Straight talk about Real Estate from Judy Moses, queen of no nonsense, tell it like it is, advice that you will really use when making the biggest purchase of your life.
How I Raised Myself From Failure ToSuccess In Selling, Frank Bettger
Are we all back in the game of Real Estate, connecting with past and prospective clients and actually tracking our number of contacts?Our next installment:
Strive to Speak Like Lincoln or Churchill!
Chapter 3:One Thing I Did That Helped Me Destroy The Biggest Enemy I Ever Had To Face
The best way to overcome fear of talking to strangers is to learn to speak to groups.
When we master the art of speaking to an audience, we also conquer any reticence about
speaking to people one on one.
Public speaking helps build confidence.It helps us learn to express ourselves clearly & convincingly.It helps us develop courage.And, it helps others get to know us better.It may even lead to an additional sale, since you never know who may be in your audience!
Join a public speaking group like Toastmasters.If there is no group in your area, form one with friends or business associates.
Mr. Bettger describes this training as one of the turning points in his career.How do you feel you may benefit by honing your public speaking skills?
How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling, Frank Bettger
I hope you enjoyed Chapter 1, and that it helped you rediscover your ‘enthusiasm’ for the Real Estate business!
Sales is a Contact Sport!
Chapter 2: This Idea Put Me Back Into Selling After I Had Quit
If you are in sales, you cannot do any business until you personally connect with people. The more people you contact, the greater chance you will do some business.
So, get off the bench and get up at bat! And remember – keep score!
When we track our activities, we can see how many contacts we are actually making, how many touches are necessary to produce a lead, and how many prospects before a sale.
A short pencil beats a long memory every time. Sometimes we think we have been more industrious than we actually are! It is very easy to fall off the wagon and drift into bad habits.
So, whatever you are doing to connect with people, write it down.
As Mr. Bettger says…
You can’t collect your commission until you make the sale;
You can’t make the sale ‘til you write the order;
You can’t write the order ‘til you have an interview;
And, you can’t have an interview ‘till you make the call!
Feeling down about business? Act with ENTHUSIASM!!
Sep. 14, 2009
In our current economy, everyone faces challenges. Now, more than ever, we need to nurture ourselves so we are prepared for each new day.
With this in mind, I want to share some advice I gleaned many years ago from a book that Dale Carnegie described as 'The most helpful and inspiring book on salesmanship that I have ever read'.
How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling, was written by Frank Bettger in 1947 at the request of Dale Carnegie.
Here is the first in a series of Mr. Bettger's suggestions. I hope you find these ideas useful!
Act with enthusiam!
Chapter 1: How One Idea Multiplied My Income And Happiness No matter what you do....act with enthusiasm!
Enthusiasm is powerful.
It conquers our fear.
It is contagious.
When prospects are excited, they are more likely to buy our product.
It gives us the energy to persevere when we are challenged.
Don't feel enthusiastic at the moment? No problem! Fake it till you make it!
I challenge you. For 30 days, act with enthusiasm. See what effect it has on your business and your life.
Every day when you get out of bed, establish your own 'Enthusiasm Ritual'.
Maybe you have an affirmation you enjoy. Maybe you listen to happy music. Maybe you move your body.
Whatever your 'enthusiasm ritual' employ it faithfully for 30 days and expect great things!
Buying a home? What to do if the bank appraisal comes in too low.
Jul. 25, 2008
What if my appraisal comes in too low?
If you are applying for a mortgage to buy your new home, the lender, as your ‘partner’ in the purchase, wants to be absolutely certain that you don’t pay more than market value for the property. So, they will hire a licensed appraiser to value the property.
The appraiser will look for 3 properties that sold within the past 6 months, in the same community as the ‘subject’ property (the property you plan to buy), preferably within a mile, and as similar as possible in size, style and condition. Since in New England we are often hard pressed to find similar homes, they will use homes that differ and make ‘adjustments’ to compare them. For example, one home that sold may have a fireplace, yet the subject does not. As a result, the value of the subject property may be slightly less than the value of the comparable sale.
