Quick answer: Interview at least 2-3 agents before deciding. Ask about their experience with buyers (not just sellers), their knowledge of your target neighborhoods, and their process for finding homes, writing offers, and negotiating. Look for someone who gives honest advice—not just tells you what you want to hear. Check reviews and ask for references. The right agent will make a meaningful difference in what you pay, what you avoid, and how smoothly the process goes.
With the 2024 NAR settlement changing how buyer representation works, choosing the right buyer’s agent matters more than ever. Buyers are now required to sign written agreements with their agents before touring homes—and that means you need to choose wisely upfront.
Here’s how to find an agent who will actually represent your interests.
Why does choosing a buyer’s agent matter?
The right buyer’s agent makes a significant difference in your outcome. They can:
- Help you avoid overpaying by providing real market data
- Spot red flags you’d miss during showings
- Write stronger offers that actually win
- Negotiate inspection issues and seller credits
- Keep the deal on track through closing
- Prevent you from getting into a bad buying situation
The wrong agent? They show you homes, write whatever offer you tell them to write, and hope it works out. That’s not representation—that’s door-opening with paperwork.
A good buyer’s agent earns their role by bringing expertise, judgment, and advocacy to every step of the process.
What questions should I ask when interviewing buyer’s agents?
Treat this like hiring any professional. Interview at least 2-3 agents before deciding.
Questions about experience:
- How long have you been licensed?
- How many buyers have you worked with in the past year?
- What percentage of your business is buyer representation vs. listings?
- Do you have experience in the specific neighborhoods I’m targeting?
Questions about process:
- How do you help buyers find homes? (Beyond just sending portal alerts)
- What’s your approach to touring homes? How many should I expect to see?
- How do you help me decide what to offer?
- What happens if we lose a competitive offer situation?
- How do you handle inspection negotiations?
Questions about communication:
- How quickly do you typically respond to calls/texts?
- Will I be working with you directly, or with a team member?
- How often will you update me during the process?
Questions about honesty:
- Have you ever told a buyer NOT to make an offer? Why?
- What would you do if I wanted to offer way over asking on a home you thought was overpriced?
The last question is important. You want an agent who gives honest advice—even when it’s not what you want to hear.
What should I look for in a buyer’s agent?
1. Local market knowledge
They should know the neighborhoods you’re targeting—not just where they are, but what’s happening there. Average prices, days on market, what’s selling fast, what’s sitting. Ask them to tell you about a recent transaction in your target area.
2. Buyer-side experience
Some agents primarily list homes. Some focus on buyers. Many do both. What matters is that they have real experience representing buyers—especially in your price range. Ask for references from recent buyer clients.
3. Strong communication
In competitive markets, slow response time costs you deals. Ask how they handle hot new listings. Ask what their typical response time is. If they take 24 hours to return a call during your interview process, imagine what happens when you’re under contract.
4. Honest advice
A good buyer’s agent will tell you when a home is overpriced, when you’re being too aggressive, or when something feels off about a deal. If they just agree with everything you say, they’re not adding value—they’re being a yes-person.
5. Process and systems
Ask how they manage the transaction from offer to closing. Who tracks deadlines? Who coordinates with the lender, inspector, and title company? Do they have a system, or do they wing it?
How do I know if an agent is honest?
This is the hardest thing to evaluate in an interview. A few signals:
Good signs:
- They ask you questions instead of just pitching themselves
- They give direct answers, not vague deflections
- They tell you things you might not want to hear (about market conditions, your budget, etc.)
- They have specific examples of times they advised a client NOT to do something
- Their reviews mention honesty and trustworthiness
Red flags:
- They agree with everything you say
- They promise outcomes they can’t control (“I’ll get you this house”)
- They pressure you to sign an agreement before you’re ready
- They badmouth other agents excessively
- They seem more interested in closing a deal than finding the right home
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
What is a buyer’s agreement and do I need to sign one?
Yes—since the 2024 NAR settlement, buyers must sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes together.
The agreement typically covers:
- What services the agent will provide
- How long the agreement lasts
- How the agent will be compensated
- Geographic area and price range covered
- What happens if you want to end the relationship
This isn’t a trap—it’s actually clarity that protects both sides. Before signing, make sure you understand the terms and feel comfortable with them. A good agent will explain everything and answer your questions without pressure.
For more on this: Why Every Buyer Needs a Buyer Agreement.
Should I just use the listing agent instead?
No. This rarely works in your favor.
The listing agent works for the seller. Their job is to get the highest price and best terms for their client—not for you. When you go directly to them without your own representation, you become an unrepresented buyer in a transaction where the other side has a professional advocate.
Some buyers think they’ll get a better deal by cutting out “their” agent. But:
- The listing agent still gets paid—they just keep more of the commission
- No one is advising you on price, terms, or red flags
- No one is negotiating on your behalf during inspections
- The agent’s loyalty is to the seller, not to you
You wouldn’t go to court without a lawyer while the other side has one. Don’t buy a home that way either.
What’s the difference between a buyer’s agent and a dual agent?
Buyer’s agent: Represents only you. Their job is to advocate for your best interests—lowest price, best terms, full disclosure of issues.
Dual agent: Represents both you AND the seller in the same transaction. They can’t advocate for either side and must remain “neutral.”
We don’t practice dual agency because we believe buyers deserve full representation. When our listings attract unrepresented buyers, we refer them to qualified buyer’s agents so everyone has an advocate.
For more on this: What Is Dual Agency and Why Is It Risky?
How much does a buyer’s agent cost?
In most transactions, the buyer’s agent is paid from the proceeds of the sale—not directly from your pocket. The seller typically offers compensation to buyer’s agents as part of the listing.
However, the 2024 NAR settlement has changed how compensation is communicated. Offers of compensation are no longer published on the MLS. Your agent will need to research and negotiate compensation as part of your offer.
The key point: having a buyer’s agent doesn’t typically cost you out-of-pocket money. Not having one means no one is looking out for your interests.
How can The Cyr Team help me as a buyer?
We work with buyers at all levels—from first-time purchasers to experienced homeowners making their next move.
What we bring:
- Deep knowledge of Chester County, Delaware County, and the Philadelphia suburbs
- Data-driven guidance on pricing and offers
- Honest advice—even when it’s not what you want to hear
- Strong negotiation on inspections and terms
- Clear communication and responsive service
- A no-dual-agency commitment—we represent your interests, period
“We interviewed three agents and The Cyr Team stood out immediately. They asked us more questions than we asked them—and their honesty about what we could realistically afford saved us from a big mistake.”
— Recent Buyer, Garnet Valley
Ready to find your buyer’s agent?
The right agent makes the difference between a stressful process and a successful one. Take time to interview, ask hard questions, and choose someone who will actually represent your interests.
Contact The Cyr Team today for a no-pressure buyer consultation. We’ll answer your questions, explain our process, and help you decide if we’re the right fit.
Related reading:
- What Should I Know Before Buying My First Home?
- Should I Contact the Listing Agent Directly?
- What Is Dual Agency and Why Is It Risky?
- How to Structure an Offer