Real estate myth 6

This is a continuation of a series of posts inspired by a conversation with an acquaintance who revealed a good deal of ignorance about the real estate profession. Because I think an educated market benefits everyone, I intend to debunk as many myths as possible. I hope you find this information useful. Please feel free to comment!

Myth #6 An agent will try to sell me only his or her agency listings.

FACT - It depends on whom the agent represents. If it is the agent representing the homeowner (referred to as the Listing Agent), of course he will try to sell you his listing! That's why the homeowner has hired him.

Your buyer agent (referred to as the Selling Agent) represents you, not the homeowner. The Selling Agent earns commission only when you finally purchase a home. Your buyer agent will show you as many homes as you like, no matter which agency has listed them.

I have to confess that I believed this myth when I bought my home seven years ago. My buyer agent showed me a home listed by a different agency. Until I was gently corrected, I believed she could not "sell" it to me. It's not an uncommon belief. That's why I'm trying to debunk it.