But real estate brokers warn that buyers first should understand the contractual obligation they're creating. For instance, if a client hires a buyer's agent, then finds a home to buy on his own, he still owes the agent a commission. Exclusive buyer's agents or brokers do not list homes for sale and only take buyers as clients. Other agents, typically those who work for large companies, work as buyer's agents in some sales and seller's agents in others. Services typically include helping a buyer find the home that best suits his needs for the lowest price, offering advice on bidding for the home, negotiating the contract and assisting through settlement.
Contracts are negotiable, so terms can be flexible.
For instance, a buyer might hire an agent to represent him only on homes shown on a given day. Others charge no upfront fees. Most buyer's agents, like seller's agents, work on commission. But the seller, not the buyer, typically pays. Sellers usually agree to pay because they consider commission a cost of selling their home.