I am shopping for a house, and I feel like I need some help with the process. If I contact a broker or agent about a house that is listed by a different agent, will the broker I contact work for me as a “buyer’s agent?”
-- Tim, Boston
No. Generally, real estate agents and brokers represent sellers. A dual agency (where the agent represents both buyer and seller) is possible with proper disclosure, but I do not recommend that approach.
If you want an agent to represent only you in the negotiation and purchase process, you must retain a buyer’s broker or agent. Usually, buyer’s brokers advertise themselves as such (in the yellow pages, for example) and represent buyers exclusively. Also, Massachusetts law requires all real estate licensees to present a ‘disclosure’ to potential home buyers at their first meeting to discuss a specific property. Read the document carefully, because it explains your rights and clarifies who the licensee is working for.
(Submitted by the Editor)