What does a buyer’s agent do?

From house hunting to closing, buying a home is rarely a simple process, especially in today’s evolving real estate market. One important change home buyers should know: hiring a buyer’s agent may now require a direct financial investment. That’s because in many cases, sellers are no longer covering the buyer’s agent commission as part of the deal.

So what exactly does a buyer’s agent do, and is their support worth the cost? Whether you're a first-time buyer or ready to find your forever home, understanding the role of a buyer’s agent can help you decide if it’s the right move for your situation.

Let’s take a closer look at how buyer’s agents support homebuyers and how to decide if you should work with one.

What is a buyer’s agent?

A buyer’s agent is a licensed real estate professional who represents you, the buyer, throughout the home buying process. Their job is to advocate for your best interests, from helping you find the right property to negotiating the offer and guiding you through closing. A real estate agent or REALTOR^® can serve as either a buyer’s agent or a listing agent, depending on who they represent in a given transaction.

While buyer’s agents are legally obligated to prioritize their clients’ interests, it’s important to know that some agents may represent both the buyer and the seller in the same deal. This is called dual agency, and while it’s legal in many states, it can create potential conflicts. For example, it may limit the agent’s ability to fully advocate for you during negotiations since they also owe duties to the seller.

That’s why it’s critical to clarify your agent’s role upfront and understand who they represent in any transaction. A true buyer’s agent will work exclusively for you, helping you search for homes, evaluate your options, submit competitive offers, and negotiate favorable terms.

Exclusive vs. dual representation

When working with a real estate agent, it’s important to understand the difference between exclusive representation and dual representation, because who your agent represents can significantly impact your experience.

With exclusive representation, your real estate agent works solely on your behalf. Their role is to advocate for your best interests at every stage of the home buying process, from negotiating price and terms to pointing out potential red flags in a property. Because their loyalty lies with you alone, you can feel confident that their advice and actions are aligned with your goals.

Alternatively, dual representation (also known as dual agency) occurs when one agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. While this setup is legal in some states, it can create a conflict of interest. That’s because an agent in a dual role must remain neutral and cannot fully advocate for one side over the other. This limits their ability to offer strategic advice or negotiate aggressively. In fact, due to these concerns, dual agency is prohibited in several states.

For many buyers, exclusive representation offers a greater sense of trust, transparency, and personalized service, especially in a complex or competitive market. If you’re considering working with an agent, it’s worth asking upfront whether they practice exclusive representation, and what that means for your home buying experience.

How is a buyer’s agent different from a listing agent?

While both buyer’s agents and listing agents are licensed real estate professionals, their roles and who they represent are very different.

A buyer’s agent works directly with the homebuyer. Their job is to guide the buyer through the home search, provide expert insights, negotiate on their behalf, and help them navigate the transaction from offer to closing. Their loyalty lies solely with the buyer, and they are responsible for protecting the buyer’s interests throughout the process.

On the other hand, a listing agent represents the home seller. Their name is typically the one listed on real estate websites like Realtor.com or in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). A listing agent’s goal is to market the property, attract potential buyers, and secure the highest possible price for their client, the seller. That includes advising the seller on pricing, staging, and negotiating offers to get the best terms possible.

Listing agents also play a key role in scheduling showings. If a potential buyer doesn’t have an agent, the listing agent may arrange a showing directly. However, when a buyer has their own agent, the buyer’s agent will coordinate with the listing agent or their team to schedule showings, ask questions about the property, and submit offers on behalf of their client.

It’s important to remember that while listing agents must be fair and professional with all parties, they ultimately work for the seller, not the buyer. If you're house hunting, having a dedicated buyer’s agent ensures someone is focused solely on your needs and financial goals.

How can a buyer’s agent help in the home buying process?

A buyer’s agent does much more than unlock doors and show homes. They’re your personal guide, advisor, and advocate throughout the entire home buying journey. From understanding your budget to negotiating a winning offer, they handle many of the details that can make the process smoother, less stressful, and more successful. Because the home buying process involves many moving parts, having a knowledgeable professional on your side can make all the difference.

Here are just a few of the key tasks your buyer’s agent should handle to help you move from house hunting to homeownership.

Find properties to view

One of the most important ways a buyer’s agent supports you is by helping you discover the right homes to consider. They’ll start by asking detailed questions to understand your priorities like budget, ideal location, must-have features, and timeline. From there, they’ll create a list of homes that align with your goals, saving you time and helping you avoid options that don’t truly fit.

