You are looking to buy a house. Should you look with the listing agent, or should you have your own agent?

  It's usually OK to look with the listing agent if you bear in mind: the listing agent is working for the seller, not you.

  Even if you know the listing agent, that agent is in a contract with the seller to represent the seller's best interest. 

  You have choices. You can work with the seller's agent. You can work with your own agent. Or you can work with an agent who is not legally representing either seller or buyer, but is working as a facilitator. 

  If you want your own agent, you must have a written, signed agreement with that agent, called an Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement. In such an agreement, you are the agent's client. You will work with that agent exclusively, and the agent will represent you in any real estate transaction.

  If you are not the agent's client, then you are a "customer." The agent must be honest with you, but is not allowed to give you advice. For example, the agent is not allowed to recommend a price to offer for a property, or advise you about the property, if you are a customer.

  Likewise, an agent who is representing neither you nor the seller, but is acting only as a facilitator, is not allowed to give you advice about a property. If you want the agent's advice, then enter into a brokerage agreement with the agent. 

  I can show you any and all properties in the Americus Area Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as your agent, or as the seller's agent, or as a facilitator. If you'd like to talk about it, please call me at 229-924-3089 or email me at michael@michaeldixonrealty.com.