Should I Buy a Home Through the Listing Agent in Erie, Colorado?

Should you buy a home through the listing agent in Erie, Colorado? You can, but the listing agent was hired by the seller to sell that home. Before you sign anything, ask one question: whose side are you on, and where is that written down? Many buyers find they're more comfortable with an agent who works only for them, and you can decide that for yourself once you know what each choice means.

If you're worried about paying too much, or about being taken advantage of, that's a sensible instinct and not an insult to anyone. You found a home you like, the agent with the sign in the yard offers to help, and it feels easy. When it's one of the biggest purchases of your life, easy is worth a second look.

I'm Carol, and Homes by Carol is my real estate practice here in Erie. Carol Vanlandingham is a REALTOR® with eXp Realty and a buyer's and seller's agent in Erie, Colorado, with about 80 homes closed for buyers and sellers and a 5.0 rating on Google. She helps people through life transitions, downsizing, first homes and relocation across Erie, Boulder County and Northern Colorado. I've been licensed for 10 years and I've lived here for over 31. I work as a listing agent and as a buyer's agent, so I see this question from both chairs. This post is education first, and at the end I'll tell you how I handle it with my own buyers.

The listing agent works for the seller. The seller hired them to get that home sold, and to protect the seller's interests, including the price and the terms. That isn't a bad thing, and many listing agents are kind and knowledgeable. It simply means that on this home, their first job is to the person selling it.

A buyer's agent has the opposite job. A buyer's agent works for the buyer. That means helping you decide what to offer, what to ask for after the inspection and when to walk away.

Sometimes a listing agent offers to help the buyer too. How an agent is allowed to do that, and what the agent has to tell you in writing, depends on the rules and on the agreement you sign, so I won't try to sum it up in a paragraph. Here is what I'd do in your seat:

• Ask what role the agent would take with you.
• Ask for it in writing, and read it before you sign.
• If any part is unclear, ask an attorney to look at it.

Then ask yourself a simple question. When you're deciding how much to offer, can one person help you and the seller at the same moment? You may decide the answer is yes. You may decide you want someone who is only on your side. Either way, you should be the one who decides.

Some buyers hope so. Don't assume it. If anyone tells you that using the listing agent will lower your price, ask them to explain exactly how, and ask for it in writing before you decide.

The price you pay comes from the offer you and the seller agree on. Your best protection is knowing what comparable homes nearby have sold for. When I work with a buyer, I show you the same sales I'm looking at, and you decide what to offer.

Step 1: Ask what role the agent would play

At an open house or a showing, it's fine to say, "Before we go further, are you working for the seller, for me, or for both of us?" A good agent answers plainly and doesn't mind the question.

Step 2: Ask for the answer in writing

You're looking for the role spelled out in a document you can read at home. Take your time with it. You shouldn't feel rushed at a kitchen counter or in a driveway.

Step 3: Ask what happens when you and the seller disagree

Price, repairs and dates can all become sticking points. Ask how the agent would handle it if you and the seller want different things, and listen to how clear the answer is.

Step 4: Talk to a buyer's agent before you decide

Meet first, with no signature required. In my first meeting with a buyer, I walk through the whole buying process and what each step looks like, and you're under no obligation. If you'd like a bigger picture, I wrote about how to choose a buyer's agent and what a buyer's agent does from the first showing to closing.

Step 5: Get pre-approved

Whoever you choose, a lender pre-approval tells you what you can comfortably spend. I wrote about what to ask a lender if you want a list to bring.

Step 6: Decide when you're comfortable

You don't owe anyone an answer on the spot. If something still feels off, wait, ask more questions or talk to another agent.

• Saying yes at the first showing because it feels easier. A quick yes can cost you the chance to compare.
• Assuming the agent is on your side because they were kind to you. Kindness isn't the same as working for you. Ask about the role.
• Telling everything to someone before asking whose side they're on. Your top price and your timeline are worth protecting until you know.
• Hoping for a discount without getting it in writing. If it isn't written down, you can't count on it.
• Skipping your own inspection. A professional inspection protects you, whoever your agent is.
• Skipping the lender conversation. A pre-approval gives you a real budget before you fall for a home.
• Assuming the sales office at a new neighborhood works for you. The builder's sales agent works for the builder. I explain this in whether you need your own agent for new construction.

Since you're reading to decide, here it is in plain words.

• Before our first showing, I sign a written buyer agreement with every buyer, and I go through it with you line by line.
• We meet first, and in that first meeting you're under no obligation.
• I ask every buyer to be pre-approved by a lender before we tour. I have a list of lenders I recommend, and you're free to use anyone you choose. I'm not a lender.
• When you find a home, I review what has sold nearby, tell you how I think the home is priced and show you the same sales I'm looking at. You decide the offer.
• I tell you what I see in each home, good and bad. Before I was licensed I fixed and flipped houses, so I notice things like the age of a roof or work that was done poorly. I'm not a home inspector, and I always recommend a professional inspection.
• I've helped sellers in Erie Village, Compass and Erie Commons, so I know how a listing looks from the seller's side. When I'm your agent, my job is to look at it from yours.
• I educate before I recommend, and I listen before I advise. If the right advice is "not yet," I'll tell you.

You can read more on my page about how I help you buy, and learn more about me on my about page.

Can the listing agent also be my agent?

Sometimes an agent offers to help both sides. Ask what role they'd take with you, get it in writing and read it before you sign. If anything is unclear, ask an attorney.

Is it okay to say no to the listing agent?

Yes. You can say, "I'd like to work with my own agent," and you don't have to explain. A good agent will understand.

What if I already told the listing agent my budget?

Don't worry about it. You can still choose your own agent now. Going forward, ask whose side someone is on before you share anything private, like your top price.

Do I have to sign something before I see a home?

Many agents ask for a written agreement before the first showing, and I do. You can ask for a copy ahead of time, take it home and ask questions before you sign.

How do I ask an agent how they're paid?

Ask every agent, directly, and get the answer in writing before you sign. You deserve to know, and a good agent will explain it clearly. Ask me too, and I'll answer.

If you're looking at a home in Erie and wondering which agent to trust with it, I'd be glad to talk. See how I help first-time buyers, learn about the town on my Erie page, or send me a note. You can also call me at (303) 522-3130. There's no pressure, and you can ask as many questions as you need.