Buyer's agency
Have someone whose only job is your interest.
Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you'll make. Here's why having your own agent - not the seller's - changes everything.
The duties we owe you
Fiduciary, in plain English.
When we represent you, Massachusetts law binds us to a standard of care. It comes down to five promises.
Loyalty
We put your interests ahead of everyone else's, including our own.
Confidentiality
Your budget, motivation, and strategy stay between us.
Full disclosure
We tell you what we know that's relevant to your decision.
Reasonable care
We bring diligence and skill to every step of the transaction.
Accounting
We handle documents and funds properly and transparently.
Seller's agent vs. buyer's agent
Whose side is each agent on?
The listing agent
- Works for the seller
- Aims for the highest price & best terms for the seller
- Your disclosures can become the seller's leverage
- Can facilitate, but not advocate for you
Your buyer's agent
- Works for you
- Negotiates the lowest price & best terms for you
- Keeps your information confidential
- Advises you honestly - including when to walk away
Questions
Buyer's agency FAQ
A buyer's agent is a licensed real estate agent who represents you - the buyer - rather than the seller. They owe you fiduciary duties: loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure, reasonable care, and accounting. Practically, that means they negotiate for your interests and keep your private information private.
The listing agent has a contract with the seller and a duty to get the seller the best price and terms. They can show you the home and pass along an offer, but they can't advocate for you the way an agent who represents you can. At an open house, assume the agent works for the seller.
Compensation can be structured in different ways, and recent industry changes mean it's discussed and agreed in writing up front. We'll always explain exactly how we're compensated before you tour a home, so there are no surprises. You decide with full information.
Massachusetts and current national practice call for a written buyer agency agreement that spells out the relationship and compensation. We'll walk you through it plainly. It protects you as much as us - it defines what we owe you.
Yes. We can represent you on FSBO homes and with builders. In fact, having your own representation on new construction is especially valuable - the on-site agent works for the builder.
Many of our clients buy and sell with us. We coordinate both sides - timing, contingencies, and financing - so the transition is as smooth as possible.