In the state of Georgia, agents are required to provide information on agency relationships in real estate. As a buyer, you don’t always have to become a client of a real estate firm. You may wish to remain a customer. Here are a few things to consider regarding your Georgia real estate rights:

As a real estate consumer in Georgia, you have three choices as to what type and nature of services that you receive.

1. You may choose to remain a customer and represent yourself while the company represents the other party.
2. You may choose to hire the company for representation through a written agreement.
3. If represented, you can decide whether to go forward under the shared services of dual agency or remain under single agency.

It is important to keep in mind that until you enter into a representation agreement, you are considered a customer of the company. As a customer, the company cannot be your advocate, cannot advise you on price or terms, and cannot keep your confidences. As a customer, you should not expect the company, or its licensees, to promote your best interest or keep bargaining information confidential.

Even if you decide to remain a customer, the law in Georgia requires real estate companies to provide you with the following basic duties:

• Present all offers in a timely manner
• Account for money or other property received on your behalf
• Provide an explanation of the scope of services to be provided
• Be fair, honest, and provide accurate information
• Disclose “adverse material facts” about the property or the transaction which are within the licensee’s knowledge.

It is also important to understand the difference between Single Agency and Dual Agency. Single agency is when the company represents only one client in the same transaction (the seller or buyer). Dual agency exists when the real estate company has two clients in one transaction, a seller client and a buyer client.

When buying or selling with an agent, it is important to know the answer to the following questions about your agreement:

• Can I work with other companies during the time of the agreement?
• What will happen if I buy or sell on my own without the agent?
• When will this agreement expire?
• How will the company be paid for its services?

Whether you’re buying or selling a property it is important to understand agreements and the real estate business. Research, know your rights as a real estate customer, and always ask questions. At National Land Realty we would love to work with you. Contact one of our Land Professionals to learn more about your Georgia real estate rights!