Which do you think is better- using a buyer's agent or the listing agent?

I just don't get the concept of a buyer's agent.

No offense to realtors, but wouldn't even a buyer's agent want the house to sell for as much as possible to get the most comission, esp in these tough times?

What do you think about dealing with a buyer's agent such as seeing MLS listings through just one realtor, vs directly contacting a listing agent?

Re: Which do you think is better- using a buyer's agent or the listing agent?

I found it easier to just go to open houeses and call listing agents directly.. I hated dealing with real estate agents

Re: Which do you think is better- using a buyer's agent or the listing agent?

the purpose of a buyers agent - is to get the best price and represent the buyer

the sellers agent is loyal to the seller only

Re: Which do you think is better- using a buyer's agent or the listing agent?

Re: Which do you think is better- using a buyer's agent or the listing agent?

my SIL was a realtor, and i called her to ask her questions and talk to her about a few open houses we went to. i told her all these things i was wondering about the houses, grieving taxes, all kinds of things...and she told me that if i had a buyer's agent, i would ask them all those questions and they would usually get back to me w all the answers by the end of the day, not just general q's, even particulars about specific houses.

the buyer's agent is looking out for you, and will work w you to get any info they can for you as quickly a possible. they'll take you around and show you houses on YOUR time, instead of having to rely on open houses. you are their priority, instead of the homeowner being the priority if you rely on the listing agent. from what SIL told me, it sounds like once we get our own agent it will make this process much easier.

hth...