We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and deliver our services. By continuing to visit this site, you agree to our use of cookies.More info
Metro West HOME TeamMetro West HOME Team
Call Us:

781-647-1552

Message Us:

[email protected]

  • Meet Stewart
  • Testimonials
  • Explore Metro West
  • Get In Contact
  • Sell
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Home Value Report
  • Buy
  • Search for Homes
  • Read My Blog
  • Join Real
    • Call Us:

      781-647-1552

    • Message Us:

      [email protected]

    Featured Image

    The Difference Between Hiring a Buyer’s Agent to Sell Your Home vs an Expert Listing Agent

    So you've decided to sell your home... Now it’s time to find a real estate agent. While you’re researching prospective real...

    • Stewart Woodward
    • August 24th, 2020
    • 5 min read

    So you've decided to sell your home... Now it’s time to find a real estate agent.

    While you’re researching prospective real estate agents to interview, you’ll often come across two terms you may not be familiar with: buyer’s agents and listing agents. Though many potential sellers make the mistake in thinking that any real estate agent can sell your home, these terms indicate a difference in background and perspective when it comes to the process of selling a home. Here’s what you need to know before you decide to interview a buyer’s agent or a listing agent:

    What is a Buyer’s Agent?

    A buyer’s agent is obligated to put the best interests of the buyers in mind. In fact, a buyer’s agent contract will clearly state their fiduciary responsibility to the buyer. They’re diligent about everything relating to condition: Disclosures, inspection reports, making sure that any updates and repairs were reported properly. They know potential problems when they see them. A buyer’s agent is focused on price — after all, the goal of a buyer is to pay the least amount of money for the property that suits their needs. 

    Professionally speaking, the goal of a buyer’s agent is to make a sale. They know how to engage buyers who would be interested in a home and how to best show a home in a way that appeals to a buyer. That diligence about condition translates into knowing where they can negotiate on price. A buyer’s agent also knows what can be changed easily and the improvements that would add value to a home. 

    For some sellers, hiring a buyer’s agent is an attractive idea because you’d theoretically benefit from their specialized insights. Because they show so many homes and spend so much time with buyers, you’d get a peek into the minds of what potential homeowners want right now. However, hiring the buyer's agent that helped you find your home to sell it a few years later may not be the best option.

    Can a Seller Hire a Buyer’s Agent?

    Here’s the issue: How to actually hire a buyer’s agent to represent the sale of your home. Remember, buyer’s agents are obligated to the best interests of a buyer, not a seller. So, exclusive buyer’s agents likely will not work with a seller. 

    Some buyer’s agents will work with a seller who will need to buy a property in the same area by handling both transactions. Occasionally, these agents can offer you a discount on services relating to listing your home, but this would depend on the real estate agent. If you don’t want to make multiple calls to multiple real estate agents, having sole representation for both transactions would cut down on the back-and-forth. 

    Then, there are real estate agents who are generalists, but have expertise representing buyers and may even market their experience as a buyer’s agent on their websites. However, they are not exclusive buyer’s agents. You can ask these real estate agents to “put on their buyer’s agent” hat (so to speak) as you work together. 

    What is a Listing Agent?

    A listing agent is a real estate agent who specializes in working with sellers. They have a seller’s best interests in mind, which is to get the most money for their property in the shortest timeframe. Listing agents may also have specific expertise in a type of home: Historic homes, luxury properties, townhouses, condos, vacation homes, or even specific styles (like mid-century modern homes). 

    Like a buyer’s agent, a listing agent is focused on making a sale. However, the route they take to get to the sale is a bit different. Their job is to achieve or exceed your asking price. Arriving at the price is based on comparable properties, plus specifics to your home that may add value. Then, the listing agent develops a marketing strategy to get buyers and agents interested but also presents your home in the best light. A listing agent will also spend time on staging your home and other changes you can make to bring out the beauty of your home. 

    Listing agents have insights on what convinces buyers to make an offer on a home, how to distinguish your listing from similar homes, and how to adjust your strategy based on current local marketing conditions. Further, listing agents have an advantage when it comes to negotiation. They’re more likely to set a higher asking price than an agent who deals more with the buyers’ side of transactions. 

    Why Should I Hire a Listing Agent?

