"Door County Real Estate" by: Kevin Nordahl, REALTOR®
How the Whole REALTOR-Thing Works
You’re driving along and see a real estate for sale sign for a residential listing. You call the number on the sign and get the answers to your questions. It should be that easy. For the casual or first-time buyer, it is. But when it comes time to view that property there’s actually a real estate professional on the other side of the door to greet you and that’s where the transaction starts getting personal.
For some buyers the realization that one agent can work with a multitude of different agents and listed properties in a Multiple Listing Service, MLS is a big surprise. It is often even more surprising to discover that the agent implicitly represents the seller unless specifically asked to represent a Buyer’s interest. So how does this work?
In Wisconsin , a homebuyer can choose to work with a buyer’s agent or a selling agent. Either way, your agent is a specially trained professional, licensed by the state of Wisconsin , who is obligated by law to treat all parties to a real estate transaction fairly.
If you work with a selling agent, there is no contract between you and the agent, and you are not the agent’s client. You will, however, receive a Disclosure of Real Estate Agency form that lists the fair treatment duties owed to you and indicates that the selling agent is the home seller’s agent.
If you work with a buyer’s agent, you are the buyer’s agent’s client. You and the buyer’s agent sign a WB-36 Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement that includes a Disclosure of Real Estate Agency. The Disclosure lists the fair treatment duties owed to all parties and the duties owed to you as the client, and indicates that the buyer’s agent is the agent of the buyer.
The buyer’s agent works for the interests of the homebuyer, but also must know how to work with the listing agent. A buyer’s agent can:
Give a negative opinion or critique of a seller’s property beyond disclosing defects.
Recommend or suggest an offering price or give you an opinion about whether a particular house is priced too high or too low.
Structure the offer and draft offer provisions with the buyer’s best interests in mind.
Recommend and assist the buyer with negotiation strategies for the best price and terms.
Disclose all information and research a property’s history and liens so the buyer can make an informed decision.
Give advice within the scope of the agent’s expertise as a licensed real estate professional.
There is a special buyer agency designation bestowed upon REALTORS® who have completed an optional training course. This designation identifies them as Accredited Buyer Representatives, ABR. However, any REALTOR® can work as a buyer agent regardless of this designation.
Once you have established a relationship with a real estate professional you trust be sure to keep their number handy each time your curiosity takes you past an interesting listing. Buyer loyalty is the easiest way to ensure the best possible service from any agent.
Kevin Nordahl is a life-long resident of Door County, a REALTORŪ and a member of the Door County MLS. He is a Past President of the Door County Board of REALTORS® and a Senior Sales Consultant at Coldwell Banker Door County Horizons in Fish Creek. He may be reached online at knordahl@doorcountyrealestate.com or by phone at (920) 493-4004.
Kevin Nordahl is a life-long resident of Door County, a REALTORŪ and a member of the Door County MLS. He is a Past President of the Door County Board of REALTORS® and a Senior Sales Consultant at Coldwell Banker Door County Horizons in Fish Creek. He may be reached online at