In a previous article in the Wasilla Real Estate News I discussed the fact that Alaska has no real estate agents. I talked about the fact that we are now Real Estate “Licensees” who have specific relationships with our clients that are spelled out in writing.
The most important relationship a buyer can have is a licensee who REPRESENTS them. There seem to be quite a few buyers floating around the valley right now who want to set up their own showings and only represent themselves. They make a point to say that they do not have anyone representing them and want to work with the listing licensee themselves.
That is kind of like representing yourself in court. I think I heard a judge remark that anyone who chooses to represent himself in court deserves the level of representation he is getting. A licensed Realtor often has been involved in thousands of transactions. If he is only representing the seller he has no obligation to help you out in any way. In fact, if something comes up that might easily go your way and against the seller, he is legally obligated to represent the sellers interests, not yours.
A buyer should find a Realtor to represent them because:
On the other hand, maybe you are just a “do-it-yourselfer” in other parts of your life as well. I have learned that there are better ways to accomplish certain things. I don’t work on my own cars anymore.
Although I know the basics about internal combustion engines, I take all my car problems to Ernie at Lazy Mountain Enterprises. I don’t have the time or expertise to fix the car even if I can figure out what is wrong with it. Ernie fixes my car in a timely manner and charges me a fair price. But if you are the kind who wants to buy a Chiltons manual and dig into that automatic transmission on your own, more power to you. You also have the right to represent yourself in a real estate transaction or in court.
But I don’t advise it. !