Why use a Buyers Brokerage

This page will outline why it is important to understand the real estate buying process and who represents who. There are typically two sides to a real estate transaction as further described below.

Seller	Buyer
Trying to sell their house	Trying to buy a house
Represented by Selling Agent	Should be represented by Buyers Agent
Seller pays 6% in commissions typically	Buying Agent receives 3% of the commissions paid by the Seller typically. No fee to the Buyer!
Selling Agent represents Seller and their best interests	Buying Agent represents Buyer and their best interests
Selling Agent negotiates for the Seller trying to get as much for the property as possible	Buying Agent negotiates for the Buyer trying to get as little for the property as possible
Selling Agent walks the Seller thru the closing process	Buying Agnet walk the Buyer thru the buying process
Selling Agent help to make sure the Seller is not taken advantage of in the selling process	Buying Agent help to make sure the Buyer is not taken advantage of in the buying process

As you can see, there are two parties to the buying process. Each party should be represented by an Agent who has a fiduciary relationship with their client. This means, the Agent will look after the interests of their client ONLY, not the other party. This is similar to a lawsuit and each party having their own attorney who represents their interests. If you were to go into a legal matter without an attoney, the opposing party's attorney will certainly NOT lookout for your best interest. This is the same for a real estate transaction. Here are some questions and answers to help you understand this relationship.

If I am a buyer, should I call the Listing Agent and have them show me the property?

No. The listing agent represents the Seller, not you. They have been hired to get the most out of you for the house. Contact a Buyers Agent and give them the address or the MLS number and they will show you the house.

Won't I pay more if I use a Buyers Agent to purchase the house because of commissions?

No. This is probably the most understood part of the real estate transaction for the Buyer. The commissions have already been negotiated by the Seller and Selling Agent. Typically, the agree on a 6% commission, split 3% to the Selling Agent, 3% to the Buying Agent. If you go into a transaction without a Buying Agent, the Selling Agent keeps the entire 6% for themselves and you do not have any FREE representation. Why would any Buyer do this? They don't understand the process. The commission for your Buyers Agent is already pre-negotiated by the Seller and Selling Agent before you get involved. You are not saving any money by not using an agent.

What if I have already called the Listing Agent and now want to switch to a Buyer's Brokerage