What You Should Know Before Hiring a Buyer's Agent

Tips

May 5

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make—and who you choose to guide you through it matters. A buyer's agent can be your advocate, strategist, and sounding board. But the process of choosing the right one, especially under new rules, isn't always straightforward. So let’s break it down together.

You Have the Right to Choose the Right Agent

In today’s real estate market, having a buyer’s agent isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. But with new rules requiring signed Buyer Agency Agreements (BAAs) before agents can show homes, it’s more important than ever to know what you’re agreeing to—and how to protect your interests as a buyer.

First, let’s talk about that BAA. Yes, it’s required—but you have the right to review and negotiate it. That’s why we offer a one-day trial agreement, giving you the chance to see if we’re the right fit. No pressure, no obligation. If it doesn’t feel like a match, we part ways, no strings attached. We also don’t charge cancellation fees—because if we’re not performing at a high level for you, we believe you should have the freedom to choose a new path.

What’s in Your Buyer Agency Contract?

Before you sign a Buyer Agency Agreement, it’s essential to know exactly what you're agreeing to. These contracts outline the length of the relationship, the services your agent will provide, and how compensation works.

Since the NAR settlement, buyer agent compensation is no longer automatically offered through the MLS—it’s now a negotiable part of your purchase offer. Typically, the buyer’s agent is paid a fee that’s a percentage of the final sale price, and that amount is often requested as a seller-paid concession in the offer. This means the seller pays your agent’s fee only if it’s agreed to as part of the deal. In some cases—like new construction or For Sale By Owner—there may be no commission offered at all unless you negotiate it.

It’s also important to ask about cancellation terms. Some agents charge a fee if you end the agreement early. We don’t—because if we’re not providing value, we believe you should be able to move on freely.

Make sure your agreement clearly spells out the contract length, what services are included, and any obligations you have as the client. A good agent won’t pressure you—they’ll walk you through the agreement and answer all your questions so you feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Watch Out for High-Pressure Tactics

If you've ever clicked on the "Request a Tour" button on Zillow, you might assume you're contacting the listing agent. But that request usually routes you to a Zillow Premier Agent—someone who pays for leads and may not know much about the home or neighborhood. These agents typically split their commission with Zillow, their brokerage, and sometimes even a showing agent, meaning they often need to juggle more clients to make a living. That can lead to rushed service, less availability, and less attention to your needs.

Our model is different. We work with fewer clients at a time so we can offer concierge-level service, from in-depth market analysis to thoughtful negotiation strategies and emotional support throughout the process. This isn’t about sales pressure—it’s about relationship-building.

Know Your Rights as a Buyer

You can negotiate your BAA.

You can say no to cancellation fees. Some agents charge hundreds of dollars if you terminate the agreement early. We don’t. If we’re not meeting your expectations, you deserve the freedom to find someone who will.

You can take your time. Don’t let your excitement to tour a home rush you into signing something you haven’t reviewed. Ask for a copy of the BAA ahead of time and read it carefully—ideally with a computer or a printed copy, not on your phone while standing on a front porch.

The Bottom Line

Hiring a buyer’s agent shouldn’t feel like a sales pitch. It should feel like building a team. If you're just getting started, we’d love to talk and help you understand your options. Whether or not you end up working with us, we want you to feel empowered and informed every step of the way.