As a buyer, is hiring a seller REALTOR as your REALTOR a good idea?
Short answer: It’s usually not a great idea for a buyer to hire the seller’s REALTOR® as their own agent. And it’s not because the agent is bad or untrustworthy—it’s because the setup itself creates a natural conflict of interest.
Let’s break it down in a friendly, real‑world way.
When you hire an agent as a buyer, you’re hiring someone to protect your money, your negotiating power, and your best interests. But the seller’s agent already has a legal and fiduciary obligation to the seller. Their job is to help the seller get the highest price and the best terms.
If that same agent tries to represent you too, they’re suddenly stuck in the middle. They can’t fully advocate for you without working against the seller—and they can’t fully advocate for the seller without working against you. That’s why dual agency (one agent representing both sides) is restricted or even banned in some states.
Even in places where it’s allowed, buyers often end up with less guidance, less negotiation leverage, and less transparency. You might not get advice on what the home is truly worth, how much you should offer, or what red flags to watch for—because the agent can’t legally give you advice that harms the seller.
Now, does that mean the seller’s agent is doing anything wrong? Not at all. It just means the structure isn’t designed to protect you.
If you’re buying a home, having your own dedicated buyer’s agent is still almost always the smarter move. Just know that in today’s regulatory environment, you’ll be signing a Buyer’s Representation Agreement that spells out exactly how your agent gets paid. Sometimes the seller covers that cost—but only if it’s negotiated into the offer. Other times, the buyer pays their agent directly. Either way, having someone whose sole job is to advocate for your best interests can make a huge difference in how confidently you navigate the process, how effectively you negotiate, and how clearly you understand the true value of the home you’re considering.
Think of it like going into a big financial decision—you want someone who’s focused solely on your side of the table.
If you’re a buyer, having your own agent isn’t just helpful. It’s empowering.