Sometimes, One Agent Is All You Need

Robert J. Bruss, in his Sept. 12 Real Estate Q&A; item headlined “Before Making an Offer, Son Needs an Agent in His Corner,” wrote:

“The listing agent has an inherent conflict by representing both the seller and the buyer in the same sale (although that’s perfectly legal).”

I can see why an attorney may not be comfortable with dual agency; relationships in the legal world are normally adversarial when people oppose each other until one wins and the other loses.

In real estate, both parties must win. A good agent knows if one of the parties is not happy, the transaction can fall through or there can be a lawsuit after the closing.

As a broker, when I represent both parties, I can communicate with the buyer and the seller directly to learn about their needs, which often go beyond money and terms.

Then I can help the parties understand each other better so that they can negotiate an agreement that is a “win-win” situation.

A good agent will put his clients’ needs before his own in all situations and will handle matters in the right way. I believe that if you like and trust the agent representing a house you like, you would do well to work with that person to purchase it. But if another broker has been working hard to find you a home, you would want to be loyal and have that person represent you in the purchase.

JULIE NAGESH

Broker

Mt. Washington Realty

Los Angeles