Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123
Note that the term "agent" is a legal term that means someone is representing a client in a legal transaction for a fee. The only way a buyer can have an agent is if they sign a legally binding contract in which the buyer agrees to pay money to the agent. If the buyer just shows up and the real estate agent shows them houses, there is no client/agent relationship established. For most real estate sales in Florida, the buyer does not have an agent representing them. However, real estate agents typically do not adequately convey to the buyer that they are representing the seller, and not the buyer. That is why buyers will often assume that they have an "agent" when they don't.
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This may be different than in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts when a buyer works with an agent they sign an agency disclosure that shows they are representing the buyer. The agent may or may not sign a contract with the buyer. If there is no contract the buyer can simply stop working with them. In addition if the are a "Realtor" there is a code of ethics that the agent must be loyal and obedient etc to their client (buyer or seller).