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RELOCATING INFORMATION
Probably the most challenging move you could ever make is a relocation. If you're moving across the state or especially out of state, how are you supposed to know what the new place is like? How are you supposed to get an objective opinion on a home you're buying -- one you may only see in pictures?
Most often, you'll be working with a real estate agent to work these things out. The question you need to ask is … does the real estate agent have an interest in telling you all the right answers, or all the answers they think you want to hear before you'll agree to buy a home?
If your best interest is not their best interest, you'd better watch out!
If you're working with any kind of agent besides an exclusive buyer's agent, you're working with an agent who has someone else's interest in mind. A seller's agent (or "listing agent") has the seller in mind and will use any information they can get from you on behalf of their client, the seller!
A dual agent, or even a buyer's agent working for a broker that's listing a home and helping the buyer, will pretend to be neutral, in order to give the buyer and seller equal advantages. But why would you want neutral when you can have someone working on your behalf?
An exclusive buyer's agent is the only kind of agent that will always act on your behalf, telling you about the good and bad of a neighborhood or any home you're interested in. That's because the exclusive buyer's agent is not listing any homes to push you towards, and never represents sellers. By working with one, you can know -- even long-distance -- that you're getting the most objective information possible to help you decide on a home from afar.
Now THIS IS IMPORTANT! In many instances, people are relocating with the help of a corporate relocation company. They can often make more money when you use certain agents, and as a result, they will either suggest you use those agents (whether or not it's the best agent for you), or they will actually threaten you, saying that you must use those agents or face financial penalties.
No matter what they say:
* There is no reason for you to use any agent but the best one for you.
* There is no reason why you can't pick your own agent.
* They cannot penalize you for choosing your own.
After all … do you think your company wants you getting a bad deal on a home because of the relocation company???
Moving into a new home has a huge effect on the happiness of you and your whole family. It would be a shame to get an agent that wasn't really representing you, especially when you can't get your hands involved in the process as much as you might like. Insist on using an exclusive buyer's agent no matter what the relocation company tries telling you. Stick to your guns and watch as they back down. If they don't … you might talk with your manager to understand your own company's perspective on the situation. They are likely to back you and to put pressure on the relocation group to serve you as they've been hired to do.
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