SERVICES:

 Assisting The Buyer 

When buying a home, we can assist you in four ways;

Cooperating Agent:

A cooperating agent works for a real estate company different from the company for which the seller's agent works.  The cooperating agent can assist a buyer or tenant in purchasing or renting a property, but his or her duty of loyalty is only to the sellers or landlords.  The cooperating agent's fee is paid by the sellers or landlords through the seller's agent's company.

Presumed Buyer's Agent (no written agreement):

When a person goes to a real estate agent, either initially or at any time, the agent is presumed to be representing the buyer and can show the buyer properties that are not listed by the agent's real estate company.  A presumed buyer's agent may not make or prepare an offer or negotiate a sale for the buyer.  The buyer does not have an obligation to pay anything to the presumed agent.

Buyer's Agent (by written agreement):

 A buyer or tenant may enter into a written contract with a real estate agent which provides that the agent will represent the buyer or tenant in locating a property to buy or rent.  The agent is then known as the buyer's agent.    During the  home buying process , we represent you, the buyer in evaluating properties and preparing offers, and negotiating in the best interests of the buyer .  As a buyer's agent, we will represent your best interests by monitoring the transaction from start to finish while providing full disclosure to the seller..

Dual Agents: 

The possibility of dual agency arises when the buyer's agent and the seller's agent both work for the same real estate company, and the buyer is interested in property listed by that company.  The real estate company, or broker, is called the "dual agent".  Dual agents do not act exclusively in the interests of either the seller or the buyer, or landlord or tenant, and therefore cannot give undivided loyalty to either party.  There may be a conflict of interest because the interests of the seller and buyer may be different or adverse.

If both seller and buyer, or landlord and tenant, agree to dual agency by signing a Consent For Dual Agency form, then the real estate company (the "dual agent") will assign one agent to represent the seller or landlord ("the seller's intra-company agent").  Intra-company agents may provide the same services to their clients as exclusive seller's or buyer's agent, including advising their clients as to price and negotiation strategy, provided the clients have both consented to be represented by dual agency.

If either party does not agree to dual agency, the real estate company may withdraw the agency agreement for that particular property with either the buyer or seller, or both.  If the seller's agreement is terminated, the seller must then either represent him or herself or arrange to be represented by an agent from another real estate company.  If the buyer's agreement is terminated, the buyer or tenant may choose to enter into a written buyer agency agreement with an agent of his or her own but simply to receive assistance from the seller's agent, from another agent in the company, or from a cooperating agent from another company.

No matter what type of agent you choose to work with, you have the following rights and responsibilities in selling or buying or renting property:

       >Real estate agents are obligated by law to treat all parties to a real estate transaction honestly and fairly.  They must exercise reasonable care and diligence and maintain the confidentiality of clients.  They must not discriminate in offering of properties; they must promptly present each written offer or counteroffer to the other party; and they must answer questions truthfully.

       >Real estate agents must disclose all material facts that they know or should know relating to a property.  An agent's duty to maintain confidentiality does not apply to the disclosure of material facts about a property.

       >All agreements with real estate agents should explain the duties and obligations of the agent.  The agreement should explain how the agent will be paid and any fee-sharing agreements with other agents.

       >You have the responsibility to protect your own interests.  You should carefully read all agreements to make sure they accurately reflect your understanding.  A real estate agent is qualified to advise you on real estate matters only.  If you need legal or tax advice, it is your responsibility to consult a licensed attorney or accountant.

Any complaints about a real estate agent may be filed with the Real Estate Commission at 500 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.  (410) 230-6200.

Seller's Agent

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