Does My Real Estate Agent Represent Me or the Seller?
When I bought my first house in the mid 1990s, Texas was kind of a “Buyer Beware” state. In fact, a home Buyer could spend weeks looking for a home with a real estate agent, telling her secret information (like how much you were willing to pay for a house), not knowing that everything you told that real estate agent would be told to the Seller because the real estate agent was actually representing the Seller–not you (the Buyer)!
Here’s what you need to know…
Things Are Different in 2024!
There are BIG changes hitting the entire real estate industry as of August 2024, so make sure you watch my videos to understand those changes and how they will impact you.
RECOMMENDATION: Change the video Quality setting to 1080p. You can also change the Playback Speed.
Agency Relationships in Texas
Another fact that you need to know is that Texas is a dual-agency state…meaning that a real estate broker (such as Keller Williams Signature) can represent both the Buyer (you) and the Seller (them) in a the same transaction. This is called “intermediary agency.” These visual aids will help you to understand…
Typical Agency
In this case, you are represented by one broker while buying a house listed by another broker.
Intermediary Agency With Appointments
In this case, one broker is representing both you and the Seller…because the house that you are buying is listed with the same broker, but with a different agent. However, you have an appointed agent (Sheila Cox) and the Seller has an appointed agent (Unknown) and both agents have to maintain their fiduciary duties including confidentiality. So I am not allowed to share your private information with the other agent. This situation may occur frequently with large brokerages who have lots of listings.
Intermediary Agency WithOUT Appointments
This situation may only occur if both the Seller and the Buyer agree to it in writing. In this situation, you are buying a house that I have listed for one of my other clients. I would be representing both you and the Seller, so my fiduciary responsibilities would be limited. Frankly, I don’t work these types of deals. If you wanted to buy one of my listings, then I would step back and find another real estate agent to be your appointed agent…so you would still have full representation.
Now you need to understand two more important things:
Who Pays Real Estate Commissions in Texas?
How To Get Dedicated Buyer Representation in Texas?
Need Help Buying or Selling a Home in Katy?
Buying or selling a home is a major financial decision. You deserve an experienced local Realtor who knows the Katy-area neighborhoods, schools, property taxes, flood risks, market conditions, and all the little details that can make a BIG difference in your decision.
I’ve been helping Katy-area home buyers and sellers since 2009, and I’ve been recognized as a Five Star Realtor every year since 2010. More importantly, I’ll give you my frank opinion, point out things you may not know to investigate, and look out for YOUR best interests throughout the entire transaction.
Sheila Cox, Five Star Realtor since 2010 and creator of this entire website (KatyHomesForSaleTX.com) so you have proof she’s a local expert. 🙂
Why Work With Sheila?I’m not going to sell you on a house or neighborhood just because it’s beautiful, popular, or new. My job is to help you make a smart real estate decision. That means looking beyond the listing photos and helping you evaluate things like school zoning, flood risk, property taxes, resale considerations, neighborhood differences, inspections, repairs, contract deadlines, and the dozens of other details that can affect your purchase or sale. Sometimes the most valuable thing I can tell you is, “I wouldn’t buy this house.” Please read the list of my value-added services for home buyers |
Free Guides & Reports – What to Know Before You Buy
Use my free guides and reports to learn more about Katy neighborhoods, schools, new construction, market conditions, home buying, and other things you should understand before making a move.
Client Reviews of Sheila
Want to know what it’s like to work with me? Here’s what my past clients have to say.
