Quote:
Originally Posted by Boomer BeBack
The question by ditzyfitzy that started all this commentary was, "Who watches out for the buyer?"
|
In NY the seller generally signs the listing agreement, and pays the real estate agent. As a buyer, you are presented a disclosure form that clearly states the agent is a sellers agent, and watching out for the seller's interest.
If you want to have your own agent, you hire an agent to be a "buyer's agent", which is a defined but very uncommon practice. Even when you work with an MLS, and "your" agent shares commision with the seller's agent, the seller actually paid both commissions, and they both technically work for the seller. It's in everyone's interest to be sure a deal is fair, and that's there's been a meeting of the minds on the purchase. But it's still wise to be aware of this arrangement.