When the number of sales is low, the appraiser may not have the data he needs to do a proper analysis. If your appraisal comes in lower than the price you had offered to pay, the lender could refuse to make the loan. You do have options.
First, you could contact the appraiser and question the properties he/she used as comparables. Maybe the ‘comparable’ property had been rented by students reminiscent of those in ‘Animal House’ and the property was totally trashed. Or, maybe the subject has a brand, spanking new, granite and stainless kitchen. The appraiser may be able to make adjustments in your favor.
Second, you could ask for another appraiser to value the property. You would have to pay for this, or convince the seller to pay.
Third, you can share the appraisal information with the seller and ask for a reduction in sales price. After all, maybe another purchaser will end up with the same appraisal value.
Finally, if you love the property and have the financial ability, you can buy it anyway and make up the difference by putting more money down.
How about a list of activities and things to do around Beantown? Ask and you shall receive!
Newbury St is great for shopping and strolling, of course, but did you know there are many art galleries you can visit? Newbury-st.com is the place to go to search for restaurants, shopping, art and nightlife on what is perhaps Boston's most famous street.
A trip to Fanueil Hall marketplace may tickle your fancy. You can pick up some souvenirs, take your photo with Red Auerbach (you'll see what I mean) or just window shop!
Want to go to a museum? We've got plenty! From the Museum of Science to the Museum of Fine Art, there is sure to be something oof interest. Boston-online.com offers a list of local museums and their websites.
How about a trip to the New England Aquarium? You can visit shark, ray, seal and penguin exhibits!
Take a trip to the Boston Public garden and ride the swanboats!
The City of Boston site has a visitors area with loads of information!
Below is a list of activities with websites and phone numbers (in case you want to print a copy to take with you!)
Enjoy your stay in Boston and let me know if you have any questions.
List of activities with web address and phone numbers
Boston's public transportation system, the MBTA, (affectionately called "the T" by the locals) will get you just about anywhere you want to go around town, via bus or train. You will have access to routes, schedules, maps and fare information.
There is also a feature called the trip planner. You can enter your beginning and ending destinations, plus dates and time for your trip.
If you have a particular destination in mind, such as a restaurant or museum, you can ask how to get there by T if you call. Or, your hotel concierge will certainly be able to point you in the right direction!
Friend of Pathway Home Realty Group and Boston resident, Alyse Mariani, was kind enough to contibute this post. Alyse will tell you the hottest places to be seen around the city!
Be sure to visit MBTA.COM, Boston's public transportation system for information about the trains and buses. You'll find routes and schedules here as well.
Enjoy!
Welcome to Boston! It doesn't come as much of a surprise to me that the Women's Council of Realtors selected the prettiest time of year to hold their conference in Beantown. Living here for the past 8 years has made me well aware that although fun can be found in the winter, it's the summer that keeps me sticking around. I am excitedto have the chance to give some tids and tads about where to find fun in Boston. I have limited historical knowledge, but that kind of information is readily found in any guide book. What I know is where to go if I want to watch the sunset over water, or what days to visit the Museum for a discount and where to park to avoid tickets. I hope that my tips are helpful, and if you would like more information, I am happy to respond to emails. I can be reached at alyse.mariani@gmail.com.
Where to get Happy Hour Cocktails: TIAS
One Word Summary: A Boston Summer Standard
Location: WATERFRONT
Contact: http://www.tiaswaterfront.com/
True, after about 10:00pm, most of the patrons of Tias are two sheets to the wind. As a popular after-work drinking spot, with great waterviews and outdoor patio, it's known as a come and leave early watering hole. Considered amongst my girlfriends as a great place to pick up a date, you might choose to dedicate an evening beyond 10pm to Boston's active dating scene. They do have a restaurant, and although I have eaten there I can't remember much about it (enough of a statement in and of itself). Its close proximity to the Marriott Long Wharf and refreshing cocktail list make it aneasy choice for this blog. My suggestion would be, meet the ladies here for a drink, enjoy the sunset over the harbor, then head to the North End for dinner.
