Should A Realtor Have Both Sides Of A House Sale?

Should a Realtor have both the listing and the buyer for a sale of a home? it is a good question and the answer is not as black and white as some people like to think it is. I do not know about other states; but in North Carolina we all represent the seller unless the buyer signs a buyer agency agreement with the realtor they chose to represent them. The only time it really comes into conflict is when the buyer likes and wants to put an offer in on a home represented by their Realtor. I admit; I have been in this situation a few times over the years. All have worked out well for both the seller and the buyer.....But should you as a Realtor represent both sides? My opinion on this varies depending on the situation. I have represented sellers in a short sale listing (one in where the bank is agreeing to take less than the amount owed on the house0 and represented both parties. In those cases the bank is setting the price and not the seller. Generally it is at a point where the bank has told me to list the house at a certain dollar amount and they will accept the offer. It really does not matter who is representing the buyer at that point. If the dollar amount fits the guidelines the bank is asking for it will be accepted and the house will proceed to close. However; what if the listing is not a short sale. What if it si a retail listing where the buyer wants to buy the home and you know the seller is not short on funds? Is it right to represent both sides in that transaction? i have represented both sides in that transaction type before and have had situations where i asked another Realtor to step in and help the buyer out. I think it depends. I believe in complete transparency. I disclose everything to the buyers and sellers that I am legally allowed to and explain the situation with me representing both sides. I have found it to be advantageous for both parties and helped close transactions that otherwise might not have closed. The buyer gets answers to questions quickly and timely first hand. It has speeded up the process of negotiation between the two parties making it less stressful on both sides. Any delays casued by the seller or the buyer were easily explained and met without concern knowing I was the middle man between them and could explain why and not feel like they were not getting the truth. it has helped me with inspections and home repair requests because i would be present for the buyer and be able to tell the seller first hand what was going wrong and that it should be repaired. Last, I have also offered a reduction on commission to help close a transaction where i knew the buyer was capped and the seller was at their bottom line and cut the commission to help close the gap and close the deal. Now, there are times when it does not work. I have had it where I did not feel comfortable representing both parties; because of a gut feeling. Or the buyer felt a little uneasy doing it....Also, if I had a home go into multiple offer situations while I was representing both sides. I have gracefully stepped aside and either referred them to another agent or allowed them to locate one to help them facilitate the transaction. I do not necessarily believe it is cut and dry that you should represent both sides or should not. i think each and every transaction is different and needs to be looked at individually...Ultimately my goal is to do what is right for both sides. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com