Buyer’s agents also have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a powerful database of the most current home listings, price updates, and status changes available only to licensed real estate professionals. This means your agent can show you real-time listings, including properties that may not yet appear on public home search websites.

With their market knowledge and access to exclusive tools, your buyer’s agent can ensure you don’t miss out on the perfect property, and help you move quickly when the right opportunity comes along.

Schedule viewings

Once you’ve identified homes you’re interested in, your buyer’s agent steps in to handle the scheduling logistics. They’ll contact each listing agent directly to arrange private showings at times that work for you, coordinating multiple viewings if needed to make the most of your time.

In addition to scheduling private appointments, your agent will keep you informed about upcoming open houses hosted by listing agents, especially those that match your preferences. Attending open houses can be a convenient way to explore homes casually and compare features in person.

Whether it’s setting up showings, confirming appointment times, or providing guidance during walkthroughs, your buyer’s agent helps streamline the process so you can focus on finding the right home, not managing the details.

Submit offers

Once you’ve found the home you want, your buyer’s agent becomes an essential partner in crafting and submitting your offer. They’ll prepare all the necessary documents, walk you through the terms, and make sure your offer is competitive while still protecting your interests.

Buyer’s agents are well-versed in real estate contracts and local market standards, which means they know how to structure offers that sellers take seriously. More importantly, they help include contingencies, which are key contract clauses that allow you to back out of the deal if certain conditions aren’t met. These may include:

• Financing contingencies, which protect you if you’re unable to secure a mortgage loan.
• Home sale contingencies, which give you time to sell your current home before committing to the new one.
• Inspection contingencies, which allow you to renegotiate or walk away if significant issues are uncovered during the home inspection.

These protections offer peace of mind and flexibility, especially in a high-stakes transaction like buying a home. Without an experienced agent, it’s easy to miss these precautions or misinterpret legal language that could impact your purchase.

In short, your buyer’s agent helps ensure your offer is both strategic and secure, giving you the best chance at a successful outcome.

Negotiate with the listing agent

In many cases, submitting an offer is just the beginning of the negotiation process. It’s common for sellers to respond with a counteroffer, whether it’s a higher price, adjusted closing timeline, or revised terms. That’s where your buyer’s agent plays a critical role.

Your agent will negotiate directly with the listing agent on your behalf, advocating for the best possible deal. This may involve going back and forth on price, negotiating seller concessions, or requesting updates or repairs, especially if a home inspection reveals issues that could affect the value or livability of the home.

Beyond handling the back-and-forth, your buyer’s agent acts as your strategic advisor. They’ll help you interpret the seller’s responses, weigh your options, and decide when to stand firm or compromise. Their goal is to help you secure the home you want under the most favorable terms possible, without overpaying or accepting unnecessary risks.

Manage your paperwork

Buying a home comes with a mountain of paperwork, and missing even one key document can cause delays, or worse, jeopardize the deal entirely. That’s why having a buyer’s agent to manage the process is so valuable.

Your buyer’s agent will track and organize every document involved in your transaction, ensuring deadlines are met and nothing falls through the cracks. While most people think of the offer and sales contract, the full scope of paperwork includes:

• Mortgage applications
• Preapproval letters
• Offer letters and counteroffers
• Disclosure statements
• Purchase and sale agreements
• Home inspection reports
• Title and deed paperwork

They’ll also review documents with you, explain unfamiliar terms, and coordinate with other professionals like your lender, title company, and attorney, so everything stays on track. With their support, you can focus on making smart decisions, rather than sorting through legal forms and filing deadlines.

Make recommendations for other real estate professionals

Buying a home involves more than just your real estate agent. You’ll also need help from other professionals like home inspectors, real estate attorneys, title companies, and movers. An experienced buyer’s agent can be a great resource for connecting you with trusted contacts in their network.

Because buyer’s agents regularly work with a range of industry professionals, they often have go-to recommendations for reliable service providers. Whether you need a home inspector to evaluate the property, a lender to finalize your mortgage, or a local mover to help on moving day, your agent can help streamline the process by pointing you in the right direction.

