Now buyers are able to do the same. If you are a buyer, you can now hire a salesperson to represent you as your buyer agent, and sales agents are free to actually represent buyers. If the property you buy is listed by the Southern Illinois Regional Multiple Listing Service, you can in most cases expect your agent's commission to be paid by the seller through the listing brokers. Many if not most real estate offices in our area have policies to represent buyers for properties listed by other companies, as well as for in-company listings. Buyer agency is now the norm for members of the Southern Illinois Regional Multiple Listing Service, and most, if not all, offer cooperation and compensation to other brokers and agents who find buyers for their listings.
Buyers finally have their fully disclosed representation, just as sellers have always had.
Moreover, buyer's agents share responsibility and liability for the transaction, so this development benefits sellers and their brokers too. Buyer agents will be advocates for the buyer, to assist them in buying the best property at the best price. They will not knowingly do anything that is not in the best interests of their clients. Buyer agents are making a major commitment of their valuable time, experience and expertise in helping buyers reach their real estate goals, and deserve to be fairly treated by their principals, the buyers. This includes loyalty, trust and an agreement to work exclusively through this agent in a spirit of partnership to purchase their property.