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Can a Real Estate Agent represent both buyer & seller?

The answer is yes. However, as a seller or buyer is that in your best interest? Absolutely, not! What if two agents in the same office and one represents the seller and the other the buyer. That depends on if the house is already on the market.

Let’s take the second example first. If your home is currently listed on the market, it is not uncommon for a buyer’s agent to look at your home listed by an an agent from the same real estate company, such as Solid Source Realty, Inc. What can be a problem is if the agent that is listing your home never markets your home to the entire Atlanta market on FMLS and/or Georgia MLS. It may seem great that you get an offer that very day from another agent in that agent’s office. However, you’ll never know if you could have received a higher price, especially in today’s market. This is called Designated Agency.

What does it cost to sell a house Kevin Polite Solid Source Realty Inc

What does it cost to sell a house Kevin Polite Solid Source Realty Inc

The first example is what is called Dual Agency. The agent has a fiduciary duty to to fully disclose all material facts to the client. The duty to fully disclose all purchase offers to the seller. The duty to handle the client’s information and affairs with loyalty and confidentiality. It seems it would be impossible to have that same loyalty and confidentiality to both the buyer AND the seller. If the listing agent knows you would be okay lowering the price of your home would you have the confidence that he or she wouldn’t relay this information to the buyer. Likewise, if the buyer is willing to increase the price of their offer, you would need that agent to not inform the seller. Confusing? Exactly, which is why in most cases this is not the best course of action.

Are you looking to sell your home? Call today for a free market analysis of your home or email us.
Kevin Polite, Solid Source Realty, Inc. 404-299-71000

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