That said, it’s important to approach referrals with a bit of due diligence. While many agents have your best interests at heart, there’s always the possibility of bias or conflicting priorities. For example, a home inspector who frequently works with your agent may be less inclined to flag issues that could complicate the sale. That’s why it’s smart to do your own research, read reviews, and even compare a few options before hiring any professional involved in your home purchase.

How does a buyer’s agent get paid?

For years, it was standard practice for the seller to pay the commissions for both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent, with those fees typically coming out of the proceeds of the home sale. This arrangement allowed buyers to benefit from professional representation without paying their agent directly.

However, recent legal changes prompted by a major lawsuit against the National Association of REALTORS^Ⓡ (NAR) have transformed that structure. Under new rules designed to increase transparency and reduce potential conflicts of interest, sellers are now only responsible for paying their listing agent’s commission. That means buyers must negotiate and cover their own agent’s fee unless the seller voluntarily agrees to contribute.

As a result, when working with a buyer’s agent today, you’ll need to discuss payment terms upfront, including how much you’ll owe and when. Some agents may charge a flat fee, while others might request a percentage of the home’s purchase price, similar to traditional commission models. In some cases, your agent may try to negotiate with the seller to cover part of the commission, but this is no longer guaranteed.

While this shift does add a potential cost for buyers, it also empowers you to shop around and find an agent whose services and terms align with your needs, knowing their loyalty is truly to you, since you’re the one paying for their expertise.

Pros and cons of working with a buyer’s agent

Deciding whether to work with a buyer’s agent is an important step in the home buying process, especially now that buyers are often responsible for paying their agent directly. While buyer’s agents can be an incredible asset, it’s worth understanding both the benefits and the potential drawbacks so you can make an informed choice.

Pros

• They represent your best interests.
  A buyer’s agent is legally and ethically committed to advocating for you. From submitting offers to navigating negotiations, they work to protect your financial and personal interests every step of the way.
• They’re experts in real estate transactions.
  Real estate contracts and negotiation tactics can be complex, especially for first-time buyers. An experienced agent can simplify the process, answer your questions, and help you secure the most favorable terms possible.
• They can spot potential issues early.
  Whether it’s a red flag in the seller’s disclosures or a concern in the home inspection report, a buyer’s agent can identify risks you might miss on your own. Their insight helps you avoid costly mistakes and proceed with greater confidence.

Cons

• You may be required to sign a buyer’s agency agreement.
  Many buyer’s agents ask clients to sign a buyer’s agency agreement before beginning their search. This agreement ensures you work exclusively with one agent, which helps protect their time and effort. However, it also means you’re committing to that agent for a set period, so it’s important to feel confident in their experience, communication style, and ability to meet your needs before signing.
• Affordability can be a concern.
  Due to recent changes in real estate rules, buyers are now typically responsible for paying their own agent. This marks a significant shift from the previous model, where sellers paid both agents' commissions. Now, you’ll need to negotiate payment terms directly with your agent, whether that’s a flat fee, hourly rate, or percentage of the purchase price. While many agents offer flexibility, it’s an added cost buyers must plan for.
• Finding the right agent can take time.
  A buyer’s agent plays a major role in one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. If you’re new to the process or unsure what to look for, it can be difficult to find someone you fully trust. Take the time to interview potential agents, ask about their approach, and read reviews before committing.

How to find a buyer’s agent

Now that you understand the role of a buyer’s agent and how they can support your home buying journey, you might be wondering how to find the right one. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to start your search and connect with an agent who fits your needs and goals.

Ask for referrals

One of the best ways to find a trustworthy buyer’s agent is to ask friends, family members, or coworkers who have recently purchased a home. Referrals from people you trust can give you firsthand insight into an agent’s communication style, experience, and ability to guide clients through the process. If someone had a great experience, chances are you might too.

Search online

Online tools and platforms can help you cast a wider net and explore agent options in your area. Sites like Redfin allow you to browse verified agents, read reviews, and compare qualifications. Social media groups and local community forums are also great resources as buyers often share recommendations and feedback about agents in specific neighborhoods.

When you find a potential agent online, don’t hesitate to ask for references. Follow up with past clients if possible, and consider scheduling a short meeting or call to see if their style and expertise align with your expectations.

Questions to ask when searching for a buyer’s agent

Choosing the right buyer’s agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the home buying process. To find someone who fits your needs, take time to interview potential agents and ask thoughtful questions.

