by their own agents in a single transaction.

Limited Dual Agency

Dual agency occurs when a real estate agent is representing both buyer and seller in the same transaction. Since the agent has promised a duty of confidentiality, loyalty and full disclosure to both parties simultaneously, it is necessary to limit these duties in this situation, if both parties consent.

If you find yourself involved in a dual agency relationship, before making or receiving an offer both you and the other party will be asked to consent in writing to this new limited agency relationship.

This relationship involves the following limitations.

The Agent will deal with the Buyer and the Seller impartially;

  • The Agent will have a duty of disclosure to both the Buyer and the Seller except that;
    • the Agent will not disclose that the Buyer is willing to pay a price or agree to terms other than those contained in the Offer, or that the Seller is willing to accept a price or terms other than those contained in the Listing;
    • the Agent will not disclose the motivation of the Buyer to buy or the Seller to sell unless authorized by the Buyer or the Seller;
    • the Agent will not disclose personal information about either the Buyer or the Seller unless authorized in writing;
  • The Agent will disclose to the Buyer defects about the physical condition of the Property known to the Agent.
  • The Agent may disclose all comparable property information to the Seller and the Buyer at any time.
  • The Agent will not be required to disclose to the buyer or seller confidential information obtained through any other existing or former agency relationship

No Agency

You may also choose to use the services of a REALTOR® without having any kind of agency relationship. This might occur, for example, when you are being shown a property by the seller's agent.

The REALTOR® you choose to work with in this manner has a legal and ethical duty to provide you with accurate, honest answers to your questions and can provide all these services:

  1. Explain real estate terms and practices Provide and explain forms used
  2. Assist you in screening and viewing properties
  3. Inform you of lenders and their policies
  4. Identify and estimate costs involved in a transaction
  5. Assist you in establishing your range of affordability
  6. Prepare offers or counter offers at your direction
  7. Present all offers promptly
  8. A REALTOR® who is not your agent cannot:
    • Recommend or suggest a price
    • Negotiate on your behalf
    • Inform you of his/her principal's top/ bottom line
    • Disclose any confidential information about his/her principal unless otherwise authorized
  9. You should not provide a REALTOR® who is not your agent with any information that you would not provide directly to his or her principal.

Tips On Showing Your Home:

First Impressions

The first thing a prospective buyer sees is the front of your home. Make sure the yards and landscaping are well manicured - flowers add a nice touch. Repaint the exterior of your home if necessary.

Sunlight

Open window coverings and clean windows/skylights to give your home a bright open feel.

Bathrooms and Kitchens

Make them bright and sparkling. Check and repair any broken tile or grout. Clean and recaulk around tub or shower. Mirrors should be clean and fixtures should be free of any leaks.

Closet and Storage Space

Buyers always want a lot of closet and storage space. Make sure yours are well organized and uncluttered. Dispose of the things you are not using.

Personal Belongings

Remove excess furniture. Table and counter tops should be clear of all unnecessary items. An uncluttered home helps the buyer to visually move into your home.

Repairs

Doors, cabinets, windows and screens should be free of defects. Deferred maintenance is a turn-off for a new buyer.

Redecorate

Faded walls, worn woodwork and spotted carpet reduce appeal. Cosmetic touches cost very little and are a great investment.

Pets

Contain pets while your home is being shown, keeping them outside is best

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