DEPARTMENT OF STATE Division of Licensing Services P.O. Box 22001
Albany, NY 12201-2001New York State Disclosure Form for Buyer
and Seller
THIS IS NOT A CONTRACT
New York State law requires real estate licensees
who are acting as agents of buyers and sellers of property to advise
the
potential buyers and sellers with whom they work of the nature of their
agency relationship and
the rights and
obligations
it creates. This
disclosure will help you to make informed choices about your
relationship with the real
estate broker and its
sales associates.
Throughout the transaction you may receive more than one disclosure
form. The law requires each agent assisting in the
transaction to
present you with this disclosure form. A real estate agent is a person
qualified
to advise about real estate.
If you need legal, tax or other advice, consult with a professional in
that field.
Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency
Relationships
Seller’s Agent A seller’s agent is an agent who is engaged by a seller to represent the
seller’s interest. The seller’s agent
does
this
by
securing a buyer for
the seller’s home at a price and on terms acceptable to the seller. A
seller’s agent has,
without
limitation,
the following fiduciary duties
to the seller: reasonable care, undivided loyalty, confidentiality, full
disclosure,
obedience and
duty to account. A seller’s agent does not
represent the interests of the buyer.
The obligations of a
seller’s
agent are also
subject to any specific provisions set forth in an
agreement
between the
agent and the seller. In
dealings with the buyer,
a seller’s agent should (a) exercise reasonable skill and care in
performance of the agent’s duties;
(b) deal honestly, fairly and
in good
faith; and (c) disclose all facts known to the
agent materially
affecting the value or
desirability of property, except
as otherwise
provided by law.
Buyer’s Agent A buyer’s agent is an agent who is engaged by a buyer to represent the
buyer’s interest. The buyer’s agent does
this by
negotiating the
purchase of a home at a price and on terms acceptable to the buyer. A
buyer’s agent has,
without limitation,
the following fiduciary duties to
the buyer: reasonable care, undivided loyalty, confidentiality, full
disclosure, obedience and
duty to account. A buyer’s agent does not
represent the interest of the seller.
The obligations of a buyer’s agent
are also
subject to any specific provisions set forth in an agreement
between theagent and the buyer. In dealings with the seller, a
buyer’s
agent should (a) exercise reasonable skill and care in
performance of
the agent’s duties; (b) deal honestly, fairly and
in good faith; and (c)
disclose all facts known to the
agent materially affecting the buyer’s
ability and/or willingness to perform
a contract to acquire seller’s
property
that are not inconsistent with the agent’s fiduciary duties to
the buyer.
Broker’s Agents As part of your negotiations with a real estate agent, you may authorize
your agent to engage other agents whether
you are
a buyer or seller. As
a general rule, those agents owe fiduciary duties to your agent and to
you. You are not vicariously liable
for their conduct.
Dual Agent A real estate broker may represent both the buyer and seller if both the
buyer and seller give their informed consent
in writing.
In such a dual
agency situation, the agent will not be able to provide the full range
of fiduciary duties to
the buyer and seller.
The obligations of an agent
are also subject to any specific provisions set forth in an agreement
between the agent,
and the
buyer and seller. An agent acting as a dual
agent must explain carefully to both the buyer and seller that the
agent
is acting
for the other party as well. The agent should also explain the
possible effects of dual representation, including that by
consenting to
the dual agency relationship the buyer and seller are giving up their
right to undivided loyalty. A buyer or seller
should carefully consider
the possible consequences of a dual agency relationship before
agreeing
to such representation.
Dual Agency with Designated Sales Associates If the buyer and seller provide their informed consent in writing, the
principals or the real estate broker who
represents both
parties as a
dual agent may designate a sales associate to represent the buyer and
another sales
associate to represent the
seller to negotiate the
purchase and sale of real estate. A sales associate works under the
supervision of the real estate broker.
With the informed consent of the
buyer and the seller in writing, the designated sales associate for the
buyer will
function
as the buyer’ s agent representing the interests of
the buyer and the designated sales
associate for the
seller will
function as
the seller’s agent representing the interests of the seller
in the
negotiations between the
buyer and seller. A designated sales
associate cannot provide the full range of
fiduciary duties to the buyer
or seller.
The designated sales associate must explain
that like the
dual agent under whose supervision they function, they
cannot provide
undivided loyalty. A buyer or seller should
carefully consider the
possible consequences of a dual
agency relationship with designated
sales associates before agreeing
to such representation.
This form was provided to me by the company named below:
Licensee or Associate of Licensee: _________
(Signature)
of Company:
The above-named company, which is licensed as a Real Estate Broker is
(check one)
( ) The Seller’s Agent ( ) A Dual Agent
( ) The Buyer’s Agent ( ) Dual Agent With Designated
Sales Associates
( ) The Broker’s Agent
If Dual Agent with Designated Sales Associates is checked:
is appointed to represent the buyer; and
is appointed to represent the seller in this
transaction.
(I) (We) acknowledge receipt of a copy of this disclosure form:
Signature of ( ) Buyer(s) and/or ( ) Seller(s):
Date: Date:
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