Published by carratelli4 years ago

An unauthorized real estate agent: how to recognize them and how to avoid them. What it means to use an unauthorized agent and the potential conflicts with building code compliance.

The abusive real estate agent 

How many buyers or sellers are aware that in real estate negotiations it is possible to find yourself in the presence of a abusive real estate agentNot many, unfortunately. In this article, we explain what it means, how to recognize it, and why it's important to make sure you're dealing with a legitimate agent when buying or selling a property.

What are the requirements for real estate agents?

Let's start with a quick overview to understand who the real estate agents titled, to be able to distinguish them from the abusive ones. 

The real estate agents They can only be defined as such if they meet certain requirements. In particular:

  • high school diploma
  • Professional training course with passing the relevant written and oral exams at the Chamber of Commerce to obtain the real estate agent license
  • registration with the Chamber of Commerce
  • professional insurance for real estate agents

As is immediately evident, a licensed agent has the necessary training to competently manage any negotiation, including from a bureaucratic standpoint, which is recognized by a certifying body (the Chamber of Commerce).

How to recognize an abusive real estate agent

To recognize a abusive real estate agent Simply ask the mediator to show you their professional card: the license. Licenses come with a photograph, and it will be easy to determine the actual resemblance.

Furthermore, when signing the brokerage mandate or purchase proposal, these must be signed personally by the agent assisting you and not by the administrator of the real estate company or agency. 

More generally, the abusive agent is rather evasive on technical issues (amnesties, property certificates, building compliance, etc.): his only interest is to formalize the mediation act to receive his share. 

In this sense, it's quite common for negotiations to continue even if the property's building code doesn't conform to the plan submitted to the land registry. This is a rather unpleasant situation because, for example, it blocks the disbursement of a mortgage and requires further investigation to verify that there are no building violations requiring amnesty.

Recognizing an untrustworthy real estate agent to protect your investments

Pay attention and make sure you are not in the presence of a abusive real estate agent The buyer's interest. An unauthorized agent, in fact, not only won't be able to personally guarantee what they told you verbally, because someone else will fill out the paperwork, but by not signing anything, they won't even be responsible for any bureaucratic delays. Therefore:

  • Always verify that your mediator is a licensed professional. Otherwise, you will not be required to pay any commission for practicing their profession illegally. 
  • -Avoid signing preliminary agreements in which the commission is due before the checks. 
  • Never sign blank documents! Instead, you should always require that each document be fully completed and signed by the agent who carried out the mediation.

Certified Real Estate Agents: A Guarantee for Sellers and Buyers

A licensed agent offers a guarantee not only because he is legally bound to professional secrecy, but also because he is required to take out insurance covering professional risks and any damage caused to third parties. 

A real estate agent knows that before proceeding with a sale, it's essential to verify that the property to be marketed has all the necessary paperwork. If necessary, they know how to advise the seller so they can regularize their situation and ensure a transparent and stress-free transaction.

Carratelli RE offers its clients, sellers, and buyers, the expertise and professionalism of a team of qualified professionals. Contact us for your real estate transactions! 

Carratelli

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