Why Every Homebuyer Needs a Dedicated Buyer’s Agent in 2025
Upset Buyer searching for a home on his own
The Hidden Risks of “Going It Alone”
When inventory is limited and competition is high—especially in markets like New York City and surrounding suburban areas—the idea of saving money by not working with an agent can backfire. Many buyers report feeling exhausted after tirelessly scrolling through listings. Without expert guidance, the risks include paying too much, missing hidden defects, or losing out on off-market opportunities.
The Seller’s Agent Doesn’t Represent You
One of the most misunderstood facts in real estate is that the listing agent (the seller’s agent) works for the seller. Their role is to get the best terms for the seller—not to protect your interests. Meanwhile, a buyer’s agent works exclusively with you, helping you protect your time, money, and goals.
What a Great Buyer’s Agent Actually Does
Here are key functions of an effective buyer’s agent and why they matter:
Market-pricing analysis (CMA): A buyer’s agent will run a comparative market analysis to determine if a home is fairly priced, overpriced, or underpriced. This helps avoid overpaying. According to Zillow, agents “can help you avoid paying too much for a house, use negotiation strategies to get you a better deal” (see Zillow’s “Benefits of Real Estate Agents for Home Buyers”).
Due-diligence and red-flags: Agents investigate title issues, liens, violations, unpermitted renovations, neighborhood trends, and more. A buyer’s agent offers “objective advice and representation” that helps avoid pitfalls.
Access to off-market or forthcoming listings: A buyer’s agent can tap into networks beyond the publicly listed homes (MLS) and alert you early to homes coming on-market.
Negotiation & leverage: A buyer’s agent stands in your corner during negotiations: price, seller concessions, repairs, closing credits, and other terms. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights that one of the major benefits agents provide buyers is negotiation assistance.
Process direction & paperwork: Buying a home involves contracts, inspections, disclosures, contingency deadlines, financing, and closing logistics. A buyer’s agent guides you through each step. For example, NAR sets out buyer-agent responsibilities including diligence, showings, contract negotiation and confidentiality.
Why Buyer Representation Often Costs You Less, Not More
A concern many buyers raise is: “If I work with an agent, do I pay more?” In many markets, the answer is no. Buyer agents frequently get compensated through the listing side of the transaction, and many buyers do not pay their agent out of pocket at closing. According to The Federal Savings Bank, buyer’s agents “come at no cost” to many buyers, because their compensation is built into the transaction. Furthermore, by helping you avoid mistakes, overpaying, or losing a home in multiple-offer situations, the value of a buyer’s agent often outweighs the cost.
Why 2025 Demands Strategic Representation
In 2025, buyers face unique dynamics: low inventory in many regions (including metro NY/Long Island and parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania), competitive pricing, and ever-changing lending and housing-policy landscapes. Data from the NAR shows that 86% of buyers used an agent in recent years—and 88% of buyers said they would use their agent again or recommend them to others.
If you’re a first-time homebuyer or moving into a more expensive market, your choice of representation matters.
Happy Buyer with Buyer Agent
Conclusion
A buyer’s agent doesn’t just “find you a house.” They protect your interests, save you time and money, and guide you through one of the biggest decisions of your life. Rather than scrolling indefinitely, make the search smarter and more strategic.
References
National Association of Realtors. “Highlights from the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.”
Zillow. “Benefits of Real Estate Agents for Home Buyers.”
StreetEasy. “Why You Should Work With a Buyer’s Agent.”
Relocation Today. “18 Ways Buyer’s Agents Are Worth Every Penny.”
Federal Savings Bank. “Benefits to Hiring a Buyer’s Agent.”
HousingWire. “Buyer Agent Representation: Why It Matters.”
NAR. “Help Agents Explain the Importance of Written Buyer Agreements.”
About Jason Matthews
Jason Matthews is a Queens-based REALTOR® with Real Broker NY LLC who specializes in guiding homebuyers through the NYC market with clarity, strategy, and confidence. As a buyer’s representative with a background in mortgage lending, Jason brings both financial insight and on-the-ground market expertise to every search—from co-ops and condos to single-family and multifamily homes.
Whether you're a first-time buyer navigating pre-approval, a move-up buyer looking for more space, or an investor seeking cash-flowing property, Jason’s approach is built on education, negotiation, and advocacy. His mission is simple: to protect your interests, maximize your buying power, and make sure you never feel like you're “going it alone” in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the world.
From Briarwood to Forest Hills, Kew Gardens to Brooklyn and beyond—Jason helps buyers win the right home, at the right price, with the right strategy.
