Are you working with a Buyer’s Agent? You should be…and here’s why
We have worked a number of open houses lately where buyers have told us they aren’t working with a buyer’s agent because they don’t want to have to pay them out of their own pocket. Or, when we ask “are you working with an agent” - they have said no because they can find everything on Zillow on their own and they are going around to open houses instead.
Ok - first of all - most sellers are still paying buyer’s agent commission - so find yourself a great buyer’s agent and stop wasting time going to a zillion open houses on you own. And if your buyer’s agent finds you a great house where the seller isn’t offering commission, negotiate it in to the offer price. Second - there is so much more that goes into your home search than just the house. Zillow can’t tell you about neighborhoods, amenities, fees and so many hidden details about a community like a skilled buyer’s agent can! And finally, the listing agent at that open house probably isn’t your best person to negotiate with - you need your own buyer’s agent to represent YOU.
Stop wasting your precious time and start working with a buyer’s agent. Here is what you need to know.
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What You Need to Know About the New Rules
Recent changes have brought buyer’s agent compensation into the spotlight. Traditionally, the seller's agent and the buyer's agent split the commission on a sale. However, some new rules have impacted the way these commissions are advertised and structured. But here's the important part: the vast majority of sellers are still offering compensation to buyer’s agents. In fact, we have over 10 active listings right now, and all our sellers are offering some kind of buyer’s agent compensation. Most are offering a full 3%, and the rest are offering at least 2%. None of our sellers have gone below that—so, as a buyer, you’re not losing out by working with a professional and you won’t have to come out of our own pocket with the money to compensate your agent. And if a seller is not offering buyer’s agent compensation and you love that house, negotiate it in to your offer!
Why Should You Use a Buyer’s Agent?
The idea of cutting out the middleman may sound tempting, but let’s talk about why having a buyer’s agent on your side can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Expert Guidance in a Competitive Market
The real estate market can be fast-moving and complicated. A buyer’s agent is an expert in navigating these waters. From finding properties that fit your exact criteria to negotiating with sellers, an experienced agent knows how to position you for success. They’ll also have access to listings that you might not find on your own, including off-market deals that could be a perfect fit.The Negotiation Advantage
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a buyer's agent is their negotiation experience. Negotiating isn’t just about price—it’s about understanding the fine print, the timing of your offer, and ensuring you get the best terms possible. The seller’s agent represents the listing; your buyer’s agent represents yours. Without someone in your corner, you risk missing out on important details.Legal and Contractual Protection
Real estate transactions are full of legal jargon, contingencies, and paperwork that can be hard to navigate without a professional’s help. A buyer’s agent will make sure that you understand every document you sign and that your rights are protected throughout the process.Save Time and Avoid Stress
Your buyer’s agent will do the heavy lifting—scheduling showings, researching properties, and helping you stay on top of all the steps in the process. Without an agent, you might end up wasting time on homes that aren't the right fit or miss out on properties that could have been a perfect match.
Don’t Believe Everything You Hear—Going Solo Isn’t Always the Best Choice
There’s been a lot of noise in the media about saving money or having an upper hand with a seller by not using a buyer’s agent. But here’s the truth: that tactic is rarely the best choice for most buyers. In fact, the majority of listings are still offering generous compensation to buyer’s agents, which means you don’t lose out on anything by having a professional on your side. You’re not paying any extra for their services—you’re getting access to their expertise, knowledge, and negotiation power at no additional cost to you.
What If You’ve Had Bad Luck With an Agent?
If you’ve tried working with an agent before and had a poor experience, it’s time to stop the insanity. Don’t settle for subpar service just because you’ve had a bad experience in the past. Take control of your home-buying journey and start fresh. Interview at least three agents to find one who truly fits your needs and makes you feel comfortable.
When interviewing agents, ask yourself:
Do they understand your priorities?
Are they responsive and available when you need them?
Do they have experience in the areas you’re looking to buy?
Do they communicate clearly and keep you in the loop?
Remember: you are hiring them to work for you. If, after some time, you feel that your agent isn’t meeting your expectations, you have the right to fire them. Real estate agents are service professionals, just like anyone else, and we are hired and fired based on our ability to serve you effectively.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, having a buyer’s agent on your side is a huge advantage in today’s real estate market. Our team has over 10 listings right now, and we can assure you that all our sellers are offering some form of buyer’s agent compensation—some offering as much as 3%, and no one offering less than 2%. Don’t be swayed by media talk that suggests going solo is the way to go. Instead, work with a professional who will guide you through the process with confidence and clarity.
If your current agent isn’t working out, remember that you can always interview a new one and find someone who’s a better fit for you. Real estate is a big decision—make sure you have the right team on your side.
