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A buyer's agent is not required to buy a home. As the internet exploded, real estate became much more transparent; a huge benefit for buyers and sellers. As AI becomes entrenched, the idea that real estate agents will become obsolete has taken hold. While it’s true that a good 70% of agents are dangerously incompetent and would not be missed, AI will never replace a seasoned, skilled, buyer’s agent. Remember, if a buyer's agent is desired, a signed buyer brokerage agreement must be in place prior to agents showing homes. 

What does a buyer's agent do?

A top-notch buyer's agent does more than just find you a house—they keep you from making costly mistakes. Buying a home is a journey, with each step leading you closer to your dream. A skilled buyer's agent provides a clear roadmap, turning what could be a chaotic process into a streamlined one.

Here’s a glimpse of what a buyer’s agent does—it’s by no means exhaustive, because no two transactions are alike.

Always Available: Your agent should be reachable almost 24/7 via phone, text, or email. Responsiveness and respecting timelines are non-negotiable. This isn’t a side gig; it’s a full-time commitment.

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Defining Success: What’s your ideal home? What must it have? What’s your budget

and timeframe? Your agent will help you define these parameters clearly.

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Financial Guidance: Your agent connects you with trusted mortgage experts, ensuring you explore all financing options and establish a realistic price range.

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MLS Searches: Your agent sets up customized auto-searches, networks with other agents for off-market opportunities, and encourages you to send over any listings that catch your eye.

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Listing Reviews: Your agent does a desktop review of each potential home, considering its functionality, external factors, and local market trends. They’ll dive into all disclosures and documents, communicating with the listing agent as needed.

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Home Tours: Your agent schedules showings, points out the pros and cons of each property, and gathers your feedback to adjust the search as necessary.

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Researching Potential Homes: For homes that catch your interest, your agent will conduct a detailed analysis, present the data, and suggest the best course of action.

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Contract Preparation: Your agent drafts and reviews offer contracts, negotiates on your behalf, and provides advice supported by data. They’ll handle counteroffers and guide the deal to completion.

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Contract Management: Your agent walks you through the next steps, coordinating with the mortgage company, managing inspections, appraisals, and ensuring the transaction stays on track.

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Closing: Your agent works with the closing attorney to ensure contract accuracy, reviews closing documents, conducts a pre-closing walkthrough, and ensures a smooth property transfer.

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New Construction: New builds require a different approach. Never go into a new build without representation—there are too many pitfalls otherwise.

Experienced agents know how to leverage resources and navigate through the sea of misinformation out there. The notion that “you don’t need an agent” might seem tempting, but it’s a risky move—especially for first-time buyers or those who think the listing agent will cover them. You don’t know what you don’t know.