There are many different ways a Texas real estate licensee can work with the public. Not many people know this.
In fact, to some agents you will only be a "Customer." This provides you with the lowest level of legal obligations from the agent.
When you list your home with me you are more than a customer, you are my CLIENT. What that means for you is that I willing serve you in Fiduciary role. This is the highest standard under the law and provides you with the greatest amount of protection.
As a Fiduciary I am required by law to put your interest ahead of my own. I willingly accept this role and actually enjoy helping my clients achieve their goal.
Here's how that sometimes plays out in the real estate world. Recently, I was showing five homes to a buyer. When I set up the showings with the listing agent one agent whispered to me, "They (the sellers) are willing to negotiate."
I understood exactly what this agent meant. She was willing to rollover on her clients and right form the start tell me that my buyer can get a good deal.
Why would she do that? Because she wanted a commission, that's why. She was not serving her clients best interest. She was only serving her own interest.
Not only do I serve as a Fiduciary, but as a REALTOR® I subscribe a Code of Ethics developed by the National Association of REALTORS®. The code specifies duties that I have to my clients, the public, and to other REALTORS®. If I fail, I am held accountable.
So, to me you are more than a customer. You are my client and I promise you that I'm going to look out for your best interest.
