Who Represents Your Interest?
Whether you are the buyer or the seller you can choose to have the advice, assistance and representation of your own agent who works for you. Do not assume that a real estate agent works solely for you unless you have an agreement for that relationship. With your consent, licensees from the same firm may represent a buyer and seller in the same transaction. These agents are referred to as dual agents.
Also, a buyer and seller may be represented by agents in the same real estate firm as designated agents. The "designated seller or buyer agent" is your sole representative. However, where both the seller and buyer provide written consent to have a designated agent represent them, then the agent making such designation becomes a "dual agent" for the buyer and seller. All real estate agents must, by law, present properties honestly and accurately. They must also disclose known material defects in the real estate.
The duties of a real estate agent do not relieve the consumers of the responsibility to protect their own interests. If you need advice for legal, tax, insurance or land survey matters, it is your responsibility to consult a professional in those areas. Real Estate agents do not have a duty to perform home, lead paint or insect inspections nor do they perform septic system, wetlands or environmental evaluations.