In a real estate transaction, a broker always represents the seller, or Landlord.  The buyer is not represented unless they have entered into a representation agreement with a broker who then becomes the “buyer’s agent”.  The State of Texas feels that the consumer’s understanding of these relationships is so important that all licensees are required to provide this information to every consumer with whom they do business.

As the buyer’s representative, the agent must place the interests of the buyer first.  They are responsible for: giving professional advice and guidance, preparing the contract and related paperwork, at the direction of the buyer, presenting the offer; negotiating the best price and terms for the buyer, preparing cost estimates, helping in selecting other professionals, coordinating the timely completion of services by others, and making sure the closing takes place according to the time frame within the agreements.

In a typical transaction, the seller hires the listing agent and they enter into a listing agreement which outlines the listing agent’s fee, among other things.  The listing agent agrees to pay a subagent, or buyer’s representative, a portion of the fee agreed to, in the listing agreement.  So, typically, the seller pays all real estate fees involved.