It is not uncommon for some people to call, text or email a realtor on a moment’s notice and expect to view value priced homes for sale in Comox right away or on very short notice. There are several problems with this approach. First, unless you are already a client of theirs they likely do not know who you are or whether or not you are already working with a local realtor. Second, they are required by law to explain some things to you before showing you the home. Third, they are required by their code of ethics to respect the relationship you may already have with another realtor. Fourth, they are likely busy providing services to current clients and they need time to take you on as a client and then they need to fit you into their schedule so they can provide you with services.
British Columbia law places a number of obligations on real estate agents in the province related to the provision of real estate services to other people. Among them is the requirement for the agent to to disclose the nature of the representation that they will provide to that person before providing them with any professional services, such as the showing of a home. This is often best done through a face-to-face meeting with the person.
Real estate agents provide professional services to both home buyers and sellers. For people in British Columbia to receive the highest level of representation it is important for them to be represented by the real estate agent under Designated Agency. To accept something less like Limited Dual Agency or a Customer relationship is not in the best interests of the person who wants and needs the best advice that a particular agent can give them.
Sellers become clients of a real estate agent through the contract that they sign when they list their home. The listing agent is working for the seller under Designated Agency and that agent should have the seller’s best interests at heart. For a seller to subsequently be asked by their agent to accept a reduction in the level of their professional relationship to Limited Dual Agency means that that agent is asking to represent both the seller and the buyer in the same contractual relationship. Does anyone think that this is a good idea?
Home buyers who need the services of a real estate agent should become a client of the real estate agent through Designated Agency. As with a seller, buyers could be asked by an agent to accept a lessor professional relationship such as Limited Dual Agency or a Customer relationship. If your agent were to do this, would you not want to know why they were making the request?
Like most other service-based professionals, real estate agents often work for many different clients at the same time. Most will do their best to fit you into their busy schedule but they do need notice to do so and almost all will give priority to current clients before taking on new clients. If you are looking for a realtor who will go Above and Beyond to help you buy or sell a home contact Brett for an appointment to become a client under Designated Agency.