A Buyer's Broker  is an individual or firm who represents a purchaser in a real estate transaction. When you engage a broker for this purpose, you will sign what is called a Buyer Brokerage Agreement. This agreement will set out in writing the agency relationship that will exist between yourself and the broker. It will also confirm the manner in which the buyer's agent will be compensated. A 'Purchaser's Agency Consent' form will stipulate one of the following: (a) that the Broker will act as a sub-agent of the Vendor, and be compensated through the Listing Broker. (b) the Broker will act as a Buyer Broker and be compensated through the Listing Broker. (c) the Broker will act as a Buyer Broker and be compensated by the Purchaser. (b) BROKER TO ACT AS A BUYER BROKER AND BE COMPENSATED THROUGH THE       LISTING BROKER is the most usual agency agreement entered into between purchaser and broker. Once a Buyer's Broker agency relationship has been established, you, the purchaser, are the 'Client' and the agent owes to you the duties of utmost care, integrity, confidentiality and loyalty. The agent's primary allegiance will always be to you, the buyer. In addition though, it should also be noted that because all REALTORS-- a trademark term which in Canada means: member of the Canadian Real Estate Board, (not all real estate sales people are REALTORS)-- are guided by a stringent, Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice, they are also under an obligation to treat customers (those they don't have an agency relationship with) honestly and fairly at all times. CLIENT OR CUSTOMER? The difference between receiving information and services from an agent and being represented by an agent is the difference between being a customer and a client. If the REALTOR represents you, whether you are a buyer or a seller, you're the client. Agency disclosure is a standard part of today's real estate transactions. All parties to an 'Agreement of Purchase and Sale' have to be notified in writing as to who, represents who. DO SOME BROKERS REPRESENT ONLY PURCHASERS? Yes, there are some, however the majority of broker's today still represent both buyer's and seller's, whatever the case (agency) may be. CAN A BROKER REPRESENT BOTH THE BUYER AND THE SELLER IN THE SAME TRANSACTION. Yes. This is done often times and occurs normally when a prospective purchaser contacts, and then ultimately buys a home through the listing broker. In this type of situation the agency would be what is called, Dual Agency. As with all the other forms of agency, when Dual Agency occurs all the parties to the agreement are notified in writing as to the agency relationships involved. CAN KIRK EDDY, sales representative, sutton group-future realty inc., REPRESENT YOU AS A BUYER'S BROKER? Yes, certainly he can, and he would be happy to do so. If you are considering a purchase in this area there are a number of benefits to working with a local Realtor, one of the most important being the eventual price that you pay for your new home. Not all listings are created equal and unfortunately, there are always some homes on the market that are overpriced. A Realtor completely familiar with the area knows which homes' these are and can steer you clear, or at the very least, make you aware that the asking price does not reflect true market value. Whether working for a buyer client or working for a seller client, it's always Kirk's pleasure! He looks forward to working for you.