When someone decides it is time to sell their home, they interview several Realtors from different companies to determine which one is best for them. They want someone who will represent them and someone they feel will do an effective job at marketing their home.

However, when someone decides to buy a home, they usually end up with their Realtor through sheer accident. Why don’t homebuyers search for a Realtor the same way that homesellers do?

Instead, homebuyers usually end up with a Realtor as a result of answering an advertisement. The advertisement will give a brief summary of a home available for sale along with the price, but it says nothing at all about the Realtor. 

So…does it really make a difference?

Listing Agents and Selling Agents

You see, there are two "sides" to every sale.  The listing side and the selling side.  Most deals have an agent representing each side, so there are generally two agents involved   The seller's side is represented by the listing agent.  The buyer's side is represented by the selling agent (sometimes known as the buyer's agent).

Agents can deal with both buyers and sellers, but the majority tend to focus their efforts on one or the other.  Some even exclusively handle either buyers or sellers.

So what should you do?

We simply recommend that you take as much care to hire a real estate agent as you would for any other professional.   Ask questions.  Ask about education, experience, and focus.

After all, buying your next house is probably the biggest purchase you've ever made in your life.  Does it make more sense to find your agent by accident…or by design?  Look for an agent who will represent ONLY your best interest in the transaction!