What is Agency Disclosure?

The following is a standard form that by law should be presented to you at your first face-to-face meeting with a real estate agent.

MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKER AND SALESPERSONS MANDATORY AGENCY DISCLOSURE- AGENCY RELATIONSHIP

The purpose of this disclosure is to enable you to make informed choices before working with real estate licensees. It must be provided at the first personal meeting that you have with an agent to discuss a specific property. THIS IS NOT A CONTRACT. It is a disclosure notice for your information and protection. BE SURE TO READ THE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF AGENCY REPRESENTATION AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS DISCLOSURE.

CONSUMER INFORMATION

Whether you are the buyer or the seller you can choose to have the advice, assistance and representation of your own agent. Do not assume that a broker is acting on your behalf unless you have contracted with that broker to represent you.
All real estate licensees must, by law, present properties honestly and accurately.
If you are a seller you may authorize your listing agent to cooperate with agents from other firms to help sell your property. These cooperating agents may be subagents who work for the seller or buyer’s agents.
If you are the buyer you have the option of working with seller’s or buyer’s agents. This decision will depend on the types of services you want from a real estate agent. A buyer should tell seller’s agents, including subagents, only what he/she would tell the seller directly.

TYPES OF AGENCY REPRESENTATION

SELLER’S AGENT
When a seller engages the services of a listing broker, that seller becomes the broker’s client. This means the broker, and his/her subagents represent the seller. They owe the seller undivided loyalty, utmost care, disclosure, obedience to lawful instruction, confidentiality and accountability. They must put the seller’s interest first and negotiate for the best price and terms for their client, the seller. (The seller may also authorize subagents to represent him/her in marketing the property to buyers).

BUYER’S AGENT
When a buyer engages the services of a broker then that buyer becomes the broker’s client. This means the broker represents the buyer. The broker owes the buyer undivided loyalty, utmost care, disclosure, obedient to lawful instruction, confidentiality and accountability. The broker must put the buyer’s interest first and negotiate for the best price and terms for his/her client, the buyer. (The buyer may also authorize subagents to represent him/her in locating property.)

DISCLOSED DUAL AGENT
A broker can work for both the buyer and the seller on the same property provided such broker obtains the informed consent of both parties. The broker is then considered a disclosed dual agent. This broker owes the seller and the buyer a duty to deal with them fairly and honestly. In this type of agency relationship the broker does not represent either the seller or buyer exclusively and they cannot expect the broker’s undivided loyalty. Also undisclosed dual agency is illegal.

CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITY

The duties of a real estate licensee do not relieve the consumer of the responsibility to protect his/her own interest. Consumers with questions on whether and how real estate agents share fees should pose them to the agent. If you need advice for legal, tax, insurance or other matters it is your responsibility to consult a professional in those areas.

http://www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/re/misc/re_brokers_brochure.pdf

	RE/MAX On Island® Fine Homes & Properties 508.696.3704/866.477.3629 FAX # 508.858.5321 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, MA Mailing Address: PO Box 4509, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Martha's Vineyard
Equal Housing Opportunity LINK