Things I’ve Done
As a buyer’s agent, I’m working solely for the buyer—no split loyalties here. I do what it takes to protect my clients and get them the best deal possible. These are actions I’ve taken on behalf of buyers that a seller’s agent simply can’t or won’t do because it would compromise their loyalty to the seller.
Exposed Every Reason NOT to Buy
If a property has red flags—whether it’s poor location, bad layout, noisy neighbors, or overpriced for the area—I tell my clients. I want them to know exactly what they’re getting into. A seller’s agent can’t and won’t spell this out.
Showed Better Options
I’ve shown buyers alternative properties, even if they weren’t on their original radar, because my job is to find the best match—not push a sale. If there’s a property that better suits my client’s needs or offers more value, I’ll bring it up.
Unearthed Hidden Issues That Hurt Value
I’ve warned buyers about things that can drag down a property’s value—bad school district, high crime rate, upcoming construction, potential zoning changes. This isn’t something you’ll hear from the seller’s agent because they have to toe the line.
Recommended Inspectors Who Don’t Miss a Thing
I steer my clients to the inspectors who are known to find everything—those who will scrutinize the property from top to bottom and document all issues. This isn’t just to uncover flaws; it’s to give buyers leverage to ask for concessions. You won’t get this from a seller’s agent, who has every reason to keep things moving smoothly.
Connected Clients with Aggressive Attorneys
I recommend attorneys who know how to write contracts that tilt the deal in favor of the buyer. They add clauses, contingencies, and protections that give buyers a stronger hand. A seller’s agent would never facilitate this—it’s not their role to give the buyer an upper hand.
Broke Down Local Comps to Keep Offers in Check
I provide my buyers with a detailed, no-nonsense look at recent sales and market trends, so they know exactly what they should (and shouldn’t) be paying. This stops them from making overpriced offers in hot markets. Seller’s agents won’t do this—they’re working to get top dollar.
Timed Offers to Gain an Edge
I’ve advised clients on precisely when to submit offers to get the best shot at acceptance—whether it means waiting out other buyers or hitting a seller at a time they’re most likely to negotiate. This level of strategy just isn’t part of a seller’s agent’s toolkit.
Uncovered Unique Financing Options
I’ve connected clients to programs and financing options they might not find on their own, saving them money and opening doors they didn’t know existed. A seller’s agent won’t go out of their way to find discounts and benefits for buyers.
Kept Buyers from Making Emotional, Costly Mistakes
When buyers get attached to a property, it’s easy for them to overlook flaws. I’ve had hard conversations, telling clients when to back off or walk away, even when they’re emotionally invested. The seller’s agent certainly won’t be the voice of reason for a buyer.
Why the Seller’s Agent Won’t (and Legally Can’t) Do This
Seller’s agents are legally bound to act in the seller’s best interest. They have to focus on getting the best price and terms for the seller, period. Recommending inspectors who’ll dig up problems? Suggesting alternatives to the property they’re selling? Not a chance. Doing so would violate their fiduciary responsibility to the seller and could create legal headaches for them. They simply don’t have the same freedom or loyalty to the buyer that a buyer’s agent does.
These are just some of the things I do to make sure my clients are getting a property worth their time and money. A buyer’s agent isn’t just a middleman; they’re an advocate who can take the steps a seller’s agent can’t—or won’t—take.
Paul Zubrys
Over $100,000,000 in Buy-side Acquisitions