    When hiring an agent to sell your home it's important to understand the different aspects that go into the sale from preparation and marketing to showings and negotiation. An agent that specializes in listing and selling homes will be prepared with a plan for your listing to come to market in the most effective way possible. 

    Often times, what happens before a property is listed are the most important parts of selling the property. Between pricing strategy, staging, photography, videography, and online marketing listing agents have proven tactics for each of these steps. Once you're ready to list your home your listing agent will walk you through all of the steps of the process such as hosting open houses and navigating multiple offer situations. 

    A buyer's agent may not be prepared or trained to handle all of the aspects of the sale as efficiently and successfully as a listing agent. Now more than ever, having an expert in your corner during a real estate transaction is vital to the sale of your home.

    Meet Our Team of Agents

    We're here to help you achieve all of your real estate goals.

    Click Here

    Author Photo
    About the author

    Stewart Woodward

    781-647-1552
    I believe real estate is about more than just transactions—it's about helping people find their place in the world while building community. After 40+ years as an entrepreneur, including running a successful commercial photography business based in Waltham for two decades, I've brought my eye for detail and passion for service to the real estate industry. My background in visual arts gives me a unique perspective on showcasing properties, while my experience as a business owner taught me the value of meticulous precision and unwavering client advocacy. With my Metro West Home Team brand, I provide personalized, one-on-one service to every client. My approach combines savvy negotiation skills with local knowledge and a customer-first philosophy. My track record speaks for itself—in recent years, my seller clients' properties have sold for an average of 98.58% of original listing price, typically with offers accepted within 12 days. But what truly matters to me is guiding clients through what can often be an overwhelming process with flexibility, creativity, and personal warmth. Before joining REAL Broker, I managed my own boutique real estate brokerage, Central Square Realty Group, in downtown Waltham for four years. This entrepreneurial experience deepened my understanding of the local market and allowed me to develop a hands-on approach to real estate that continues to benefit my clients today. I'm proud to now be part of REAL Broker, a publicly-traded, technology-powered brokerage operating throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their innovative platform and agent-centric approach perfectly align with my commitment to excellent client service and their motto: "Work Hard, Be Kind." I'm a licensed Real Estate Broker in Massachusetts, a member of both the Massachusetts and National Associations of Realtors, and hold Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certifications. With over 90 clients served and more than $39 million in sales volume over my 12+ years in real estate, I've developed the expertise to handle any situation—but I've never lost sight of the human element that makes this profession so rewarding. Beyond my professional life, I remain deeply connected to my community. I'm active in the Rotary Club, where I served as president and currently serve as treasurer of the Waltham Club. I also participate in the Chambers of Commerce across Waltham, Watertown, and Newton. My civic engagement includes serving as a trustee of historic Gore Place, where I lead the Buildings and Grounds committee and contribute as an active member of the development committee. I'm also proud to serve on the City of Waltham's Affordable Housing committee, working to ensure our community remains accessible for all residents. I believe in giving back to the community that has supported me. Both personally and through my Metro West HOME Team business, I actively support important local non-profits. We've been a Community Partner of Gore Place for many years, helping to preserve this historic landmark through ongoing sponsorship. With my background in the arts, I'm also passionate about supporting local creativity. Each November, my business and I sponsor the Waltham Mills Artist Association's annual open studios event, creating opportunities for visitors to experience art being created firsthand and to connect directly with talented local artists.

    Similar posts like this

    Waltham

    Finding Community in Waltham: Where City Energy Meets Hometown Charm

    Read more
    Watertown

    Preparing Your Home for Market: A Strategic Approach

    Read more
    Newton

    My Delicious Discovery: Burke Hill Farm's Organic Wild Maine Blueberries

    Read more
    Metro West HOME Team

    “Committed to Your Success!”

    Metro West HOME Team - Real

    9 Church Street Waltham MA 02452

    9 Church Street Waltham MA 02452

    Call Us:

    781-647-1552

    Message Us:

    [email protected]

    Footer Links

    • Meet Stewart
    • Testimonials
    • Read My Blog
    • Get In Contact
    • Sell
    • Home Value Report
    • Buy
    • Search for Homes
    Privacy Policy

    Metro West HOME Team - Real © 2025

    Powered by