Which real estate agent is the best for my interests?

The listing agent is the agent who was hired by the sellers to list their home. This ties in with the fact that the agent is paid a commission based on the selling price of the house. (Usually a 4-7% split between both agents involved.) These rates apply to any agency registered with the Chamber of Commerce in Croatia. Remember, we are not registered as an agency by Croatian law, so therefor those rates do not apply for our service. So, the higher the sales price, the more money the agent makes.

It may be hard to keep this in mind as you spend time with the agent and feel you know and have a relationship with that person. Even though you trust the agent, it is very important never to reveal the highest price you are willing to pay, or other concessions you know you would be willing to make. Because the agent represents the seller, he/she must relay this type of information to the seller.

The flip side of this is also true. Again because the agent is representing the seller, he/she is not allowed to divulge anything that would tip the scales in your favor -- like why the seller is selling or how low the seller will probably go regarding the selling price. Remember, the agent is bound by contract to work to get the best possible deal for the seller. In the next section, we will discuss your third option for you, The Buyers Agent!