Where to Eat: Monicas One Word Summary: Authentic North End Italian Location: NORTH END Contact: www.monicasonline.com
A little background on the neighborhood: A short walk from the Waterfront, the North End is a historically rich Boston neighborhood. Because of the close proximity to the the docks and waterways, the North End has been home to many different immigrant populations through the years. However, since the early 1900's it has been known as the "Little Italy" of Boston. At its height in the 1930's the North End had nearly 44,000 Italian-American occupants and was more densely populated than Calcutta. Today, the population is closer to 11,000 and of that only 41% are Italian-Americans. Despite the change over the years, the heritage of the North End can be found in most American pantries. Prince Pasta and the Paestene Corporation of Italian food products both had their start in this neighborhood.
What I have to say about it: Really, all of the North End, like many Italian locales, is dedicated to the pleasures of eating and drinking. The one thing to watch out for is the tourist trap restaurants that offer "EPCOT-Style" interiors and less than desirable cuisine. Located just off Hanover Street, Monica's is a place locals and 'in the know' visitors will find the seasonal menu of homemade pastas, fresh seafood and meats. Reservations are recommended for weekend dining and large groups. If you opt to not order desert, grab a cannoli and espresso at "Mikes Pastry's" instead. This is one place that being elbow to elbow with other out of towner's is worth it.
For a Night on the Town: Beehive One Word Summary: Bohemian Hotspot Location: South End Contact: www.beehiveboston.com
What I have to say about it: Live Jazz music, eclectic decor and exciting menu options have made the Beehive Boston's latest hotspot. Modeled after a Bohemian Parisian Cafe where the performing artist would supply the dinner to the audience members, the menu is a mish mosh of world flavors and cooking styles. The interior design itself if something to see, a mix between your Great Aunt's Attic and an artists studio, even if you don't like it, I am confident that you will appreciate it. Weekends usually mean there is a line to get into the downstairs bar after 10pm. The bar upstairs is nice, but is the holding pen for the large bar and stage downstairs. The best way to avoid this is to a) make a reservation for dinner, and request a table in front of the stage, order appetizers and then roll in with the crowd downstairs or b) get there early and scoot downstairs before the crowd. Also...don't be alarmed if your wine is served in a vessel you may not be expecting...it's not a mistake, just part of the charm.
Where to go for a Cultural Excursion: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum One Word Summary: The Original Women of Influence in Boston Location: Fenway Contact: www.gardnermuseum.org
What I have to say about it: This is by far my favorite museum, not only in Boston, but in the world. Isabella Stewart Gardner was a patron of the arts, active Red Sox and Harvard Football fan and a woman well beyond her time. Residing in Boston at the turn of the century, she constructed a Venetian Style Palazzo in Boston's marsh fens and filled it with carefully selected art pieces. Don't look for placards, because you won't find them, the experience is about the whole of the experience not about specific works. As willed by Mrs. Gardner, the permanent collection has remained untouched since her death in 1924. If you decide to visit this museum, it's a good idea to either buy the guide book or read about it online in advance, it will create a much more enriching visit. The best way to complete your time, is to sit in the cafe's outdoor gardens and enjoy lunch.
If you are coming to Boston and you have never been here before (or even if you have) you need to know all the best places to eat!
Tablecritic.com, founded by President and Boston native, Carol O'Connor, offers locals and travelers a site that features all of the hottest spots around Boston. She and her writers wil give you their honest opion about the menu, prices and staff. They post lots of pictures. They'll even tell you know whether or not you should make a reservation.
Be sure to visit the site's archive to see past restaurant reviews.
Bon Appetit!
