Prairie Shore Properties Evanston
2110 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201
847-869-7300 fax: 847-869-7481

Prairie Shore Properties Wilmette
1109 Central Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091
847-256-1121 fax: 847-853-5600

Prairie Shore Properties Chicago
4109 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60618
773-929-7300  fax: 773-929-7200

© Copyright 2008 Prairie Shore Properties
Equal Housing Opportunity

You and your real estate agent

Relationship between you and your real estate agent
What real estate agents do for you
How to select a real estate agent

Relationship between you and your real estate agent
Since January 1995 a new Illinois law took effect changing the traditional consumer-broker relationship.

The law presumes that the agent you work with, whether you are a buyer or a seller, is your designated agent, unless you have an agreement otherwise. He or she is the only individual owing you statutory duties and will act in your best interest, whether you are a buyer or a seller, unless the agent is acting as a dual agent representing both the buyer and seller.

The buyer's designated agent is a sales associate affiliated with a licensed real estate brokerage company. The sales associates is acting as your only legal agent and giving you fiduciary representation.

Material information about the buyer is considered confidential.

What real estate agents do for you
A real estate professional will simplify the complex process of home buying.

A good agent knows the housing market inside out, and can help save you endless amounts of time, money and frustration. Make your agent your "house searching" partner!!!

Right from the beginning, your agent should understand your price range and the type of property you are looking for. As a member of the MLS service he or she has access to any property listed for sale in your area and will make all the necessary arrangements for each property viewing.

Your agent can also put you in touch with lenders, attorneys, professional inspectors and insurance companies, as well as provide you with general information about the communities that interest you.

How to select a real estate agent
These are some of the issues you should consider and investigate when choosing a real estate agent:

• Experience
• Knowledge of the market and of the entire process
• Ability to understand your needs
• Quality of their service
• References

Keep in mind that you are going to spend time with your real estate agent while searching for that perfect property, so make sure that you feel comfortable with him or her!