Thanks for your positive feedback. Readers who would like more information on the subject can read the heated discussion on Boston.com:

They call it procuring cause
http://bit.ly/ProcuringCause

I have not been aware of Newbuyer.com, but eager to follow links on your Twitter posts.

Bill

Thanks so much for the the insightful reply. You have just doubled the value of my post!

All the Best,
Elizabeth

So pleased to see you warning first-time homebuyers about the conflict of interest inherent in dual agency:

“…try to imagine working for both parties with opposite interests? You can see how difficult and precarious a feat this is. Although this practice does exist (it is called dual-agency), it is uncommon and it is recommended that you do not become a party to it. The agent works for the buyer or the seller, not both.”

Beyond conflict of interest, buyers — particularly tech savvy do-it-yourself buyers, should be cautious about rushing into this situation without selecting a buyer agent:

“If you must look at it sooner, try to remain tight-lipped and know that the seller’s agent will not be telling you a complete story. Make the visit a quick one and know its purpose is only to learn if you want to pursue the home further; with your own agent of course.”

In Massachusetts, and probably other states, a listing agent in the situation above might deny compensation to the buyer agent if they do not carry the buyer across the threshold on the first private showing arguing they were the “Procuring Cause” of the sale.

If you want to use a buyer agent, particularly one offering a commission rebate (100% in our case), the buyer agent must act as your spokesperson throughout the transaction, beginning the first PRIVATE showing! That means no speaking to a listing agent outside an open house, at least here in Massachusetts.

For more information on Dual Agency, see our recent blog post:
Dual agency: The illusion of individual savings & the real cost to society
http://bit.ly/RepealDualAgency1

Bill Wendel
The Real Estate Cafe
http://Twitter.com/RealEstateCafe