The listing agent seems friendly. Are they on my side if I don't have my own agent?
Answered by Chris Deutsch, Founder & Editor
Licensed Minnesota Realtor #20382264 ·
The short answer
No. Friendly and on your side are different things. The listing agent's duties — loyalty, confidentiality, best price — run to the seller. They must be honest with you and disclose material facts about the property; they can't lie or hide a known defect. But honesty about the house isn't advocacy for you.
On stage The 60-second answer
Captions on · Transcript below
The stage is set.
Chris's video answer is on its way. Until then, the short answer above says the same thing.
The transcript posts with the video.
The longer answer
Here's where it bites: anything you reveal can reach their client, and should — that's their job. Mention you'd stretch another twenty thousand, and you've just negotiated against yourself. The agency disclosure form Minnesota requires at first substantive contact exists to make this exact line visible before you cross it.
You can buy without your own representation; people do. Just do it knowing whose team everyone's on. (I'm not a lawyer, and this isn't legal advice.) Want someone whose duties run to you? Send me a text.
The next department over
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From the editor's desk
“As Founder and Editor, I review, correct, and stand behind every answer.”
Is your situation more specific than the market? That's the one worth talking through.