What does a Buyer’s Agent do?

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 season?  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 etc.

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! 

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