There's been a lot of talk in recent years about "Agency" — who represents who in a real estate transaction. When buying what is most likely your largest single asset, you need to make sure you have the proper representation, which only happens when working with a Bucks County real estate Buyers Agent...

Any Bucks County real estate agent owes you, the Home Buyer, the following duties: reasonable skill & care, to deal honestly & in good faith, due diligence, full disclosure, accounting, and to prepare & present all offers to purchase.

These responsibilities are defined by state laws, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, general principals of agency and court decisions. It's the legal description. But in Pennsylvania, unless you've hired your agent as a Buyers Agent, your Buck County real estate agent is not representing you or your best interests — technically, the agent is representing the Seller! Like other agents, a Buyers Agent will show you homes that match your criteria, point out the Bucks County real estate properties' features, help you arrange financing and prepare and present your offer to purchase. But what they can do that a Seller's Agent, Sub-Agent, or a Dual Agent (an agent that represents both buyer and seller in the same transaction) can't do is provide you with other essential information they may know (unless the Seller gives permission), like:

• Whether the Seller may accept a lower price
•  Why the Seller is selling
• How long the home has been on the market
• Previous offers or counter-offers
• Strengths or weaknesses of the property Agent's opinion of value in the marketplace

In other words, a Buyers Agent is an advocate for you and is obligated by law to protect you and your best interests.

Here's the bottom line — if you haven't hired a Buyers Agent, you're essentially on your own. Most agents who work with Buyers today act as Buyers Agents, but be sure to clarify the relationship with your agent. In order to be represented you must have a contractual relationship with your agent — whether it's for a few hours or until you find the right property. Contracts differ by agency, so be sure your contract has a clause that states you can cancel the relationship with written notice in case you're stuck with a dud. In the vast majority of cases, the Seller pays the Buyers Agents commission, so it shouldn't cost you anything — but again, be sure that's written into your contract.

What's the catch? There really isn't one. You choose the Bucks County real estate agent with whom you'd like to work — hopefully me — enter into a contract for a mutually agreed upon time and go find your dream home. It doesn't cost you a dime, yet you have the peace of mind knowing that an advocate is working on your behalf to help you buy for the best possible terms.

Actually, there is one small snag if you'd like to work with me — I won't work with Buyers I don't represent. It's like working with one hand tied behind my back. So, if after we meet, you're still reluctant to enter into what is probably the least restrictive contract out there, you'll have to work with someone else. Which would be too bad for you, because I'm REALLY good at what I do!