Agents’ Duties
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Ellen James Martin, who wrote about home buyers’ agents and their duties and obligations, (“Keeping Your Cool While House Hunting,” April 5), apparently is not aware that in California we have very specific guidelines and they are much more than just “being friendly.”
On California’s “Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationships” form, under “Buyer’s Agent” it states that the selling agent may act solely for the buyer and is not the seller’s agent even though the selling agent may receive compensation from the seller for services rendered.
If the “listing” agent is also the “selling” agent, then that is considered “dual agency” and in that case the agent may not, without the express permission of the respective parties, disclose to the other party that the seller will accept a price less than the listing price or that the buyer will pay a price greater than the price offered.
Martin is also incorrect in stating that the buyer’s agent is legally bound to get the highest price for the seller.
ADELE COOPER
(The writer is a real estate agent with Prudential California Realty.)
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