[Hush] Confidentiality and Real Estate Agency
People are generally friendly and like to talk but there is a time and a place when buying or selling Charleston real estate where hush is the appropriate choice. It has to do with confidentiality and real estate agency. Most people don't understand the concept of real estate agency, they know that there are agents and real estate agencies but not much more, after all, most people buy or sell their homes once every seven years on average. And actually, many real estate agents struggle to fully understand agency and all of the implications.
Let's clear it up for you. The South Carolina Agency Disclosure Brochure states, "Unless or until you enter into a written agreement with the company for agency representation, you are considered a "Customer" of the Company, and the Company will not act as your agent. As a Customer, you should not expect the Company or its licensees to promote your best interests, or to keep your bargaining information confidential."
So if you are thinking about selling your home and you are interviewing several Charleston real estate agents to list your home for sale, until you select and hire an agent, there are some things better left unsaid.
And if you are thinking about buying and you happen to meet the listing agent or the seller when viewing a property, it's best to say nothing other than "Hi, how are you, thank you for letting me view your home" to anyone but your real estate agent.
Bottom line: Don't give your motivation away.
Photo courtesy of flickr by BeckyKP