Buyer’s Agency

 

Under Michigan law, every REALTOR® must discuss agency relationships with every customer prior to any personal information being divulged.  Many don't feel comfortable discussing the matter right off the bat, but it's essential that every buyer or seller of property in Michigan understands the role that each party plays in the transaction.

By law, every REALTOR® must represent the best interest of any home seller that has a signed listing agreement with a REALTOR®.

By default, REALTORS® begin every transaction as a seller's agent regardless of whether the property for sale is listed by their firm or another.

In order to change that, a buyer must execute a Buyer Broker Agreement with an agent which establishes that agent as their REALTOR®.

The Buyer Broker Agreement outlines the obligations of the parties to each other.  It establishes an agency relationship with a specific REALTOR® for a defined amount of time and, in exchange, the buyer agrees to work ONLY with that REALTOR® when they decide to purchase a home.

The contract can be limited by timeframe, by geographic area, by price point, and any other terms to which the parties agree.

It's important to choose a REALTOR® who is not only a good personality match, but one who seems to be very professional, responsive, and knowledgeable about the area and legalities involved with a real estate transaction.

Buyers do not HAVE to execute a Buyer Broker Agreement in order to work with a particular agent but some agents will not want to dedicate their valuable time and energy to a customer who may not, in the end, purchase through them.

Buyers should not be pressured into signing a Buyer Broker Agreement if they choose not to.

The REALTOR®'s job is to explain agency thoroughly so the buyer may make their own decision as to whether to enlist a buyer's agent or not.

It's not uncommon for a buyer to purchase a home directly through the seller's agent, but it's only recommended in a situation where that listing agent has shown they are professional, knowledgeable, and honest in their communications with the buyer.

If you have a Buyer Broker Agreement executed with a REALTOR®, make sure to disclose that with other agents you may come in contact with so as to avoid any confusion.

While there are a lot of legal and financial considerations to be taken into account in the process of buying and selling real estate, it should also be fun!  Remember that as you're searching for your next home or property.  If you have any questions relative to agency or any other real estate related issue, please contact us at your convenience to learn more at info@homewaters.net.