A Buyer's Agent or Broker is a licensed agent who works on behalf of a Buyer in a real estate transaction or real estate based Tenant in common investments. A Buyer's agent:

• finds suitable properties for a Buyer
• researches the property and provides information
• makes offers for the Buyer
• may write a sales contract (unless the Buyer's attorney does so)
• negotiates on behalf of the Buyers
• represents and protects his interests
• may assist with the financing application
• and helps with all aspects of the transaction and due diligence  through Closing.

A Buyer's Agent is normally paid commission when a transaction is closed, by the Seller (in a split with the Listing Agent), though a Buyer's Agent may be paid by the Seller if the property was not listed, or by both Buyer and Seller, and in some cases by the Buyer through a prior agreement or arrangement.

Buyer's Agency evolved because in the past, the Sellers were represented through the Listing Agent, but the Buyers were not represented at all. A Listing agency owes loyalty and a fiduciary responsibility to the Seller. A Buyer's Agent owes fiduciary responsibility and loyalty to the Buyer, representing him and offering knowledge and assistance in the real estate transaction. The benefit is loyalty, trust and a close working relationship between Buyer and Buyer's agent, to conclude in a successful purchase of propert(ies).

Real estate Brokers, like those in many professions, work hard for their clients on transactions but are not paid until the transaction closes. Time and money is expended, and there is no assurance of compensation.   Buyer Brokers look for reciprocal loyalty.  Once you find a Buyers Broker, stick with that broker for your transactions.

Often a Broker or Agent will ask a Buyer to sign an agreement, much like a Listing Agreement between an Agent and Seller. This ensures that the Agent is working solely and in a focused way for the Buyer, and it also ensures that the Buyer is working solely with the Agent.