" I thought the REALTOR showing me the home was my agent"  .......

.....Well, probably not and the agent may not even be a REALTOR!  You should not assume that any real estate broker or salesperson represents you unless you agree to engage in an authorized brokerage relationship. Be advised not to disclose any information you want held in confidence until you decide on representation.  Read below to understand the different types of Agency relationships in Virginia. Contact Us at Choice Real Estate Services, Inc. with any questions you may have about Buying or Selling real estate.

REALTOR vs. Agent

All real estate licensees are agents; however, not all agents are REALTORS. REALTORS abide by a strict Code of Ethics and are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of selling and buying real estate. Only REALTORS proudly display the         logo on their marketing and sales literature. Whether you are considering Buying or Selling, remember that not all agents are REALTORS and look for the REALTOR logo first!

Representation in Virginia - Who represents Whom ?

In Virginia, a real estate company and it's agents may represent the Seller, the Buyer, or both the Seller and Buyer. The type of representation relationship must be disclosed to all customers.

Customer or Client ?

A real estate agent represents his Client's best interests as outlined in a written agreement. Without this agreement, the party is a customer. Agents must be truthful with all parties and must disclose to customers known adverse material facts about the condition of the property.

Seller Agent

With a signed agreement stating the real estate agent is representing the Seller, the agent's duty and goal is to seek a transaction on terms most favorable to his Seller client. The seller agent is to guard the Seller's best interests throughout the listing period.

Seller  Sub-Agent 

An agent of an agent. When an agent shows property listed with another company, that subagent is also working with the Seller's best interests in mind (just as the listing agent). Even if  the agent who listed your home  is showing you other properties,by law,the agent represents the other Seller's best interests -not yours- if you are the customer. You should assume all agents are working for the property Seller unless they have a written agreement with the Buyer as a Buyer Agent. The brokerage relationship should be disclosed to all parties up front -before any customer might release confidential information and jeapordize their position.

Buyer Agent

The real estate agent is representing the Buyer's best interests and this relationship must be disclosed whenever dealing with the seller or seller's representative.

Overlapping Brokerage Relationships

Dual and Designated representation -  If all involved parties agree, Virginia law allows representation of both the Seller and the Buyer through the same company in a single transaction. Two agents of the same firm may represent opposing sides- if all parties agree.

Note: Choice Real Estate Services,Inc. does not practice dual or designated agency, as we feel there is potential for a conflict of interest. We represent only the Seller on  Choice  "Exclusive Authorization To Sell"  listings and may represent the Buyer on area homes-for-sale other than Choice listings.

If you would like more information on brokerage relationships,our Flat-Rate Seller packages, or on Buyer Agency.....Contact Us.....or call (276) 238-2327 Choice Real Estate Services,Inc. of Galax, Va. is licensed in Virginia, USA.

Realtor® is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

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