Phoenix Real Estate Agents

You’re ready to begin the search for your new Phoenix home.

What’s the first step – even before you choose a Phoenix real estate agent?

Your best first step is to understand the differences between the various types of real estate agents. The Phoenix real estate agent you select will help you make one of the most important decisions of your life.

Above all else, you want a Phoenix real estate agent who is market savvy and who will be acting completely in your best interest. You want an advocate who works hard to assist you in finding and buying the home that fits your criteria and your budget.

Wouldn’t all Phoenix real estate agents work hard to help you find the right home?

The answer is yes and no! Some agents will be working hard to SELL you a home or property that they represent.

We believe that an exclusive buyer’s agent is the type of home buying partner who can best serve your interests and help you find the Phoenix home, condo or loft that’s perfect for you.

Here’s a little more information about the main types of real estate agents.

Listing or Seller's Agents
This type of agent works for an agency that markets homes for sale. “Listing agent” is another term for “seller’s agent”. His or her first professional obligation is to their client, the seller of the property. It is important to find out for sure if the agent who is representing you is also representing specific property listings, either personally or through their brokerage. A seller’s agent’s first priority is to obtain the highest price possible for the seller. A seller’s agent also cannot disclose information about the seller or the property to you (the buyer) that might influence you not to buy, or cause you to lower your bid. At the same time, seller’s agents are obligated to tell their client (the seller) everything they learn about your financial situation or motivation to buy.

New Home (Condo) Sales Agents
You meet these agents when you visit model homes or condos in new developments. They are salespeople who work for the homebuilder or developer. It’s their job to sell you a property within the development at the highest price and at the best terms for the builder/developer. Note: it’s a smart idea to bring your own agent when you look at new homes or condos. An experienced agent will be able to negotiate a better deal and often can get more upgrades for the price.

Non-Exclusive Buyer Agents (associated with a broker who lists property for sale)
It is important to check out any agent you consider working with. If a particular agent claims to be a buyer’s agent, but works with a brokerage that lists properties for sale, there is an inherent conflict of interest. The agent will owe his or her loyalty to the brokerage, even if they are not personally affiliated with a seller.

Dual Agents (Transactional agents):
Agents of this type work for firms that want to retain both buyer and seller clients. The same agent from an agency does not represent both the buyer and the seller, and the agency is upfront with the seller that they will have some loyalty to the buyer if one of their agents is representing the buyer. This kind of arrangement often results in neither the buyer nor the seller being fully represented. The agency is the one who ultimately benefits, since it collects commission from the buyer and seller.

Exclusive Buyer’s Agents:
Exclusive buyer’s agents are associated with real estate brokers who do not list homes. These agents and brokers will never represent a seller and because of that, they will not have conflicts of interest a traditional broker might face in trying to represent both buyer and seller in a transaction. An exclusive buyer’s agent will always owe his or her professional loyalty to the buyer.