Buyer's agents

[Beachboy]

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There is no such a thing as "Buyers Agent" since you are not represented by the agent, you are represented by the Brokerage Firm and if the firm has listings it represents both Buyers and Sellers.

There is just one company on the island that represents buyers only. Since it is a one person operation and claims to be an expert of both the Big Island and Maui, I would highly question its qualifications. ("Experts" know subdivisions within districts but there is no way to know the whole island, not to mention another island too!)

There are agents who earned the "ABR" (Accredited Buyer Representative) designation and those agents have much more knowledge about buyer representation than the others. Usually, there is no extra charge for being represented by such an agent and the company the agent works for, though some companies charge an extra retainer fee up front that they credit back to you at closing if you purchase something.

If an agent shows you a property that is listed by any agents of the same firm they represent the seller only, unless they get a Dual Agency Consent signed by both the Seller and you (the Buyer) prior to showing you the property. I personally believe such agreement should not be called "Dual Agency Consent" but "Limited Agency Consent" since a company can not fully represent both the Seller and Buyer equally.

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
75-5870 Walua Road, Suite 101
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808)327-3185

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So isn't it hard to ask a Real Estate Agent for a CMA if he is ultimately working for the 'seller' of a listed home? Or do I just look for somebody who has the "ABR",logo next to their name?