to Buyers Page

to Sellers Page

KAREN McCARTY, REALTOR®
Austin, Texas
(512)345-1030   karen@austinhomes.net   (512)413-3788

AGENCY

Texas State Senate Bill 489 requires a licensee to disclose representation either orally or in writing. Senate Bill 489 also requires the licensee to furnish prosective buyers, tenants, and sellers, with a form titled INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES that describes the various types of agency relationships.

Just as a seller may retain a broker, usually known as a listing agent, to help the seller market and sell real estate, a buyer may retain an Accredited Buyer's Representative to represent him/her in finding a property and negotiating an offer. The buyer who hires a buyer's broker becomes the client of that broker. Through this appointment of a buyer's broker, the buyer is entitled to the same services and advice that a seller receives from a listing agent. The buyer's broker may counsel and and advise the buyer of the market conditions, perform a comparative market analysis, show available properties, and explain various financing options, property values and other matters relevant to negotiating a transaction. If a buyer does not appoint an agent as their buyer's broker, by default the agent becomes a subagent of the seller.

If you want to choose your REALTOR® rather than have one chosen for you, it is best to enter into a written agreement with the broker of your choice that clearly establishes your relationship and outlines the broker's responsibilities as your representative.

POLICY ON AGENCY

My goal is to provide first-rate service to all my clients. This is best achieved when all parties are clear on "representation". Buyers will be asked to read the following INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES at our initial consultation and invited to ask any questions. Sellers are promised a copy of INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES in the listing agreement.

I will represent the seller in the sale/listing of their home and enter into a written agreement known as a listing contract. I will represent buyers as their agent/representative in the purchase of property and enter into an exclusive buyer's representation agreement. In the event a buyer/client desires to purchase a listing where I am the listing agent, and upon obtaining the written consent of each party, I will use the services of an intermediary. In either of these scenarios, I intend to honor the REALTORS CODE OF ETHICS TO TREAT ALL PARTIES HONESTLY.

INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES

Shown below is a copy of the "Information About Brokerage Services" that the Texas State Real Estate Commission requires be given to all prospective buyers, sellers, tenants, and landlords. Please read it carefully, and be sure you understand the relationships that will exist between the parties in the upcoming negotiations. Please let me know if you have any questions about this important information.