H Exclusive Buyer Agents Representing Home Buyers Only H
H.Serving Metro Dayton, Ohio and the Entire Miami Valley.H

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Real Estate Myths and FACTS

Real Estate Myth: "It’s okay to go see a house, and have a ‘showing’ with the Realtor who has their name on the For Sale sign."
Real Estate FACT: The seller's Realtor can "claim" you as "their buyer." If you decide to buy that house, then you’ll probably have to deal with the seller's Realtor (as your "Dual" agent), or with another Realtor from the same office (as your "Split" agent). You're now at a disadvantage, because you don’t have Exclusive Buyer Representation.

Real Estate Myth: "I went to a 'showing' of a house with the seller's Realtor. It was the first time we met. He told me that I don't have to sign anything at all until I'm ready to buy."
Real Estate FACT: According to Ohio law, all Realtors must give you a "Consumer Guide to Agency Realtionships" BEFORE showing you a home. You have the legal right to know if a Realtor will become a Dual Agent or a Split Agent. This Guide contains a statement that Realtors are required to give you their Guide, and it must also have a place for you to sign, indicating you received a Guide. If a Realtor showed you a home, and you were not given a "Consumer Guide to Agency Relationships," you may want to contact an attorney or Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing at (614) 466-4100 or Ohio Division of Real Estate.

Real Estate Myth: "Going to Open Houses is a good way to find a house."
Real Estate FACT: That’s another way for you to get "claimed" by the seller’s Realtor. Buying a home through the seller’s Realtor is called Dual Agency. According to Ohio law, Dual Agents cannot advocate - or negotiate - on behalf of the buyer. Dual Agents cannot suggest specific contract terms - including how much to offer for a home. Ohio law states that a Dual Agent must remain "neutral" towards the buyers. Is there anything more useless than a "neutral" Realtor?

Real Estate Myth: "I don’t need an agent to buy a New Home, or a For Sale By Owner home."
Real Estate FACT: When you’re buying any home, there’s no additional cost to have an Exclusive Buyer Agent on your side, whether it’s a For Sale By Owner Home, or a New Home, or a MLS home. Our fee is paid either by the seller, or by the builder.

Real Estate Myth: "Having a ‘buyer agent’ is the best way to buy a home."
Real Estate FACT: Traditional "buyer agents" can switch loyalty during your home purchase, switching to Dual Agency if you decide to buy a home listed with them. When you interview Realtors, ask for their company's Consumer Guide to Agency Relationships. If a real estate company advertises listings of homes for sale, that company practices either Dual Agency and/or Split Agency. Unlike traditional "buyer agents," Exclusive Buyer Agents are always on your side - the buyer's side - guaranteed. We never "switch loyalty" during your transaction.

Real Estate Myth: "It doesn’t make any difference which real estate agent I choose when I buy a home, because all Realtors are basically the same."
Real Estate FACT: Only one type of real estate company (one with Exclusive Buyer Agents) guarantees in writing to work for buyers only - never sellers - and never both sides during your home purchase. We don’t sell houses - we represent buyers as our clients - not as "a customer." When you’re buying a home, there’s no additional cost to have a genuine Exclusive Buyer Agent on your side. You’ll receive full representation (not Dual Agency or Split Agency) with your interests protected, and your financial information is kept confidential.

Which real estate agent is the best choice for Buyers? The seller’s Realtor...who represents their seller’s interests? A "buyer agent" who is trained to sell houses and has listings to sell you? A Realtor "representing" both the seller, and you, the buyer, as your Dual Agent? A Realtor from the SAME OFFICE as the seller’s Realtor, "representing" you as a Split Agent? Or a genuine Exclusive Buyer Agent, who guarantees in writing to represent only you, the Buyer, from start to finish?