[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by bkcunningham1

I understand where you are going by offering a bonus. This isn't a personal slam against anyone involved in the discussion. But I personally would steer clear of any agent who would accept such an offer to sell or one who would get buyers to look at your house based on a bonus. First of all, your listing agent has a contractual obligation to represent you and to get you the best price and to bring buyers in to see you.

The way that your listing agent gets you the best price is to list the property on MLS with great pictures and descriptions. In most cases, the property is then sold by another agent and the commission amount is usually split 50/50 between listing agent and selling agent.

In the real world, a bonus offered to the selling agent does motivate agents to show your property. There is nothing unethical about it. Most (if not all) Real Estate Boards permit it.

[tony]

How does agent/broker representation work in Florida?

I have always thought that all the real estate agents in any transaction
represent the seller unless a person has a signed buyer's broker agreement.

I see references on the forum in which buyers talk about "my agent," and I
don't know if they simply think the agent is theirs, if they have a signed
agreement, or if Florida law is different from why I am familiar with.

[getdul981]

I'm like Tony, I thought all RE agents worked for the seller. That's who pays them. The buyer may be paying the money, but it eventually comes out of the sellers proceeds.

[bkcunningham1]

Realtors may represent a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other clients. Some even have dual agency. But this has to be disclosed to both parties. All agents, regardless of who they represent, according to the National Association of Realtors' Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, pledge to protect and promote the interests of their client, but according to the NAR, they must also remain obligated to treat all parties honestly.

It is very important to understand this representative agreement when making a large purchase like real estate. Don't be intimidated. Just ask.

[tony]

I am more interested in what Florida law says about it.

I think people are lulled into thinking that since they go to a real estate agent, the agent is working for him or her. Not so.

Are any professionals around who can address this?

[graciegirl]

I am in the same position as you two, raynan and getdul. We have two suggested realtors and we are working like crazy trying to make it look like a new build. On the suggestion of many of our friends we have put a for sale by owner sign in yard and will leave it for a couple of weeks and than decide what to do next.

The window man is replacing a few fogged panes today and Thursday the last seven rooms of carpet will be cleaned. And than I will have to maintain it like a model home and have the three of us still live in it.

What fun.

NO. I am not burying St. Joseph upside down. He has been a friend in the past and I am hoping for his help.