Skip to contentNerdwallet icon

How a Buyer’s Agent Can Help Your Home Search

A buyer's agent represents your interests, not the seller’s, when negotiating a home purchase.

Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners.

Updated · 5 min read
Kate Wood
Written by 
Lead Writer/Spokesperson
Chris Jennings
Edited by 
Contributing Editor
SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATED

This page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

A buyer's agent will find potential homes, communicate with sellers and their agents, and represent your interests when negotiating a home purchase.
A good buyer's agent can act as a guide on your homebuying journey. They'll show you properties that fit your criteria, help you craft a competitive offer, negotiate on your behalf and generally provide knowledge and support throughout the homebuying process.
Here's what you should know about working with a buyer's agent.

What is a buyer's agent?

A buyer's agent is a real estate professional who exclusively represents the purchaser's interests in a real estate transaction, whereas the listing agent represents the property's seller.
Most residential real estate agents have experience working with both buyers and sellers. In fact, when someone is selling their current home and buying a new one, they'll sometimes use a single agent to be their listing agent for the home sale and buyer's agent on their home purchase. Using one agent in this circumstance is legal as it involves two separate transactions: a buyer purchases the seller’s home and the seller becomes the buyer for a different home.

Can one agent represent both the buyer and seller?

Some home buyers might think they can fast track making an offer on a home by working with the seller’s agent instead of hiring their own agent. But having one agent representing both the buyer and the seller presents some issues.
First, buyers and sellers have inherently distinct goals — especially when it comes to negotiating a purchase price. Second, having the listing agent represent you as a buyer is an example of dual agency, which is illegal in some states and at the very least creates a conflict of interest.
Bottom line: You want your own buyer's agent who's firmly on your side.
Video thumbnail
Back to top

What a buyer's agent does

A buyer's agent guides you through the homebuying process — from house hunting to closing. Among other things, a good buyer’s agent will:
  • Find homes for sale. A buyer's agent will help you understand the type of home you can afford in the current market, find listed homes that match your needs and price range, and then help you narrow the options. Additionally, a buyer's agent will dig up details on any listings that you find. With access to the Multiple Listing Service, agents can see more information than you.
  • Know the area inside and out. If you're not a local, a buyer's agent can provide the inside scoop on schools, neighborhoods and more. Even if you're from the area, they may know details about zoning or taxes that you don’t.
  • Set up tours. Scrolling through listing photos just isn't the same as viewing a property in person. Your agent will work with a home's listing agent or owners (if the property is for sale by owner) to schedule showings. They'll also fill you in on anything they learned about the sellers or the property from that communication.
  • Help you make offers. After you've found a home you want to buy, your agent will advise you on how much to offer and what contingencies to include in the contract, based on the property and an analysis of the market. A good agent will explain the contract terms, answer your questions and walk you through each step of the process.
  • Negotiate with the seller. The agent will inform you of the seller's response to your offer and advise you on the next steps, such as whether to accept a seller's counteroffer or negotiate on price and terms.
  • Refer you to other professionals. A buyer’s agent can refer you to other professionals, such as real estate attorneys and movers. The only pro you'll definitely want to find on your own is the home inspector, who you’ll want to be sure is completely impartial. If you’re considering your agent’s inspector recommendation, be sure to conduct your own research to ensure you’re hiring an inspection company that’s well-reviewed and charges a reasonable fee.
In addition to being a major financial transaction, buying a home often gets emotional. If you're feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, you can lean on your agent. If there's an issue with the sellers, or when negotiations become frustrating, your agent can help you keep calm and get the best possible outcome.
» MORE: Is it a good time to buy a house?
Back to top

Mortgage loans from our partners

NBKC

on NBKC

NBKC

4.5

NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

New American Funding

on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.0

NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

GO Mortgage

on GO Mortgage

GO Mortgage

4.0

NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

COMPARE MORE LENDERS

Who pays the buyer’s agent fee?

Sometime before you make an offer on a house, you’ll negotiate a contract with the agent who will represent you. This contract might be called a buyer agency agreement, a buyer-broker agreement, a buyer representation agreement or a similar term. It specifies how much your agent will be paid. Agents' pay is subject to negotiation, and is not set by law.
Did you know...
As of August 2024, buyers who work with licensed real estate agents must enter into a contract in most cases.
Still, when you make an offer on the home, you and the seller may negotiate over who will pay your agent's commission. You and the seller have several options for paying the buyer's agent:
  • You may pay out of pocket.
  • The seller may pay out of the proceeds of the sale.
  • The listing agent may pay the buyer's agent. 
  • You and the seller may split the bill. 
It's all up for negotiation.
The contract with your buyer's agent may outline the scope of their duties as well as stipulate how long you'll work exclusively with them.
» MORE: Real estate agent basics
Back to top

How to find a buyer's agent

First things first: Shop for a lender and get preapproved for a mortgage before you select a real estate agent. A mortgage preapproval is a letter from a lender showing the loan amount and terms you qualify for. Getting preapproved shows real estate agents and sellers that you're a serious buyer.
Once you have a preapproval letter, it's time to look for an agent. Here's how to find one.

