Real Estate - 买房 - Buying a Home?(3)About Agent

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About Agent

What you should know about agents representing seller

If you are the type of buyer who enjoys doing the legwork of the homefinding
process, you will most likely visit an open house, builder's model home or
Parade of Homes. Or, you may make phone calls to listing agents or builders'
representatives to see a particular property.

You should be aware that in order to have independent representation, you
should avoid direct contact with builders' representatives or listing agents.
This includes registering at a new home neighborhood or attending an open
house. In the case that you desire independent representation, you should
choose an independent buyer's agent as one of your first steps in your home
search. You would then want to sign a buyer's agency agreement and keep your
real estate professional closely involved with all aspects of the home search.
Failure to do this may result in your preferred real estate agent being unable
to represent you in the transaction.

WHY? Procuring Cause -- A confusing term meaning that whoever introduces a
buyer to the property he or she elects to buy is entitled to compensation for
the sale. For example, if you were to find the home you want to buy while
attending an open housei hosted by the listing agent, and you were not
previously involved with or introduced to the listing by another agent, the
listing agent of the home is entitled to both the listing and selling side of
the sale, to be paid by the seller. You would only be able to have independent
representation in this case if you chose to pay a buyer's agent his or her fee
for representing you.

How to preserve your right to independent representation

There are two things you must tell a listing agent or builder representative
to retain your right to independent representation:
1. You already have an agent. Give his or her name and phone number to the
seller's or builder's agent.
2. Your agent told you about the property. Have the date and method by which
you were told about the property (i.e., by phone, in person, e-mail).