What is a buyer’s agent?
While it is common for a seller’s agent to handle a real estate transaction on behalf of the seller and the buyer, this is not always in the buyer’s best interest, since the seller’s agent has a duty to sell the home for the highest price possible. A buyer’s agent works only for the buyer. However, your agent may work at an agency that serves sellers as well. If so, ask that you be told when you are being shown properties listed by that agency. A potential conflict of interest can be avoided by retaining a buyer’s agent through a company that serves only buyers, but it may be difficult to find such a company in certain parts of the country. To find a good local agent, start with referrals from people you know. The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents website (www.naeba.org) allows you to “Find an Agent” by city and state. Once you’ve found an agent you want to work with, request the names of several references and get their feedback. How is a buyer’s agent paid? Most agents a
