Learn what it Means to Work with a Real Estate Agent

Real Estate agents can represent buyers, sellers, or both. It is essential to understand the agent's duties and loyalties before you make your first phone call. In Washington State, there are buyer's agents, seller's agents and dual agents.

The buyer's agent is simply that, a real estate professional hired by the buyer to inform, negotiate and represent the buyer in the transaction. Even though they may actually be paid at close from the seller's proceeds, at no time do they represent the seller in the transaction.

The seller's agent likewise represents the seller's interest in the transaction, is paid out of the seller's proceeds, and at no time represents the buyer in the transaction.

In some unique situations an agent may represent both parties, but this must be agreed to beforehand by both the buyer and the seller.