Are you out looking for houses? Do you have a buyers agent? Are you thinking that you will get a buyers agent to represent your interests once you find a place to buy? Think again…

It is common practice in the real estate industry for Realtors who are listing the house to assume you are their client, or hustle you into signing up as one, because then they get both the listing agent commission and the buyer agent commission, technically referred to as the Cooperating Agent Fee. Double the money for the same work… wouldn’t you do this?

But these agents represent the seller’s interest, not yours. We recommend that all buyers be represented by professionals, so that you obtain the best advice and assistance you can, for the one of the largest transactions of your life. If you sign up with the listing agent, you are not being represented. This is a legal FACT, and you are doing yourself a disservice, especially since it does not cost you any extra to be represented.

If you are already represented, make sure you say so to the listing agent at the open house you go to… otherwise the listing agent will claim that the buyers agent is not the Procuring Cause for you being there, and will not pay the buyers agent their fee. This can result in you being liable for paying the fee yourself, on top of the cost of the house.

If you are not represented, you should be, and you should be soon. Get a buyers agent to work for you, and to protect your interests in the transaction, to help negotiate the purchase price, make sure all the inspections are completed, and to help make the process go through smoothly and with the least trauma possible. Again, if you go to open houses, and find a house you want, it may be too late to get an agent to represent your interests, since the listing agent will claim that you are their client or customer, and so the buyers agent will not be paid from the commission…

Being properly represented is key to a smooth transaction. See our sections on buyers agency and agency in general before you look for houses.