What is the difference between a buyer's agent and a seller's agent?  

Have you been thinking about owning your own home? Decided to take the leap and buy this spring?  Wondering if you need a Buyer's Agent or what a Buyer's Agent does?

Are you ready for the competition—other buyers eyeing the same home?  

The paperwork, the negotiations, the late nights…  

All before you even hold your keys.  

 

Honestly, the process can be stressful. But it feels a lot better with a trusted Realtor® by your side.  

 

UNDERSTANDING THE TERMS

If you've started researching, you've probably seen terms like:  

"Buyer's Agent, Seller’s Agent, Listing Agent, Mortgage Broker..."

What do they all mean?  

Well, YOU are the buyer—so let's talk about Buyers Agency and what it can do for you.  

 

A BIT OF HISTORY:  

Up until the late 1980s, buyers didn’t have their own agents.  

Real estate brokers only represented sellers.  

Eventually, everyone realized that buyers also needed representation.  

 

In Massachusetts, we follow **caveat emptor**—*buyer beware. *  

That means it’s the buyer’s responsibility to do their **due diligence** before purchasing a property.  

 

WHAT IS DUE DILIGENCE?

Due diligence is a process that involves risk and compliance check, conducting an investigation, review, or audit to verify facts and information about a particular subject.

For Real Estate that means:  

- Permits - Taxes - Deed  

-  The Estate- Zoning 

 

Due diligence is one of the most important parts of buying a home.  

So, where do you start?  

 

ENTERING BUYERES AGENCY 

A Buyer’s Agents works in YOUR best interest.  

They guide you through the transaction and keep things moving at the right pace—Let's just say it's a "hurry up and wait" kind of game.

Buyer's Agents are there for your questions, concerns, and to help make informed decisions.

 

Here are just a few of the things a Buyer's Agent will do: 

 

1. Finding Your Home

- After securing pre-approval, you’ll have a better idea of your budget.  

- Your Buyer's agent helps book tours based on the criteria you set in your "Buyer’s Consultation".  

- During tours, they point out **pros and cons**—things you might overlook.  

 

 

2. Price & Market Data

Property Type	Average Price	Price Change (YoY)
Single-Family Homes	$725,000	+5%
Condominiums	$480,000	+3%
Multi-Family Homes	$850,000	+7%

- Your agent provides pricing insights and market trends.  

- They help you make the most informed decision.  

- They present offers to the seller and negotiate on your behalf. 

 

3. Connecting You to Experts  

- Mortgage brokers  

- Home inspectors  

- Real estate attorneys  

- Movers  

These connections save you time and keep your transaction on schedule.  

 

4. Overcoming Setbacks 

What if your appraisal comes in low?  

What if the home inspection uncovers *major* problems?  

Your agent is your advocate—keeping calm, navigating hurdles, and finding solutions.  

 

HOW DO YOU PAY FOR THIS SERVICE? 

After the **NAR settlement** in August 2024, compensation rules changed slightly.  

Historically, Sellers hired Buyer’s agents—because it was in their best interest to bring a vetted, qualified buyer.  

This was always a *choice*—never a requirement.  

Some brokers altered contract language to make it mandatory, leading to a lawsuit.  

 

Now, if a seller chooses not to compensate a buyer’s broker,  

YOU, the buyer, may need to pay the broker’s compensation.  

Keep in mind—all compensation is negotiable.  

 

That was a LOT of information—if you’ve made it this far, I commend you!  

 

Hopefully, this helped you understand the role of a buyer’s agent and how they can benefit you.  

If you have questions or need resources, I’d love to connect and chat more! 

Check out my Realtor.com Profile 

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