Most consumers believe there are virtually no differences among real estate agents. After all, nearly 90% of new agents are out of business within just 5 years so most of the real estate agents in the field today are newcomers. Half the new agents are gone in about year 1after they begin.
So, it is true that many agents are very similar in what they can offer you. While "generic" may be an oversimplification - certainly not a very accurate one - it is still how most clients see the pool of agents out there.
Of course, there are those long-term professionals in the business - individuals who have the skills necessary to go the distance - serious pros with extensive experience. If you have worked with one of these top 10% agents before, you probably know it - and you probably feel good about the relationship and the service.
Aside from experience and skill level, there are other differences. Agents can fight for your interests, fight for the seller's interests, or just be an impartial helper for both.
Agents perform functions depending upon specifically defined guidelines. South Carolina allows agents to be:
(1) buyer representatives (2) seller representatives (3) duel agents or (4) designated agents.
As a buyer, you can work with ANY of these agent types - or none at all. Who should you choose? If you choose a seller's agent, a designated agent or a duel agent, you have selected an agent that CAN NOT advocate for you (if doing so is against the seller's interests).
That's right. You can work with any of these but only buyers agents are sole representatives of buyers during a given transaction. The others can provide what amounts to slightly more than administrative help but that's about it. Seller's agents (listing agents under contract to work for the seller) are actually duty bound to work against your interests as a buyer if those interests conflict with the interests of the seller! Surprised? So the next time you call a listing agent to meet you at one of their listings for a showing, remember who they represent.
Be a smart consumer. Choose a buyer's agent!
For more, go to: more about using an agent