More and more as I go about my business in Honolulu, I see so many examples where mediocre service is the norm rather than the exception.  I believe my clients deserve the best service their hard earned money can buy, regardless of the dollar value of the real estate transaction.  All clients deserve a highly skilled agent to guide them through the buying or selling process.  They deserve to work with a professional who values their time and the time of others.

There are some things you should expect from your agent when you begin to search for property.  This post and the ones that follow will cover some of those expectations.

Buyer Loyalty Agreement
Once you have chosen an agent, but before visiting the first piece of property, your agent should ask you to approve an agreement to work together.  In Hawaii, this is called a Buyer Representation Agreement.  

Why should you do this?  The agreement clearly lists an agent’s duties and obligations.  Briefly, the duties owed to you include:  obedience, loyalty, full disclosure, confidentiality, accounting and reasonable care.  This agreement is binding and you’ll know exactly what your agent should be doing to represent your interests from the time you begin your property search right up to the close of escrow.

Another very important reason you should sign a buyer loyalty agreement is that it is a National requirement.  Article 9 of the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics, states this.  Some agents choose not to use a representation agreement, but why would you knowingly work with an agent who refuses to follow the established code of ethics?  You have no assurance that this agent will provide you with the competent, high quality service you deserve.  Without question, it is in your best interest to clearly understand the services your agent will provide. 

One final thought on the Buyer Loyalty Agreement.  If you were selling your home, you would expect to approve an agreement naming an agent to represent you during your the sale.  This is no different.  It just makes sense to designate an agent to represent your interests when buying a home.

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