Buyer's agent

The agent who represents the buyer. They find homes, advise on offers, negotiate for the buyer, and manage the deal from their side through closing.

Agents & representation · Updated September 2026

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Part 1 of 4

Why a seller cares

The buyer's agent negotiates against you, writes the offer, and often asks in the offer for their fee to be paid from your proceeds. They are also the person most likely to keep the buyer moving to closing.

Part 2 of 4

A simple example

An offer arrives from a buyer's agent at $295,000 asking for 2.5% toward the buyer's agent compensation.

Buyer's agent: a simple example
What the buyer's agent doesWhere it touches you
Writes and negotiates the offerAcross the table; they represent the buyer
Asks for compensation in the offerA line you can accept, counter or decline
Manages the buyer's side to closingA reason financed deals with a good agent close on time

The buyer's agent is the other side, and a good one is still good news for your closing.

Part 3 of 4

What people get wrong

That the buyer's agent is paid by the buyer as a matter of course. Since 2024 it is negotiated, and offers often ask the seller to pay some or all of it.

Part 4 of 4 · where to read next

Where it appears in the sale

What a definition is, and what it isn't

Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.

Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish

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