Can Builder's Agent Represent Both Parties in Springfield?

Legally, yes, the builder's agent can represent both parties in a dual agency situation in Springfield Ohio. But practically, this creates a fundamental conflict of interest that works against you as the buyer.

The conflict is inherent and unavoidable. How can one person negotiate the best price for you as the buyer while also getting the highest price for their client, the builder? How can they advise you that a specific contract term is unfavorable to you when they're simultaneously obligated to protect the builder's interests in that same contract? How can they tell you about construction quality issues with the builder's previous homes when they represent that builder and need to maintain that ongoing business relationship? How can they fight aggressively for your interests in a dispute when doing so damages their relationship with the builder who provides their income? Dual agency means divided loyalty. In practice, the builder's interests usually win because that's the ongoing business relationship the agent depends on. You're a one-time transaction; the builder is their repeat client.

What you need is someone who works only for you, with undivided loyalty to your interests. You need someone who can negotiate aggressively on your behalf without worrying about damaging their relationship with the builder. Someone who can point out every problem, fight for every advantage, and advocate forcefully for your position without any conflict of interest holding them back. You need someone who will tell you the truth about the builder's reputation, warn you about problematic contract terms, and fight for you if issues arise, even when doing so creates tension with the builder.

Amanda Mullins with Move Smart with Amanda represents buyers only in Springfield new construction transactions, never the builders. This means her loyalty is 100% to you with no divided interests. She can negotiate aggressively for better terms because she doesn't need to protect her relationship with the builder. She can fight forcefully for your interests if problems arise because she works only for you. She can advise you honestly about any concerns, warn you about problematic builders, and advocate without restraint because she has no conflict of interest. This representation costs you nothing because the builder pays the commission, but it provides undivided advocacy that dual agency cannot possibly provide.