First-time homebuyers often go with any agent they can find, not realizing that a buyer’s agent is the one who truly advocates for their side. But is hiring a dual agent really that bad? Tune in to find out.Learn more at https://buyeragentsearch.com/find-a-buyers-agent/
In real estate, loyalty isn’t always guaranteed, especially when a single agent represents both sides of the same deal. Known as dual agency, this arrangement allows one agent to act for both the buyer and the seller in a transaction.
On paper, it sounds efficient: one agent, one process, less coordination. But dual agency blurs the lines of representation because the same person responsible for securing the highest price for the seller is also tasked with helping the buyer pay as little as possible.
That tension raises a fundamental question: who does the agent truly work for?
Risks Buyers Face When Hiring a Dual Agent No true advocate at the table A dual agent cannot negotiate fully on behalf of either party without breaching fiduciary duty. The buyer loses the advantage of having someone pushing for the best possible deal. Instead, the agent becomes a facilitator who manages paperwork.
Limited disclosure of critical information In a dual agency scenario, the agent cannot reveal key details such as how low a seller might go or what contingencies they would accept. The buyer, therefore, makes offers with partial information, while the seller retains an informational edge.
Higher risk of overpaying or missing red flags Without an agent committed solely to their goals, buyers are more vulnerable to mispricing, hidden property issues, or unfavorable contract terms. Dual agents may avoid flagging problems that could jeopardize the deal’s closing, even if those issues hurt the buyer long-term.
Why Buyers Should Stick With a Buyer’s Agent Full fiduciary responsibility A buyer’s agent is legally bound to act in the buyer’s best interest, not to balance competing priorities. They negotiate, analyze market data, and provide candid advice that a dual agent legally cannot offer.
Deeper due diligence Buyer’s agents conduct the research sellers’ representatives often overlook. They review inspection reports, zoning, property tax histories, and comparable sales to ensure the purchase is sound both financially and structurally.
Strategic negotiation Because they represent only one side, buyer’s agents can press harder on price and terms. They know how to craft offers that appeal to sellers without compromising value, saving their clients thousands in the process.
The safest path for buyers is to work with agents who represent buyers exclusively, and one of the most reliable ways to find them is through online directories dedicated to vetted professionals. These databases allow users to search by location, price range, and property type, connecting them with licensed agents who specialize in buyer representation.
Buyers who want to avoid costly regrets should go the extra mile to find a qualified buyer’s agent. A bit of effort upfront can spare months of frustration and thousands in avoidable mistakes later.
To learn more, click the link in the description.
Skyfor, Inc. dba National Buyers Agents Association
City: Evergreen
Address: 7652 Gartner Rd. Ste. 723
Website: https://buyeragentsearch.com