Before even looking at properties for sale, you should decide whether or not you want to be a "BUBBA"
--Buyer Unrepresented by a Buyers Broker or Agent.

If you look at properties with the sellers' agents or builders' representatives, then decide to hire a Buyers Broker to watch out for your best interests, you may be out of luck, BUBBA. You've already made the often costly mistake of dealing direct.

What happens if you don't use a qualified Buyers Broker and later find that you paid too much or the property has problems? (That happens all too often when buyers deal direct). You'll only have the person in the mirror (BUBBA) to blame.

Florida and most other states require written Exclusive Buyer Brokerage (EBB) agreements for buyers to be represented by "their" broker or agent. Without an EBB agreement you're on your own and "fair game" to every real estate licensee and builder's rep. Many are good, some are bad and some are downright UGLY!

REALTORS® are required by their Code of Ethics to ask if you have an EBB agreement with another REALTOR®, but many forget to ask. Unless you're a BUBBA, it's your responsibility to immediately inform prospective sellers, real estate licensees and builders representatives that you have already hired your own broker or agent. That's simply honest and fair to everyone and prevents problems later on.

Can your best friend, your hairdresser or anyone else with a real estate license be your Exclusive Buyer Broker? Depending on their brokerage firm's policies, the answer is "Maybe." Even so, fewer than 5% of REALTORS® have earned the Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) designation and even fewer have earned certification. Check out members of REBAC or NAEBA before contacting other REALTORS® and, above all, don't leave yourself in the position of being a BUBBA.

E-mail Robert Delmar, accredited and certified Buyers Broker, to help you find a qualified Buyers Broker or Buyers Agent in your area. REALTORS® who wish to reproduce or link to this article should request written authorization (at no charge).