When An Agent Works For Both The Buyer And Seller On The Same House: Is It Good or Bad?

The term "Dual Representation" means that the real estate agent who has an agreement with sellers of a home, also has an agreement with the buyers.  So this person is said to be "working both sides" of a deal.  But I know what you are wondering...is this a good thing to get into? Well, let me start off by telling you why I am writing about this subject today. It has been a very competitive market for some time now. And many buyers out there have been through the roller coaster ride of putting offers on multiple homes only to be turned down. And it's not a secret, although it may also not be something everyone wants to admit to, but there are some listing agents that are telling buyers that they will have a better shot at getting the property if the buyers working with them as an agent.  And so buyers have put their faith into agents that are working both sides. So, how does this work if you are a buyer or seller that is represented by the same person? And is it a good thing or not? And what does it really mean and boil down to if you are in this scenario?
Well, I will start off by being frank.  There are always exceptions, but for the most part, this is not something I would want to do. And here is why:  I have a responsibility to the seller, to work at getting them the best price, with the best buyer and work hard at negotiating a lot of other things once the deal is underway.  I also have a responsibly to a buyer to get them a fair price, with a home of their choice and work hard at negotiating a number of other things throughout the deal for them. How shall I go about getting the highest and lowest price at the same time you ask? And when the seller want
A,B,&C and the buyer isn't wanting to give A,B,&C then which one do I try to negotiate with the most?  Well, that is why, it's just not that simple to be an agent for both buyer and seller.  It's like playing thumb war with yourself.  And while there are many many agents who are honest and would truly work in your best interest, it's really hard to work for the best interest of two opposing teams, so-to-speak.
So, as a buyer and seller, how do you still get what you want in a competitive market like this one and still avoid working with an agent who is working for the other side as well?  Start off by choosing your agent to help you buy your home and stick with them throughout the whole process. I have worked with many buyers this year and each one of them bought a home and are very happy with their purchase.  Not one of them had to write an offer with the listing agent to get into their homes. So don't think that doing that is your best option to getting a home.  Also, if you are already working with an agent who happens to list a home while you are with them, that you would like to buy, try asking them if they could refer you to someone else that they trust to represent you on the buying side. And as a seller, when you are going over the P's & Q's of selling your home with your listing agent, ask them what they would do if a buyer approached them and wanted to work with them in purchasing your home. This should be something you should think about before the situation comes up.
So, I hope that gave you some insight into what a dual representation means and remember, every agent and transaction is different so don't assume that if you are being represented by an agent working both sides, that you are not be represented well. But also remember, that there are choices out there and if an agent is backing you into a corner to tell you that your best shot at getting a house is to work with them and they are already working with the buyer, then use your best judgement and know, when the right house is meant to be, it will be.