Real Estate Agent Works for who?
When you ask an agent to show a home, who do they represent?
Before working with a real estate agent, you should know that our duties depend on whom we represent. If you hire an agent to list your property as a seller or landlord, the agent works for the seller or landlord. An agent showing the property without a written agreement between them and perspective buyer or tenant is considered a subagent and represents the seller or perspective landlord in cooperation with the listing agent. If a buyer or perspective tenant enter into a written agreement then the agent works for them.
Since the broker owns the listing, if the agent listing the property is under the broker and the agent bringing the buyer are under the same broker, the broker may act as intermediary (overseer) between both sides to insure fairness. Both parties must agree in writing for this to happen.
An agent may assist you in locating a property, preparing a contract or lease, or obtaining financing without representing you. The agent is also obligated to treat you fairly. It is always wise to have someone in the deal looking out for your best interest. So back to the questions who does the agent work for? It depends on who you have hired.