The Prudential Southwest Properties team of professionals understands the buyer's point of view. We've been there, and we want to make your real estate buying experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. That is why we provide our clients with an exclusive buyer's agency agreement, that helps us protect you through-out the entire process.

If you are a first time buyer you will appreciate knowing you have a professional from Prudential Southwest Properties on your side.

If you have been through the process then you already know that having someone to help protect your interests is crucial in today's market.

Contact us about a Buyer's Agency Agreement before you hit the streets on your own.

We can represent you as a buyer's agent on any property in Missouri.

Understanding Real Estate Representation

Seller's Agent

A sales professional becomes a Seller's Agent by entering into a listing agreement to represent the seller's interests. Seller representation also exists when a sales professional shows a property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and a "buyer agency" isn't established. A Seller's Agent may provide information to assist the buyer but must place the interests of the seller first.

• Do not disclose anything to the Seller's Agent you don't want the seller to know.

Buyer's Agent

A sales professional becomes a Buyer's Agent by entering into an agreement to represent the buyer. A Buyer's Agent can assist the seller, but must place the interests of the buyer first.

• Sellers should not tell the Buyer's Agent anything they do not want the buyer to know, because the Buyer's Agent must disclose pertinent information to the buyer.

Dual Agent

Dual agency occurs when a sales professional represents both the seller and the buyer. It also occurs when the Listing or Seller's Agent works for the same firm as the Buyer's Agent. In many states, the buyer, the seller, and the sales professional must agree to a dual agency in writing.

• The Dual Agent is required to treat the buyer and seller honestly and impartially, but the potential for conflict of interest exists.
• The Dual Agent's duties are more limited. Sometimes a Dual Agent is described as a transaction broker or an intermediary.

Interview Checklist

When purchasing a home, whether it's your primary residence or a second home, it's a good idea to meet with several sales professionals before choosing one to represent you. Use these interview questions as a starting point for these discussions.

• What can I afford to pay for a home?
• Will the sales professional act as a Buyer's Agent?
• Does the sales professional have special training?
• Has the sales professional earned any professional designations, such as Accredited Buyer Representative?
• What is the difference between mortgage prequalification and mortgage pre-approval?
• What are the key features I must have in my new home?
• What features would I like to have?
• How will the sales professional help me evaluate and compare the homes I look at?
• Can the sales professional provide an overview and copy of the local standard Contract for Sale and typical addenda?
• What inspections does the sales professional recommend for the property I've selected?