Here are key questions to ask:

• How long have you been a real estate agent?
  Experience matters, especially when navigating competitive markets or complicated transactions. An agent with several years in the field is likely to have handled a variety of situations.
• What’s your schedule and availability?
  You’ll want an agent who can accommodate your schedule and respond quickly to new listings, showing requests, or time-sensitive offers.
• How many clients are you currently working with?
  A busy agent can be a good sign, but make sure they still have time to give your home search the attention it deserves.
• Do you have any areas you specialize in?
  Some agents focus on specific property types or buyer needs (first-time buyers, condos, luxury homes). Knowing this can help you find someone who aligns with your goals.
• How well do you know the neighborhood I’m looking to buy in?
  A local expert can offer deeper insights on pricing trends, school districts, amenities, and resale potential.
• What’s your list-to-sales price ratio?
  This reflects how close an agent’s clients typically purchase homes to the original asking price and can be a helpful indicator of their negotiation skills.
• What are your fees?
  With new commission structures, it’s essential to understand how much you’ll owe your agent and how they prefer to be compensated, whether through a flat fee, percentage, or hourly rate.

These questions are a strong starting point. Just as important as the answers is how the agent communicates. Look for someone who is responsive, transparent, and willing to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

FAQ about buyer’s agents

Still have questions about working with a buyer’s agent? You’re not alone. With recent changes to how agents are compensated and the complexity of the home buying process, many buyers are curious about what to expect.

Can I stop working with my buyer’s agent?

Yes, you can switch agents if you feel your current one isn’t meeting your needs. However, it’s critical to first review any buyer’s agency agreement you’ve signed. These agreements often include terms that define how long you’re committed to that agent and whether a termination process is required. Ending the relationship prematurely could potentially result in a fee or conflict.

What is a buyer’s agent fee?

A buyer’s agent fee is the commission paid to a real estate agent who helps a buyer purchase a home. Due to recent legal changes, buyers are now typically responsible for paying their agent directly, unless another arrangement is negotiated. The commission amount and payment terms should be clearly outlined in a written agreement before the agent begins showing homes.

Can you negotiate a buyer’s agent’s commission?

Yes, you can, and should, negotiate your buyer’s agent’s commission upfront. Since sellers are no longer obligated to pay the buyer’s agent’s fee, it’s now up to the buyer to establish payment terms. Agents may charge a percentage of the purchase price, a flat fee, or even an hourly rate. Make sure the fee structure is clearly outlined in your agreement.

Can a seller refuse to pay a buyer’s agent?

Yes. Under the new commission rules, sellers are no longer required to pay a buyer’s agent’s commission. This is a major shift from past practices, where the seller typically paid commissions for both agents. If a buyer wants the seller to contribute toward their agent’s fee, that request must be negotiated and agreed to in the purchase contract.

Are buyer’s agents worth it?

Like anything, working with a buyer’s agent has its pros and cons. For many buyers, especially first-timers or those purchasing in competitive markets, an experienced agent provides valuable support, expert negotiation skills, and peace of mind. While the added cost is now a consideration, many buyers find the benefits outweigh the expense.

The bottom line: A buyer’s agent provides crucial expertise and insight 

A buyer’s agent can be an invaluable partner in your home buying journey. From helping you find the right property to negotiating the best deal and managing the paperwork, they bring deep knowledge, industry experience, and advocacy to the process. Especially for first-time buyers or those navigating a competitive market, having a trusted expert in your corner can make all the difference.

Just remember, it’s more important than ever to do your research before choosing an agent. With recent changes in real estate regulations, buyers are now typically responsible for paying their agent directly. Make sure to understand your agent’s fee structure and sign a written agreement that clearly outlines the terms of your relationship.

If you're ready to take the next step toward homeownership, reach out to a Rocket Mortgage Home Loan Expert today. We’ll help you determine how much house you can afford and guide you through the financing process so you can shop with confidence and clarity.

Rocket Mortgage, LLC, Rocket Homes Real Estate LLC, Rocket Card, LLC, RockLoans Marketplace LLC (doing business as Rocket Loans), and Rocket Money, Inc., are separate operating subsidiaries of Rocket Limited Partnership. Redfin Corporation is an affiliated business of Rocket Limited Partnership. Each company is a separate legal entity operated and managed through its own management and governance structure. Rocket Limited Partnership is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE: RKT).