 |
|
||
 |
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Q: - "How can I tell if my real estate broker is protecting my interests or representing the buyer?"
A: - The answer to that question is easy. Look at the paper work the broker gave you when you hired him. Brokers today operate in three common fashions: sellers broker, buyers broker and transactional broker. From my obervations most brokers are operating as transactional brokers. Transactional brokers are required to get your signiture acknowledging that you know and agree to them operating as such. Sellers brokers are required to represent the intersts of the Seller only. The same is true reguarding buyers brokers. They protect the buyer's interests. Transactional brokers are reqired to deal farely and honestly with the public, however they are not really representing the interests of the buyer or the seller. Transactional brokers are to "facilitate the sale." Sellers should never give information to a transactional broker that they wouldn't want a prospective buyer to know.
It is important that you understand who the broker is working for. It is important to know how much your property is really worth. I strongly suggest having the property appraised by an appraiser who is a Member of the Appraisers Institute or has the designation of Senior Real Property Appraiser. The typical real estate appraisal in Central Florida will cost about $350.00. Such an appraisal can give a seller piece of mind that you are not selling the familie's most valuable asset for less than its full worth.
Contracts hiring real estate agents are unilateral contracts. That is to say, that if you are not happy with the service you are getting, you the client can terminate the contact just by giving notice to the broker. Check the contract with the broker for details.
It is common for clients to hire lawyer because they have learned, too late, that they contracted to sell their home for tens of thousands below market value. Knowledge is essential. Don't get it too late.
The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.