Oh, by the way...Be sure to visit MBTA.COM, Boston's public transportation system for information about the trains and buses. You'll find routes and schedules here as well.
With all the media buzz over the mortgage industry shake down, many consumers wonder whether now is a good time to buy real estate
Of course, no one can predict the future. What we can do, however, is evaluate our individual needs and motivations, study the factors and trends in the market, and then make a wise decision – one that is good for us as individuals.
First…What other investment gives you a tax write off and a roof over your head? What other investment allows you to gather with family and friends and create memories? Real estate is not only an investment vehicle, it is shelter and it is home.
If you are looking to buy real estate for the short term – less than three to five years- there is always a greater risk. The longer you own a property, the more immune you will be to changes in the market. In addition, there are acquisition and selling costs involved with property. We need the appreciation we build over time to buffer these additional costs. For those who buy and hold, real estate has proven to be a wonderful investment.
Each market is different. What is happening in the market that interests you? How much inventory is on the market compared to a year ago? Are there more or less homes for sale? Don’t judge by ‘For Sale’ signs. You need hard data. How many properties sold this year compared to last year? What is the ratio of sales price compared to the list price? How does it compare to the sales a year earlier? How long are homes on market?
An experienced Realtor can help you sift through the data to learn about your market. When you locate a property, the Realtor will also prepare a ‘CMA’ or Comparative Market Analysis for you. This report will reflect the selling prices of similar properties that closed in the past 6 months. Together with your Realtor, you can then prepare a negotiating strategy and determine an offering price.
So, don’t let the media deter you! This can be a great time to buy. Simply make wise decisions for you, based on the facts of your marketplace and your individual needs.
Judy had 2 Brookline properties close yesterday so I thought I'd share the sale information.Plus, she has a gorgeous new listing in Jamaica Plain, pondside, totally renovated. It's a 3 bedroom condo for $519,000. Tell any family or friends who might be interested and watch the YouTube video below. Visit PathwayHome.com for more information or email Judy.
I thought I'd share the video of Judy's newest listing in Newton Highlands. It's a 2 bedroom condo in move-in condition. Lots of good stuff like central air and garage parking, plus it's just a stone's throw (I'm not exaggerating) to the Newton Highlands T, shops, restaurants. It's a truly great location.
Judy has compiled some tips for getting your home ready to market for sale. If you would like more information, please call Judy at 617 734 6188 or send an email to JudyMoses@JudyMoses.com.
Preparing Your Home for Sale….So It Sells! (Part One)
Preparing the Interior of Your Home for Sale
A common dilemma that prospective sellers often face is how much or little to do to make their home ‘market ready’.
It is important to remember that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. So, the day your home hits the market, it must show at its best. Here are some guidelines that hopefully will help you through the process to a successful sale.
Step One: Pack early....because you will be moving! I suggest moving room to room and creating three categories: items you will give away, those you will throw away, and those you can sell. Next, set about disposing of each of these categories: maybe you donate items to a local charity, post others on Craig’s list or ebay, and dump the rest.
Step Two: Evaluate what is left and minimize! Do you have loads of books? Family photos galore? Or a beautiful porcelain collection? I suggest you pack these early. First off, you don’t want to jeopardize the safety of your cherished possessions. People may touch….or break…your things. Remove the temptation and make it a non issue. Also, buyers must be able to mentally move into your home before they will make an offer. When you weed out your personal items, you neutralize the property so buyers can imagine themselves in the home.
Step Three: Make sure everything is in working order. Now that you have removed most of the clutter, you should be able to make a good visual inspection of the property.
Is the paint cracked, peeling, dirty or discolored? Clean and/or repaint. Are all windows and storms in good repair and operating properly? Are all sash cords working? Do all doors open and close correctly and easily-including closet doors? Is all your plumbing operating correctly? There should be no leaky faucets or slow drains. I also recommend that you service your heating and air conditioning system-including changing filters. In addition, all your appliances should be in working order. If you have an element on your stove that is slow or broken, fix it.
