What is the difference between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent? Also, why should I use a buyer’s agent?
The simplest version of your first question is that a buyer’s agent represents you as the buyer. A seller’s agent represents the seller. If you call off a sign in the yard, you are calling and speaking directly to the seller’s agent. The seller’s agent has a job and is bound by a fiduciary responsibility (see agency relationships) to get the most money and best terms on the sale for their seller. A buyer’s agent will represent you and get you the best price and the best terms for you.
To expand on why you should use a buyer’s agent is pretty straightforward. Most of the time, using the services of a buyer’s agent does not cost you any additional money. The seller’s agent typically has already agreed to a percentage of the sale to go to a buyer’s agent. If you contact me to represent you as a buyer, I will negotiate the best terms for you in the purchase of your new home and will almost always be paid by an already agreed percentage from the seller.
You can start by searching for homes on my site. Most of these homes are listed by other agents and I would represent you as the buyer.
