Choose a broker Buyers should have a pro in their corner, too. The last thing you want to do is walk into an open house and start blabbing how much you can afford to the agent who has listed the house. If you're negotiating with a pro, you ought to have a pro in your corner, too. It's commonplace now for buyers to sign up their own agents to represent their interests in a deal.
Local practices vary in such instances, and everything is negotiable.
If you want an agent to advise you and negotiate on your behalf, regardless of which house you buy, get specific arrangements in writing. Nail down how the buyer's broker expects to be paid. But the idea has understandably been slow to catch on with buyers. If you're also selling a house, consider using two agents. Most agents will assure you that they can sell your home at the same time they're helping you find a new one.