A general handy man should be able to tackle most of these projects. It will be money well spent. When items are in poor repair or broken, buyers assume that the property has not been maintained. This could inhibit them from making an offer on your property. Or, they may make a very low offer, because they may guess that the situation is more serious than it is and overestimate the cost of repair.
Step Four: Organize all your storage areas. Buyers do open closets, kitchen cabinets, and medicine chests. They look in basements and attics. These areas should be neat and roomy. You want the appearance of ample storage. Overcrowding of items makes even the largest storage area appear inadequate. If you still have too many items, rent a storage area off site and move your boxes there.
A good Realtor should be able to guide you and connect you with service professionals to help you through this process.
This featured listing is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo at Newfield Woods in West Roxbury, right on the Chestnut Hill line. It has been meticulously maintained, has garage parking and an elevator for added convenience! Really pretty setting with easy access to shopping, restaurants, Medical area, Boston and major highways.
T'is the season! Judy is collecting donations for the Brookline Food Pantry
Dec. 3, 2007
Hi everyone
Judy will be out and about on December 17th picking up donations for the Brookline Food Pantry. If you have any non perishable, unopened (and not expired -check those dates!) food items, send an email to Judy or call the office at 617.734.6188.
George from the Brookline Food Pantry tells us that personal items are VERY popular. Things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotions, etc are very welcome.
If you would like to make a donation, Judy will gladly pick it up at your house and deliver it to the food pantry.
It takes a village....You need a Realtor and a team of professionals when buying a home
Nov. 26, 2007
The home buying process can be either a smooth sail to your promised land or the Poseidon Adventure. The route it takes depends on the team of professionals you enlist to help you navigate your course.
Your dream team ideally will contain 5-7 housing professionals: A real estate agent, an attorney, a mortgage lender, a home inspector, a pest inspector, possibly a lead paint inspector and an insurance agent. With these key people in place, you should have your needs covered.
I recommend you recruit a Realtor to begin building out your team. I suggest you begin by asking for referrals. Have any of your family, friends or coworkers recently purchased a home? Did they use an agent? Were they happy with the service they received? I recommend you look specifically for a Realtor, and not simply a real estate agent. Agents are required to pass the state licensing exam, operate within the state laws and pay the state license fees. Realtors do all that and more: they must adhere to their own code of ethics, over and above the state requirements.
Once you have the name of a Realtor, I suggest you set up a preliminary meeting.
During this meeting, you will learn more about the agent and the home buying process. Hopefully, after the meeting, you will be able to determine whether this individual is one whom you can trust to help you achieve your home ownership dreams.
Some factors that you may want to consider: how long has the Realtor been in business? A more experienced Realtor will be unflappable if an issue arises during the process. Issues always arise; it comes down to getting them solved, and getting you moved!
Will the Realtor provide you with references? Is the Realtor trained to represent you as a Buyer's Agent? If so, the agent should have earned one of the following educational designations: 'ABR' - Accredited Buyer Representative or 'CBR' - Certified Buyer Representative. How will the agent assist you in the process? How will the agent be paid for her services? Typically, the seller will pay the agent from the proceeds of the sale, so you will not incur out of pocket expenses for your Agency representation.
Before you even begin looking at properties, a seasoned Realtor will suggest that you speak with a mortgage lender. The Realtors know that savvy homeowners will require a prequalification or preapproval letter from a lender before they accept any offer and remove their property from the open market. So, it pays to get this out of the way before you start your search. An added benefit is that the mortgage representative has access to the most recent rates and closing costs, and can translate this to a monthly housing cost for you. I suggest you ask the Realtor for recommendations of reputable, experienced mortgage representatives who offers competitive rates.
