Customer Or A Client? Why Does It Matter?

By Author: Dennis Smith
Total Articles: 2
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When you choose to work with a real estate licensee, he or she may or may not be "your" agent. An agent owes certain duties to a client but has a different obligation to a customer. You must know whether you are a customer or a client in a real estate transaction, and it is your decision as to how you will work with the licensee. You should discuss the following information with the real estate licensee with whom you areworking in order to make an informed decision.Who is a customer?A customer is a person who seeks to purchase real estate, but who has NOT established an agency relationship and is NOT represented by an agent. A customer can expect the salesperson to provide honest information but cannot expect the salesperson to act as an agent or to negotiate the best price in a purchase. A real estate licensee is also obligated by law to treat customers honestly, to disclose known material facts about the property, and to promptly present all offers to the seller. As a buyer, you may decide you don't need your own agent. The seller's agent may be able to provide you with all the information you require to buy real property ...
... without your being represented by your own agent; however, if you are a customer, the licensee's primary loyalty is not to you. It is to his or her client. The agent must convey all known information to his or her client, such as your urgency to move or your willingness to increase your offer.Who is a client?A client is a person who establishes an agency relationship with and agrees to be represented by an agent in a real estate transaction.A seller becomes a client of a real estate company by signing a listing agreement with a licensee associated with a company. This agreement must be in writing and must clearly establish the obligations of both the seller and the agent. A buyer becomes a client of a real estate company by requesting through a licensee that the company be the buyer's agent. Such an arrangement must be in writing and clearly establish theobligations of both the buyer and the agent.Who is an agent?An agent is the licensee who, at your direction, acts for and represents you, above all others, as his or her client. Acting on your behalf, an agent in a real estate transaction will negotiate the best price and terms for you. An agent owes utmost loyalty to you, the client, and must convey to you any information he or she knows which might influence your decision to buy or sell. What is a dual agent?In certain circumstances, which should be explained to you by the licensee, an agent may represent the buyer and seller in the same transaction provided each has consented in writing prior to the transaction. This arrangement is called dual agency since one agent represents both parties and both remain clients of the company. Working with a dual agent is not the same as having your own agent. For instance, when representing both a buyer and a seller, the dual agent must not disclose to only one party confidential information obtained from the other party. Also, a dual agent may not be the advocate for either party and cannot negotiate for nor advise either as to price or terms. It is important that you discuss this with the licensee in order to understand the limits of services which a dual agent can provide and to determine whether you want to modify a relationship that you may have established. Do you want to be a customer or a client?Do you want to receive services (customer) or be represented (client)? If you are not sure, discuss your options with the real estate licensee with whom you are working. It is your choice and you need to decide whether you will hire an agent or be self-represented. At your discretion, it may be advisable for you toobtain legal or other professional advice in connection with a transaction. It is your continuing responsibility to protect your own interest. Please ask to see the actual text of the Acknowledgement of Agency Disclosure used by all Real Estate Agents in California. May I work for you in a "client" relationship?This information is brought to you by:Dennis Smith, ABR, SRES, e-PRO, CDPE, Realtor® DRE# 00476662Certified Distressed Property AgentSunshine Smith, SFR, Realtor® DRE# 01249837Short Sale, Foreclosure Resource CertifiedRE/MAX BY-THE-SEAdennis@SanDiegoHomes4u.comwww.SanDiegoHomes4u.com760-436-0087 or cell at 760-212-8225Providing quality Real Estate services in the North Coastal San Diego areaincluding Del Mar, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Cardiff by the Sea,Encinitas, Leucadia, Olivenhain, Carlsbad, La Costa, Aviara, Oceanside,Vista, San Marcos, San Elijo Hills, Escondido & all San Diego County.View all San Diego area homes for sale athttp://www.sandiegohomes4u.com/MLS_Search.htm