Home seller/buyer agents?

Question

I am selling my home and purchasing a different one.?
Is it in my best interest to have a seperate real estate agent for the process of selling my home and a seperate agent for buying my next home.

Answer 1

I prefer to have one agent for selling my house and buying a new house. I'd rather not work with 2 agents when I'm happy with just one agent. I make my agent earn his commission for both sales.

Answer 2

no, that doesn't matter unless where you are buying is in an entirely different location not served by the multiple listing service that will help to sell your house.

the important thing is to get one agent that really and truly understands what AGENCY is. if you liked the person that sold you your current house, call her now. ask her to explain how she would act as your selling agent while at the same time and thereafter acting as your buyer's agent. ask her too what "dual agency" means. for example, she is selling your house as your listing agent. then she is taking you out to show you houses in your price range in the locations you specify. let's say she lists a house in one of those areas that is precisely what you want. you want to buy it. now comes the sticky part. since she listed house b (the one you want to buy), how much of your personal information or negotiating tactics will she tell to her seller (of that house)? she will know exactly why you are selling house a (your current house), and probably what it will sell for and what you will take away from the closing table, to put into your purchase, yes? so, does she tell seller b any of that information? NO, NO, NO!!!

if your agent can't explain exactly what they can and cannot do for you under all of these situations, interview another one.

basically, though, from what you explained, there is no conflict of interest unless she puts her interest (her commission) over and above the private information you give to her to both sell your house and find another for you. agency is also known as "fiduciary responsibility."

even if you did not pay your agent a dime, an agent who is an agent will always act like an agent, protecting your interests no matter what.

Answer 3

I'm assuming you're remaining in the same general area.

My thought is it would be best to have the same agent. S/he could work with you regarding financing, timing of your move, etc., without having to have two separate people negotiating for you.