Community Corner

Question: Are Dual Roles OK for Real Estate Agents?

Weigh in on our daily question in the comments section.

Do you know what type of real estate agent you purchased your home from?

Yesterday, the New York Times took a look at different types of agents showing, selling and helping you purchase homes in today's market.

"There are seller’s agents, buyer’s agents, broker’s agents, dual agents and even dual agents with designated sales agents — which all sounds more like the cast of characters in a spy film than people involved in a real estate transaction," wrote Elsa Brenner, the article's author.

Find out what's happening in Pleasantville-Briarcliff Manorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Briarcliff Manor's  of the Mark Seiden Real Estate Team said he keeps things separate in his office, with different departments for buyer's and seller's agents, to avoid conflicts of interests.

Tarrytown's Gary Herbst, who owns , is one of few agencies that only serves as buyer's agents.  he believes using dual agents puts buyers at a disadvantage.

Find out what's happening in Pleasantville-Briarcliff Manorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Other realtors said having one agent represent both sides streamlines the process for everyone involved, while laws require agents to disclose who they represent at the outset.

What type of agent did you purchase your home from? Were you aware of the different types of agents?


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