 Avoid
using your listing agent to buy next home
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 Dear
Steve,
If I am selling my home, does the same agent I use become my agent
when I buy a new home? Can I get another agent? Should I want another
agent if the town I'm moving to is close by? -- Mary Trails
 Dear
Mary,
No, yes and yes.
There's some justification for using the same agent
in both transactions, but only in limited circumstances, although
this is a more common strategy when you're moving within the same
town or in the same market area. The further away you move, the
less likely it is the agent will know the market nuances of your
destination, and you always want someone with experience negotiating
on your behalf.
But for the sake of argument, we'll assume you're
remaining in the same general area and you are using a seller's
agent -- also called a listing agent -- to market your house. Keep
in mind that some agents specialize only in selling, others in buying;
and they'll probably let you know that little detail right away.
But many agents will be more than happy to double up if you just
say the word.
There are a couple of caveats here. A dual agent in
this case -- or any residential real estate situation for that matter
-- may be more apt to push their own company's sales listings on
the second end of your transaction, posing a potential conflict
of interest. Indeed this happens, and many buyers don't even realize
it. Or, sometimes listing agents merely dabble in the buying-agent
game only when asked and are not as well-versed in that arena as
they are in selling homes. Ask many questions of your agent about
this and about any possible limitations, conflicts or prejudices.
In most scenarios, I suggest that a seller should
always use a seller's agent and a buyer always use a buyer's agent,
because their obligations are clear upfront and are much less subject
to conflict or compromise. In your case, if you know a veteran agent
with a sterling reputation, who you trust implicitly, you might
feel more comfortable dealing only with her.
The big plus in this approach is it affords you the
leverage to negotiate a package deal on commissions, since your
agent will be benefiting from two deals in one -- the old "bird
in the hand" theory.
I wouldn't enter this arrangement without that concession.
It's really your judgment call here -- but don't make
it a long-distance one. And do your homework.
Good luck.
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