HOME BUYING
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Do I need a buyer’s agent to buy a home?

With the available technology to search for homes online, it’s normal to wonder whether or not you need actually a buyer’s agent to purchase a home. After all, nearly 100% of homes listed online are already listed by an agent. Why not just go directly to the seller’s agent to buy the home?

The reality is in California the agent who lists the home is under contract with the seller of the home to advocate for the seller’s best interest exclusively. Advocating for the seller’s best interest means getting the highest price for the seller, with terms most favorable to the seller. The seller’s agent is not obligated to act in the best interest of a potential home buyer. In fact, if they were to act in the best interest of a potential home buyer they would actually be in breach of contract with the seller. This means the seller’s agent has a legal and ethical obligation to advocate exclusively for the home seller.

A buyer’s agent on the other hand, is there to advocate for your best interest as a home buyer. Their responsibility is to you (the buyer) exclusively. They are not under an exclusive agency contract with the seller. A great buyer’s agent will educate and guide you through the buying process, helping you avoid potential pitfalls that could end up costing you tons of money. They will negotiate on your behalf, providing insight on strategies to help you get the price and terms you are happy with. They will provide helpful resources and educate you on how to clearly understand every aspect of the home buying process. Buying a home is often times the biggest purchase a person will make in their life, and a great buyer’s agent can add an immeasurable amount of value to your home purchase.

Now understanding the difference between a seller’s agent and buyer’s agent, there are a few questions to ask yourself:

Do I want a great buyer’s agent exclusively representing my best interest or not? Am I willing to go without a buyer’s agent in what may be the biggest purchase I make in my life? The seller has an exclusive agent in their corner, do I want one in mine?

Although there is no requirement to have a great buyer’s agent in your corner, it’s up to you decide what’s best for you.