In order for any documents regarding real estate to be legally binding in Massachusetts, they must be in writing. Thus, it is a good idea to have an attorney selected in advance to help manage and explain the contracts. It is important that you select an attorney who specializes in real estate. Your lender will be using an attorney to handle the closing. You may choose to use this same attorney to help you with the Offer to Purchase Real Estate and the Purchase and Sales Agreement. Again, your Realtor can make a recommendation based on the attorneys that are approved by your lender.
If you use a Buyer's Agent (and I recommend that you do), the agent can give you the names of home inspectors once you identify a property. Agents who represent the seller can not recommend home inspectors to you. You may also want to ask for recommendations from friends who have recently purchased homes.
These inspectors must be members of licensed. Be sure you know how they charge (by the job or the hour?) and when and how you can expect to receive their written report. You may want the inspector to place radon canisters in the property to test for the presence of radon as well. It is an additional cost, but one well spent.
It is a good idea to schedule a pest inspection during the time the home inspection is in progress. You should hire a licensed pest inspector. Again, referrals are the way to go. Usually, if termites occur within a year of the inspection, the company will treat your property free of charge. .
If you are concerned about the presence of lead based paints (you are purchasing a home built before 1978, you have a child under 6, or you are purchasing rental property), you should enlist the services of a licensed lead inspector.
Before the closing, the lender will require that you produce an insurance binder, so you will need to connect with an insurance agent. Again, ask for referrals. If you are purchasing a condominium, I recommend you use the company that carries the master insurance policy. That company will know where the condominium policy coverage ends and where your personal policy needs to begin coverage. For example, in the event of a fire, who must replace the inside walls: the unit owner or the condominium association?
If you assemble this team of experienced professionals based on referrals from family, friends and your Realtor, you will be well on your way to making home ownership a reality!
Have you ever longed to own a home in one of your favorite getaway destinations?
Maybe now is a good time to make your dream a reality. The recent moderation in the real estate market has made prices more affordable, and interest rates are still historically low.
Indeed, more people than ever before are buying second homes or investment properties. However, before you take the plunge, let me give you some suggestions to guide your decisions.
Consider your hobbies. Do you enjoy skiing? Maybe a mountain resort is for you. Do you prefer boating or swimming? Maybe a home near a lake or the sea would be more appropriate.
Consider distance. How far are you willing to travel to your second home? An hour? Three hours? Do you want to be able to drive, or are you willing to fly?
Consider the expense of traveling to the property. This will increase the cost of ownership for you, and may limit your ability or desire to visit regularly.
How frequently would you like to use the property? Would you like to visit every weekend, monthly, quarterly, or spend an entire season?
Remember to factor in other costs of ownership: furnishings, maintenance, utilities, taxes and insurance.
Do you prefer the privacy of a single family residence, the income possibilities of a multi family, or the reduced maintenance of a condominium?
Be realistic about your current life style and commitments. Will you use the property often enough to benefit from the investment?
Would you consider renting the property to offset some of the expenses of ownership?
If you would consider renting the property, you may want to explore buying an 'investment' property rather than a second home. Tax codes permit you to spend a certain number of days per year enjoying the property during your 'inspection' of its condition. If the limited personal use is acceptable to you, I suggest you speak with your accountant. There are tax benefits from investment property, such as depreciation expenses, which you can write off against the income received. It may be an excellent way for you to diversify your financial portfolio.
If investment property appeals to you, you need to evaluate whether you will manage the rentals and upkeep yourself or hire a property management firm.
Of course, outsourcing increases your ownership costs and decreases your income.
However, the added peace of mind may far outweigh the expense.
For more information about investment properties, I recommend you read Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Mr. Kiyosaki suggests that we cannot accumulate great wealth by work alone. Instead, we must save and make our money work for us. He suggests that investing in real estate is an excellent way to accumulate assets that create a stream of income for us into the future- our mail box money!
Whether it is a vacation or an investment property that intrigues you, a licensed Realtor can help you determine your priorities and evaluate the many opportunities available to you in today's market.
