Why need a real estate professional (REALTOR®) to represent you as seller in a sale transaction?

Many people question whether or not they can sell their homes without a real estate agent representing them?

They can, but the downside is that the buyer's agent may take advantage on the seller. 

Remember, the buyer’s agent has fiduciary duties to act in the buyer’s best interests, not you the seller. That said, without a REALTOR® representing you in a sale transaction, not only you as seller receive limited services but also your seller's consumer rights listed below will not be protected.

A REALTOR® when representing you in a sale transaction acts as your listing agent and you the principle, he/she has fiduciary responsibilities to protect your consumer rights, including:

1. Loyalty. A REALTOR® must act only in your best interests.

2. Full disclosure. A REALTOR® must tell you everything he/she knows that might influence your decision in a transaction.

3. Avoid conflict of interest. A REALTOR® must always avoid any situation that would affect his/her duty to act in your best interests.

4. Confidentiality. A REALTOR® must not reveal your private information without your permission, even after your principle-agent relationship ends. That include your reason to sell, your minimum/maximum sell price, any preferred terms and conditions you may want to include in a contract.