Imagine having a secret weapon in your home-buying arsenal — someone who’s not just legally obligated to look out for you but also dedicated to getting you the best deal possible on your next home. That’s what a buyer’s agent brings to the table. Although many agents switch between representing buyers or sellers based on the deal, there are some who specialize in working as buyer’s agents. If you’re a buyer, you don’t need to use a buyer’s agent. But you may very well find that having a buyer’s agent on your side is a huge advantage, if not absolutely essential to closing a deal. “They have a fiduciary responsibility to represent their clients how they would represent themselves,” explains Kevin Markarian, a top-selling agent in the San Francisco Bay Area. “So they’re going to do everything possible to help you be successful and provide you with all the information necessary to make a good decision.” Let’s take a closer look at the role of a buyer’s agent and how they can help you in the quest to find your next home. First, let’s spell out the basics. There are two sides to every real estate transaction: the buyer’s side and the seller’s side. Many agents help both buyers and sellers with transactions, but some agents specialize in handling one party or the other. Seller’s agents represent sellers — that is, the home the seller is listing. These are also called listing agents. On the other side of the transaction, buyer’s agents represent buyers in seeking and purchasing a home. Buyer’s agents are there to advise, guide, and steer you through the process using their licenses and expertise. Their supporting role for buyers typically includes:What is a buyer’s agent?
What do buyer’s agents do?
