Stop treating real estate agents like interchangeable vending machines. They aren\u2019t. They are fiduciaries. That\u2019s the legal term for someone legally bound to act in your best interest. If you skip this step, you\u2019re walking into a minefield with your eyes closed.<\/p>\n
Most people get this wrong immediately. They see a “For Sale” sign and call the number on it. Big mistake. That person represents the seller. Period.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a buyer, working directly with the seller\u2019s agent is a one-way ticket to overpaying. Say it aloud: “I will pay $200,000 above asking.” That agent has a legal duty to tell the seller. Now the seller knows your hand. You\u2019ve lost all leverage.<\/p>\n
It works the same way in reverse. If you\u2019re selling and you chat with a buyer\u2019s agent, you might accidentally reveal you\u2019re desperate to move. Or that you\u2019ll take less money. The buyer hears it. The buyer wins. You lose.<\/p>\n
You need a champion. Someone who fights for you and only you.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t scroll through Instagram influencers. Ask your neighbors. Ask friends who just closed. Personal referrals are gold because you can verify the outcome.<\/p>\n
You can also use the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Find a Realtor search engine.<\/p>\n
\n“Working with a Realtor rather than a non-member agent gives you an extra layer of assurance that your agent will be ethical and professional.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This isn\u2019t just marketing fluff. NAR members adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. Non-member agents are licensed, sure. But they don\u2019t have the same professional obligations. You want the safety net.<\/p>\n
Interview Them Like a Job<\/h3>\n
You wouldn\u2019t hire a plumber without asking about their experience. Don\u2019t hire an agent without vetting them.<\/p>\n
Meet three different people. Test them.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re buying:<\/strong>
\nTell them what you want. Ask where they think you should look. Listen closely. Do they know the nuance of different neighborhoods? Do they understand price trends in specific zip codes? Or are they just reciting a script? You need someone who knows the street you\u2019re standing on.<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re selling:<\/strong>
\nAsk for hard numbers.
\n– How many homes did you sell last year?
\n– What is your list-to-sales price ratio?<\/p>\nYou\u2019re looking for an agent who consistently sells homes at or above asking price. If their ratio is 95%, they\u2019re likely leaving money on the table. You want a closer.<\/p>\n
Also, ask about availability. How many clients do they have right now? If they\u2019re juggling ten open houses, they won\u2019t be fighting for your listing.<\/p>\n
The Contract Question<\/h3>\n
Here is where people get nervous. The paperwork.<\/p>\n
When you sell, you will likely sign an exclusive right to sell agreement. It\u2019s standard. But here is the secret: you can usually terminate that contract if the agent isn\u2019t delivering. Read the fine print. Know your exit strategy before you sign.<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re buying, an exclusive buyer agency agreement isn\u2019t legally required. Some agents will push for it. Others won\u2019t care. It\u2019s up to you. If you feel comfortable without it, stay loose. If you want protection, sign it. But know that it\u2019s a choice, not a mandate.<\/p>\n
The Money Talk<\/h3>\n
Agents don\u2019t work for love. They work for commission.<\/p>\n
We will break down exactly how they get paid, what that means for your closing costs, and where the money goes. But first, you need the right person on your side.<\/p>\n
Pick wisely.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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