What should a buyer expect during the initial contact with a real estate office?

During the initial contact with a real estate office, a buyer should expect to receive agency disclosure information. This is a crucial step in the real estate process as it outlines the relationship between the buyer and the real estate agent, clarifying the agent's obligations and the type of representation the buyer can expect.

Receiving this information helps buyers understand who is representing them, what responsibilities the agent has, and the implications of the various agency relationships. It is an essential part of ensuring that buyers are informed participants in the transaction process.

While signing a buyer agency agreement can occur later in the process, it is typically not expected to happen immediately during the first contact. Prequalifying for financing may be recommended, but it usually does not happen within the initial contact, as that typically involves gathering information and assessing the buyer's needs rather than financial qualifications. Additionally, viewing properties without disclosures would not be appropriate, as transparency and disclosure of information are fundamental principles in real estate transactions. Therefore, understanding agency disclosure establishes a solid foundation for the buyer-agent relationship.