Why use an agent?
Regardless of if you are buying or selling your home, using an agent will minimize your frustration level throughout the whole process. A good agent will work with you throughout the process to make sure the transaction is as smooth as possible and watch out for your best interest.Agency Relationships
"Agency" relationships are established when real estate professionals work with buyers and sellers. As you start working with a real estate professional, you should receive a copy of Oregon's agency disclosure which explains in detail the agency relationship. Please ask for an explanation if the agency relationship is not clear to you. There are 3 kinds of agency relationships:
- Buyer's agent-represents the buyer during the home buying process. The buyer's real estate professional (agent) has a fiduciary responsibility to represent the buyer's best interests, including reasonable care, loyalty, and confidentiality.
- Seller's agent-represents the interest of the seller and has a fiduciary responsibility of reasonable care, loyalty, confidentiality and disclosure to the seller. A seller's real estate agent works to assist the seller in locating a buyer and in negotiating a transaction suitable to the seller's specific needs.
- Disclosed limited agent-represents the interests of both the buyer and the seller, during the same transaction. A dual agent has responsibilities to both buyer and seller and must act in the best interest of both parties. This can only be done with the written permission of both clients.
On the buyer's side:
- Assist and guide you in determining the right home and neighborhood to suit your needs.
- Explain the home buying process to help ensure you know what happens each step of the way.
- Find and show you the properties you are interested in.
- Negotiate the terms of sale for you.
- Work together with your lender to ensure a smooth transaction and for everything to close on time.
- Help you locate a knowledgeable home inspector for your home inspection.
- Oversee the entire closing process.
On the seller's side:
- Assist and guide you in determining the most marketable price for your home.
- Suggest improvement tips to enhance the positive aspects of your home.
- Provide a professional marketing strategy targeted to buyers for your specific property.
- Arrange prompt installment of your for sale yard sign.
- Saturate the real estate community with information about your home.
- Bring only pre-qualified or pre-approved buyers to view your home.
- Represent your best interests and consult with you regarding negotiation of all offers.
- Discuss the sales advantages of having a home warranty.
- Oversee the entire closing process.
- Assist you with calculating your proceeds after the sale.
- Stay in communication with you.
- Assist you in relocating.
- Maintain contact for all your future real estate needs.