Multifamily and Investment Consulting / Real Estate Planning Services: 206-201-2550

Why Choose an Exclusive Buyers Agent: How to tell if you have one

seattle buyers agent, tacoma buyers agent, olympia buyers agent, silverdale buyers agent, capitol hill seattle buyers agent, magnolia buyers agent, fremont seattle buyers agent, phinney ridge seattle buyers agent, northbeach seattle buyers agent, admiral seattle buyers agent, west seattle buyers agent, greenlake seattle buyers agent, alki beach seattle buyers agent, lacey olympia buyers agent, Tumwater buyers agent, east lake union seattle buyers agent, north lake union seattle buyers agent, ballard seattle buyers agent

Logo Design: Art by Michael West

Making the Distinction Between Exclusive Buyer Agents and Traditional Buyer Agents

Many people are still confused about the difference between exclusive buyer agents and traditional buyer agents. I have seen many agents that work for traditional real estate companies who specialize in buyer agency. However, they are not exclusive buyer agents, because their company also handles listings. A true exclusive buyer’s agent works for a company that does not take listings at all. There is a difference.

In Washington State, when a broker (aka. the company) has two different agents working on opposite sides of the same transaction, the broker becomes the dual agent:

“In a transaction in which different licensees affiliated with the same broker represent different parties, the broker is a dual agent, and must obtain the written consent of both parties as required under RCW 18.86.060.”

Cite Source

In some states, such a broker is called the “Designated Broker,” but it is still dual agency by another name. I think it is important for traditional buyer agents to clarify that they are not EBAs. I think that it would be better to be upfront about it, so that buyers can make informed decisions if they want to avoid dual agency altogether.