Belt Auction

how can you check on real estate agents standards and how to trust and find a buyers agent.?

First time homebuyer; don't know who's out to getcha. Trying to educate myself before trusting a real estate agent. Is there a website to check other than the better business bureau. Is it better to find a buyers agent over a real estate agent.

Public Comments

1. buyers agent is a real estate agent. I would tell you to go to a national firm in the town you want to buy in and ask the manager to recommend somebody. Then ask them for the names of the last two people they helped buy a house for. Or ask a friend who they used.
2. Real estate agents, car sells people, clergy all in sells and all money hungry and don't care about you only their money.
3. The listing agent represents the seller, but it his job to put a buyer and a seller together. So, in a certain sense he is neutral.
4. The listing agent isn't neutral, the listing agent's fiduciary responsibility is to the seller. Of course, an agent has to adequately represent the both sides of the transaction, but it is in the buyer's best interest to have their own agent. Ask friends and family for recommendations on who they have used in the past. You can contact the local board of Realtors and ask where you can check for complaints against particular Realtors.
5. Get a buyer's agent. It costs you nothing out of pocket and will certainly save you money. Before you commit to them, make sure they are full-time, have a good track record, are willing to produce references, and know the local area. Interview at least three. The company they work for is secondary to their professional acumen. There is no website; go to some open houses, talk with the agents and go with your gut so long as they meet the above criteria. Don't be afraid to sign a buyer agent agreement hiring them so long as it gives you an out if they perform poorly. Good luck.