On Saturday, November 3rd, I will participate in the Boston walk for Lung Cancer at scenic Castle Island in South Boston. A former client of mine is a lung cancer survivor. She organized the Boston walk.
I am walking in memory of my friend, Myrna Scwartz, who suffered from the disease. She was a well known realtor in Brookline.
I would love your support for this cause. Did you know that lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in America?
Send us a picture of your kids or your pets in their Halloween costumes. Winners will receive prizes! Email JudyMoses@JudyMoses.com. Write Halloween Costume Contest in the subject line.
Entries are due by November 3rd. Winners will be chosen on November 7th.
You'll find Judy's shoot-from-the- hip, tell-it-like-it-is approach to real estate is refreshing. Plus, she's been in the business for 20 years and has been through the 'cycles' before. Her talk is backed up by years of experience.
When you make a decision to buy a property, whether it is a primary home, a vacation home, or an investment property…does the real estate agent represent you in the transaction?
Agents do not automatically represent consumers who call them to see property. The agents do, however, have an obligation by Federal and State Law to review the options of representation available to you at your first meeting to discuss a particular property.
If you visit an open house, you will see a sign prominently displayed to inform you that the agent represents the seller, not you. You are considered the 'customer'. The seller is the 'client'. The agent must be honest to you, and disclose any known, material defects of the property. However, the agent's fiduciary duties rest with the seller.
What are fiduciary duties? They are the same obligations that attorneys owe their clients. If you choose to have an agent represent you, that agent owes you the duties of obedience to lawful instruction, undivided loyalty, disclosure of material defects, confidentiality, full accounting for funds and reasonable care. Your interests become paramount to the agent. The fiduciary responsibility remains after the transaction ends - after you have found a property.
What does this mean to you, and how do you choose the form of representation that suits you? That will be clear as we discuss your agency options in MA real estate.
When you meet a real estate agent, the agent should give you a form that describes agency representation available to you. The agent should discuss the options so you can make an informed decision.
You can choose to be unrepresented. That means you are considered a customer, and the agent's only responsibility is to be honest and disclose any known defects of the property. If the agent is the listing agent, then the agent represents the seller. The agent can not help you negotiate against the seller, her client, so…keep your cards folded! Nothing is confidential. Actually, the agent has an obligation to tell the seller anything she knows that could help her client negotiate against you.
If the agent is 'showing you around' and does not represent a seller, the agent still does not represent you. The agent is simply considered a 'facilitator' -she represents neither party. She must present properties honestly and accurately but, she can't assist either party in the negotiations.
You can choose to have an agent represent you as a client. The agent will owe you the fiduciary responsibilities mentioned above. When you find a property, the agent will prepare a market analysis and provide you with information to help you determine a negotiating strategy. Since the agent represents you, the agent's purpose is to help negotiate the best price and terms for you.
If your buyer's agent works for the firm that holds the listing you are buying - that agents is your designated agent. This means that the firm has designated another agent to represent the seller. There are two clients in one firm - each represented by an agent in the firm.
If your buyer agent also holds the listing you want to buy, the agent becomes a dual agent - she represents both clients in the transaction. In this position, the agent cannot fully satisfy all fiduciary obligations. For example, the agent can't help the parties negotiate against each other.
If you are in a designated or dual agency situation, you will be informed in writing by the agent involved.
At Pathway Home Realty Group, Inc., we act as 'single' agents. We represent both buyers and sellers, but never in the same transaction. We never act as designated or dual agents. Our clients receive 100% representation, all the time. Instead of being represented by only one agent, all agents in the firm represent our clients.
We have chosen this path because it gives our clients the benefits of all our knowledge and it ensures confidentiality. An agent will never inadvertently disclose confidential information about a client that will later be used against her in a negotiation(for example, that a client has a job transfer or divorce and MUST sell her home.)
At Pathway Home Realty Group, we know it's your move. Call us to receive the representation you deserve!
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eaking to people one on one. 
