By Cindy Shaft
What is dual agency? It is when the real estate agent is representing both the buyer and seller. Say, a couple sees a house for sale and calls the agent on the sign, to show it to them. They tell the agent they want that house. She says lets write an offer. That agent is going to get the full commission on that house and does not have to split it with another agent had their been one. Do you think she is going to be looking out for the buyers best interests and give them advise on what potential problem their could be with the home or tell them to offer less. If she does, then she is not looking out for the sellers’ best interests. Somebody may not be treated fairly.
It is best for the buyer to have a buyers’ agent and a seller to have a sellers’ agent. JDA’s Realty policy is that their agents do not practice dual agency.
If I show one of my listings and the buyer wants to write a contract on the home, I will have another agent in the company act as their buyers’ agent. I will try to get my seller the most money, and the buyers’ agent will try to negotiate the best deal for them.
You may call most any Realty office and ask them if their agents are allowed to offer dual agency. Many will say yes. Some top selling agents love to advertise they sell most of their own listings. Do you think after the sale, if all parties are completely satisfied? The agent is, she made double commission! The average commission in Metro Atlanta on listing a house is between 6 &7%. Usually the commission is equally split between the listing agent and the selling agent.
I never ask for that much, when I list a house acting as a sellers’ agent, and then am able to sell my sellers another home, acting as their buyers’ agent. My clients love saving thousand of dollars. Wouldn’t You?
E-mail me if you need someone to represent YOUR best interests to buy or sell a home.