Buyer Resource Center › Choosing the Right Representation › What Your Buyer's Agent Does for You
A lot of a buyer's agent's work happens behind the scenes, so it's easy to underestimate. From the first search to the day you get the keys, your agent is pricing homes, negotiating, managing deadlines, and solving problems before they reach you. Here's what that looks like, and how to choose the level of help that's right for you.
9 Things Your Buyer's Agent Handles
Find the Right Homes
Set up searches, spot new listings fast, and find homes you might miss on your own.
Price Every Offer
Prepare a CMA on each home so you know what it's really worth.
Write a Strong Offer
Draft the contract with terms that protect you and appeal to the seller.
Negotiate for You
Handle price, terms, repairs, and credits so you don't have to.
Coordinate Inspections
Recommend inspectors, review findings, and plan your response.
Manage the Appraisal
Provide comparable sales and respond if the value comes in low.
Track Every Deadline
Keep contingencies, documents, and dates on schedule.
Connect You With Pros
Lenders, inspectors, contractors, and movers you can trust.
Get You to Closing
Work with escrow and your lender through the final walkthrough and keys.
Choosing Your Level of Service
Full Service Representation
A full service buyer's agent guides you through every step, from search to closing. This is the most common option and the best fit for most buyers, especially first time and VA buyers.
Limited Service Options
Some agents offer limited services, like writing an offer on a home you found yourself, for a reduced fee. You'll handle more of the work, so be clear about exactly what is and isn't included.
Going Without an Agent
You can buy without representation, but you'll be on your own for pricing, negotiation, contracts, and deadlines. The listing agent represents the seller, not you.
How Your Agent Is Paid
Compensation is negotiable and set out in a written buyer agreement before you tour homes. In many cases, the seller agrees to cover some or all of it, but you'll know your options before you start.
The bottom line: A good buyer's agent does far more than open doors. They protect your money, your time, and your interests at every step. Choose the level of service that fits you, and make sure everything is spelled out in your buyer agreement. I'd be glad to show you exactly how I work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a buyer's agent do?
A buyer's agent helps you find homes, prices offers with a CMA, writes and negotiates contracts, coordinates inspections and appraisals, tracks deadlines, and guides you to closing.
Is a buyer's agent worth it?
For most buyers, yes. An agent's pricing, negotiation, and contract knowledge often save more than they cost, and they help you avoid costly mistakes.
Who pays the buyer's agent?
It's negotiable and spelled out in your buyer agreement. In many transactions the seller agrees to pay some or all of it, but you'll review your options before touring.
Can I hire an agent just to write an offer?
Some agents offer limited services like this. Make sure you understand what's included, especially inspection, appraisal, and negotiation support.
Do I need a buyer's agent for new construction?
It's a good idea. The builder's sales rep works for the builder. Your own agent can help you negotiate upgrades, review contracts, and coordinate inspections.
Does a buyer's agent help with VA loans?
A good one does. An agent experienced with VA loans helps make your offer competitive, navigates the appraisal, and negotiates closing costs within VA rules.
Keep Reading
5 Reasons to Sign with a Buyer's Agent
How a written buyer agreement protects you.
Read more ›Questions to Ask When Selecting a Buyer's Rep
Interview questions to find the right agent for you.
Read more ›Why Veterans Hire an ABR® Buyer's Agent
How an Accredited Buyer's Representative helps you win with a VA offer and protects your interests.
Read more ›
Meet Your Veteran Realtor
Troy Doty, Principal Broker
Troy Doty is a Principal Broker with Northwest Realty Source in Portland, with 25 years in real estate and over 1,000 homes sold across the Portland metro and SW Washington. As a Marine Corps veteran, Troy has a true passion for helping Portland veterans and active duty military families buy and sell homes, whether you're PCSing in, transitioning out, buying your first home, investing in a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, or right sizing later in life.
Schedule a Call or Video Meeting ➜ More About Troy ➜ Free Veteran Buyer E-BookPrefer to call or email? 503.997.4169 · troy@nwrealtysource.com
Troy Doty, Principal Broker, Northwest Realty Source. Licensed in Oregon and Washington. ABR®, MRP, and SRES® are credentials of the National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliates. CIAS™ is a designation of U.S. Realty Training. Content adapted in part from ABR® consumer resources. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice.