Get referrals

Ask for agent referrals from people you trust. If you're moving to a new city, request referrals from any contacts you have there. Future colleagues may point you in the right direction if you're relocating for a new job. Be sure to ask how they know the agent. You want a positive referral based on a recent home sale, not a friend of a friend who's in the real estate business.
» MORE: How to buy a house sight unseen

Search online

You can also look at real estate agents' online profiles and reviews. If you're looking for an agent who has a particular type of experience or who operates in a specific area, this criterion can help you narrow your search from just "buyer's agents near me."
Professional organizations can also help you find local agents:
  • National Association of Realtors: The largest trade association in the U.S.; agents that are members get to call themselves Realtors. 
  • National Association of Real Estate Brokers: This association places an emphasis on Black and minority representation, as well as housing equality and social justice. NAREB members are designated as Realtists.

Check experience and training

Whether or not they're affiliated with a national organization, all real estate agents must be licensed by the state where they operate. Make sure your potential buyer's agent holds an active license; in addition to passing an initial exam, agents must undergo continuing education to maintain licensure. You can verify licensing by searching any agent's name on your state government's website.
Looking up licensing information also allows you to see how long a buyer's agent has held a real estate license. Especially if you're a first-time home buyer, you probably want someone with some experience under their belt.

Interview buyer's agents and check references

Once you've found a few agents who seem like a good fit, set up interviews. If an agent doesn't want to make time, or you don't get a great vibe from them in your one-on-one meeting, keep moving. Buying a home is a major transaction and can be a lengthy process, so you want an agent who you'll be comfortable working with for the long haul.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Some agents may give you the option of setting up a "touring agreement" that expires after a day or a week, or that covers one or two houses. You can use a touring agreement as a tryout to find out if you and the agent are a good fit, and to give the agent an opportunity to describe the services they offer. Touring agreements typically include a provision outlining whether or not a home shopper must pay a small fee.
Here are some concerns to consider as you interview agents:
  • Availability and schedule: Are they a full-time agent, or is real estate a side hustle? Either one can get the job done, but consider how they manage their time and priorities. If you need to drop everything and see a house right away or if something comes up just before closing, your agent should be there to sort it out.
  • Communication and working style: Do they prefer phone or text? Will you work directly with the agent or with the agent's assistants? How often can you expect to hear from them? These details reveal a lot about working styles.
  • House hunting: How will the agent find listed homes in your price range? What strategies do they use to guide buyers through a competitive market? What neighborhoods or towns do they work in the most? Ask how the agent helped other buyers like you find homes.
  • Making offers and negotiating: How will the agent help you make competitive offers and negotiate with sellers? What challenges could you face in your local market? A good agent will set realistic expectations.
  • Thoughts and feelings: An agent may have all the qualifications on paper to be successful but might not be the right fit. Does the agent's interpersonal style mesh with yours? Is this someone you could trust to look out for your interests? Good rapport can matter as much as the agent's experience and competence.
Don't be shy about asking for references. Request the names of a few clients who recently bought a home with them, and contact those customers to ask about their experiences. Something could come up that will prompt you to keep looking — or confirm that you've found the right buyer's agent for you.
» MORE: See how much house you can afford
NerdWallet writer Robin Rothstein contributed to this story.

Mortgage loans from our partners

NBKC

on NBKC

NBKC

4.5

NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

New American Funding

on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.0

NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

GO Mortgage

on GO Mortgage

GO Mortgage

4.0

NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

COMPARE MORE LENDERS
Back to top
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a buyer’s agent?
It is possible to buy a house without an agent. However, a buyer’s agent provides many benefits and typically doesn’t cost the home buyer anything. A buyer’s agent provides experience, support and negotiating power to help people navigate the homebuying process. Working with an agent can save you time and money, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer.
What is the difference between a buyer’s agent and a real estate agent?
A buyer’s agent is a type of real estate agent who represents the purchaser's interests in a real estate transaction. On the other side of the transaction, the listing agent represents the interests of the property's seller.
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
    Back to top
    More like this
    How to Move in 2026Mortgages
    Related articles
    Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
    Kate Wood's profile picture
    By Kate Wood
    Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Home Buyers in 2020
    Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Home Buyers in 2026
    Kate Wood's profile picture
    By Kate Wood
    12 First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
    Holden Lewis's profile picture
    2
    By Holden Lewis, Abby Badach Doyle