For most families, choosing a new home is the biggest financial decision they will ever make. There are many complicated steps involved in choosing your new home. To protect your interests and assure that you make the best possible decisions, it is important that you know who an agent is representing.

Because this is a topic that is often misunderstood by consumers, Indiana state law requires an agent to explain who they represent in a transaction. This discussion is supposed to take place PRIOR to an agent hearing confidential information about you. 

If you sign an agreement with the listing agent to also represent you, the listing agent becomes a limited agent.  In limited agency, you and the seller are both represented by one agent who must treat you both equally and side with neither.  A limited agent is representing both the seller and the buyer although they will have different or even adverse interests in the terms of an agreement. 

A Limited Agent Can:

•  Provide information about the property to the buyer
• Disclose all latent material defects about the property
• Help the buyer compare financing alternatives
• Provide information on comparable properties so that both parties may make educated decisions on the price.
  

A Limited Agent Can't:

• Disclose confidential information about either client without permission.
• Recommend or suggest a price to offer or accept to either the buyer or the seller.
• Disclose the lowest price the seller will take for the property, the seller’s financial position, or reason for selling without permission
• Disclose the highest price the buyer will pay for the property or the buyer’s financial position without permission. 
• Tell either party anything that would give them an advantage over the other in negotiating a deal.

Some people are comfortable with having a limited agent.  If so, get a written agreement before revealing any personal or financial information to the listing agent.

If you feel it isn't in your best interest to "share" an agent with the seller, you should find an agent who will work with you exclusively as a Buyer's Agent before you tour a home that is for sale or visit an open house. 

As your buyer's agent, I will:

• Assure that you see all the properties in the area that meet your criteria. Not just those listed on the local MLS, I can show you homes listed by other agents and firms in the area.
• Guide you through the entire process, from getting financing, to finding homes to look at, to closing the deal.
• Make sure you don't pay too much for your new home. As a real estate agent in this area, It is my job to help people negotiate and make informed home purchase decisions.
• Answer all of your questions about the local market area. Not just about homes for sale, but about schools, neighborhoods, the local economy and more.
• Offer extra help when needed if you are moving with kids.

Let me help you find your dream home and assure your best interests are protected throughout the entire process. Feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions you may have at any time. Or fill out this form and I'll get back to you right away.  You can schedule a time to come to my office and I will take the time to sit with you to discuss your options and answer your questions.