I am representing a client who found a house she likes. Her offer was accepted. And the seller’s agent asked me to please put the earnest money into her company’s escrow account, instead of ours.
I see a problem with that. I represent my client. I look out for her interests. And her escrow deposit, in my company’s account, means that if a dispute occurs, her representatives protect her funds.
This isn’t about trust. I’m sure the other company is totally ethical. But it’s not in my client’s best interest. I’d happily put my client’s funds into her attorney’s escrow — her attorney will also protect our client’s interests.
If you don’t have your own agent who represents you, you might not know about this potential wrinkle.
It’s tempting to go it alone. Zillow makes it look like you don’t need an agent. But Zillow is just a catalogue. There is so much more to the actual process of buying and selling a home.
Get an expert on your side. And don’t settle for just anyone — find one that knows the market, has experience, and, most importantly, communicates. A good realtor can save you time, money, and headaches. That’s their job.