They both gamble on the money they put down. When you list with an agent, the agent puts down money they made from their previous transactions in order to have your home sold in the amount of time the contract lasts, hopefully. If it goes through, the agent will have to recoup the advertising, the insurance, the MLS fees, the associations fees, then all the regulars we all need to have, food, housing, vehicle, etc.
What happens when the house does not sell? The agent loses thousands of dollars in lost advertising and time spent. This can explain why some less-than ethical agents could go to extra lengths to make sure a deal goes through. Unfortunately, cutting corners is the best way to set you up for huge problems. When agents cut corners by not revealing what they know, taking on properties they should not, they are making themselves liable.
Most lawyers see Realtors as easy money makers, ethically challenged. To this day, dual-agency, the act of selling a house when both the seller and buyer are either represented by the same agent or broker raises a red flag. In the lawyers framework, how can an agent represent the best for both parties? The reason why lawyers think like that is, quite frankly they see the negative aspects of people on daily basis. However, as I have seen here in our office and also having been art of a dual-agency, it can a very positive and safe experience.
All in all, it depends on who the broker is, the agent and the company. Do they really uphold the value they claim or is it just lip service? I am happy to be part of Robert Weil Associates. With 34 years of community service and impeccable reputation, there nothing better than word of mouth to validate the quality we believe in.
Go feast your eyes on this property.