Houston Real Estate | Houston Homes for Sale | Houston Real Estate Listings | Sugar land Real Estate

Beware: Working With The Seller's Agent Can Be Harmful To Your Financial Health

Why Use a Buyers Agent?

Buying a home is one of the largest transactions most people will ever make.

In the complex world of real estate transactions, you need professional representation. Most Buyers are unaware of the wide range of services provided by a Buyer's Agent. -We may be the best bargain you will ever fine.

Be very careful about calling the agent listed on the property you are interested in... that agent represents the SELLER and is deemed to be a fiduciary. In Texas, a Realtor can legally take an intermediary position, representing both the Seller and the Buyer. If you enter into this arrangement, do so with your eyes open! Buyer Beware!

Many Listing Agents (Agent representing the SELLER) if contacted, will refer you to another agent. Many times this agent works directly for the Listing Agent. Again, Buyer Beware!

The buyers agent works exclusively for the buyer and has the buyer's best interest in mind throughout the process. A buyers agent is obligated to get the lowest price possible for their client, the buyer.

"Sellers' agents and dual agents do not and cannot by law give a buyer the same degree of loyalty as an agent who acts on behalf of a buyer. Sellers' agents owe their allegiance to the seller. Dual agency invites a conflict of interest. A buyer who relies on the seller's agent or on dual agency does not receive the same degree of legal protection as that afforded by an agent acting solely on behalf of the buyer".- Oklahoma Supreme Court, SNIDER v. OKLAHOMA REAL ESTATE COMMISSION, June 1, 1999.

As your representative, we can help you choose the right neighborhood and show you the type of homes you're looking for. We can provide you with detailed reports, including property features, community info and schools districts. With our knowledge of the area, we can also advise you on local laws, property tax rates and any market trends that could affect your decision to purchase.

In almost every cases the Seller pays the buyer's agent's commission. It cost you the buyer nothing when you use the The Home Team to represent you.

A real estate broker who becomes an agent of a seller or buyer is deemed to be a fiduciary.

As a fiduciary, a real estate broker is held by law to owe specific duties to his/her principal (the person who they are representing), in addition to duties or obligations set forth in a listing agreement, buyer representation agreement, or other contract of employment. Subagents of the broker also owe the same fiduciary duties to the broker's principal.

Hot tip

Many Buyers don't realize that all of the commissions in a real estate transaction are typically paid by the Seller. Some Buyers have this notion that they can save money using the listing agent or the listing agent's buyer representative. This is a false notion that can cost you dearly.
The listing agent has a contact (listing agreement) with the seller. This agreement determines the distribution of any commission and/or fees paid by the seller. If the seller's agent (listing agent) also represents the buyer, than the seller's agent (per the listing contract) almost always gets both sides of the commission. In other words, the seller's agent will get paid twice. Listing agents commission + the buyers agent commission.
Under Texas law, the seller's agent's fiduciary obligation is to the seller.
Don't be fooled by the seller's agent if they refer you to their "buyer's agent". This agent almost always works for the selling agent. Because he works for the selling agent, part of the commission earned in the sale will go to the seller's agent. This arrangement is not on your best interest so always ask what the connection between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent is. Also ask if any of the buyers agent's commission is paid to the seller's agent.

Buyer's Rep

Did you know that in most cases the Seller pays the Buyer's Agent's commission?

It is True! As your Buyer's Rep, I am working for you and it does not cost you anything.

See Buyer's Rep Agreement for details.