Your REALTOR should represent YOU

You have decided to purchase a home or second home here in Myrtle Beach. That's exciting and it is a time to celebrate as an individual or as a family.

No doubt you have been searching websites and maybe even attended some open houses as you try to determine the right style, location and price of your new home.

Something many folks don't realize is exactly who a real estate agent represents and what responsibilities an agent might have to you as a buyer. Knowing this information may help to insure your interests are best represented in your real estate transaction. Before you sign anything, make sure you are informed about the agent who is asking for your business.

Let's start with the listing agent, who often is the agent that will welcome you at an open house or who replies to your inquiry on Zillow or one of the other consumer websites.

The listing agent, by legal contract with the seller, is obligated to represent the interests of the seller and I often ask folks if they think that the listing agent would be the best person to represent their interests in the transaction. Almost always the answer is no, and of course that makes sense since the listing agent is already bound by contract to represent the interests of the seller.

Another option available to you is a realtor who is a buyer's agent. This is a realtor with whom you contract to specifically represent your interests in any real estate transaction. Your buyer's agent is, by SC law, contractually bound to provide clearly defined fiduciary responsibilities that protect you as a buyer of real estate in SC.

There are several other lesser designations of representation, and a realltor should share all option available to you before entering into an agreement to work for you as your real estate professional.

The focus of my real estate business is as a buyer's agent and as such, I have a team of LOCAL professionals (mortgage lender, insurance professional, legal team and home inspector) who are all focused on helping buyers complete a successful and stress-free closing on their new home or vacation property. Also, negotiating for a buyer is a much different strategy than negotiating for a seller.

Whether I am fortunate enough to earn your business or you choose to work with another realtor, make sure it is clear to you how an agent will represent you and make sure they have a team of LOCAL professionals who know this market and will make your purchase and closing an enjoyable experience.