MONTEREY BAY, CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE

Working With a Real Estate Agent Etiquette

• If you want to sell your home, work with a “seller’s agent” also known as a “listing agent”. A listing agent works for the seller, not the buyer. If you call the listing agent to show you the home, the listing agent will expect to represent you. Dual agency occurs when an agent represents both the seller and the buyer. In California, it is okay for an agent to represent both the “seller” and “buyer”, if both the “seller” and “buyer” agree to that arrangement.
  
  
• If you want to buy a home, work with a “buyer’s agent”. California requires real estate agents to disclose to the consumer whom they represent. The form used for this disclosure is called “Agency Disclosure.”
  
  
• Receiving a salary is not the norm for the real estate agent. Real estate agents receive a commission and this only happens if the transaction closes. Do not ask an agent to work for you if it is your intention to cut the agent out of the deal.
  
  
• If you make an appointment with a real estate agent, be sure to keep it. Conduct business with a real estate agent with the same courtesy you would any professional. Real estate agents have many clients and organize their time to meet the needs of everyone. Don’t expect them to drop everything to show you property—make an appointment.
  
  
• If you attend open houses without your real estate agent, be sure to have his/her card with you to give to the agent holding the open house. The agent hosting an open house is usually an agent looking for unrepresented buyers and not the listing agent for the home that is open.
  
  
• Let your agent know what you are looking for and what you expect. Be sure to be realistic with your price and the location(s) you are looking for a home. Let your agent know the best way you like to receive communications. And, please respond to your agent. If you change your mind and decide not to purchase a home, be sure to let your agent know.
  

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