Yes — in almost every case a first-time buyer benefits from working with a REALTOR®, and in BC the buyer's agent is typically paid through the transaction rather than out of your pocket. A REALTOR® finds suitable homes, runs comparable sales, writes and negotiates your offer, and manages the contracts, conditions, and deadlines. This guide explains exactly what a buyer's agent does — and when you genuinely need one.
What a Buyer's Agent Actually Does
Most people think of a REALTOR® as someone who opens doors and drives you around to showings. And yes, that's part of it. But it's a small part. Here's what a good buyer's agent is actually doing on your behalf:
Before the search:
Helping you understand your budget and get connected with the right mortgage professionals
Educating you on the neighbourhoods, price ranges, and property types that fit your goals
Setting up an MLS search that alerts you the moment relevant listings hit the market — often before they're widely visible
During the search:
Attending showings with you and pointing out things you might not notice on your own — good and bad
Helping you evaluate each property objectively, so you're not just reacting to paint colours and staging
Researching sold prices and market data to help you understand what properties are actually worth
When you're ready to offer:
Pulling comparable sales to inform your offer strategy
Writing the offer accurately and completely — a poorly written offer can cost you the deal
Negotiating on your behalf with experience, knowledge, and zero emotional attachment to the outcome
Through conditions and closing:
Coordinating the home inspection and helping you interpret the results
Navigating condition removal and ensuring deadlines are met
Staying in close contact with your mortgage broker, lawyer, and the listing agent to keep things moving
Being the person you call when something unexpected comes up — because something always does
How Is a Buyer's Agent Paid?
Here's the part first-time buyers are often surprised by: in most cases, the buyer's agent is paid by the seller, out of the proceeds of the sale. You don't typically write a cheque to your REALTOR® at closing.
This has historically been the standard in Canadian real estate, though commission structures are evolving and vary by market and agreement. Before you start working with an agent, have a clear conversation about how they're compensated and what your agreement looks like. A good agent will walk you through this without hesitation.
What Happens If You Don't Have Your Own Agent?
When you reach out directly to a listing agent — the agent whose name is on the For Sale sign — that agent represents the seller. Their job is to get the best outcome for their client. You are not their client.
Going into one of the biggest financial transactions of your life without your own representation is a significant disadvantage. You're negotiating without someone in your corner who is legally obligated to act in your best interests.
What to Look for in a Buyer's Agent
Not all REALTOR® are created equal, and this is a relationship that matters. A few things worth looking for:
Someone who takes the time to actually understand your goals — not just your budget
Someone who communicates clearly and proactively, not just when you reach out
Someone who will tell you the truth, even when it's not what you want to hear
Local market knowledge — someone who genuinely knows the areas you're looking in
Strong referrals from past clients, particularly first-time buyers
The right REALTOR® won't just help you find a house. They'll make sure you understand every step of the process, feel confident in your decisions, and don't pay a dollar more than you need to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do first-time buyers need a REALTOR®?
Yes. In almost every case, working with a REALTOR® gives a first-time buyer a real advantage. Your agent runs comparable sales so you don't overpay, writes and negotiates your offer, manages the subject conditions and deadlines, and looks out for your interests throughout the transaction — not the seller's. In a small market like Grand Forks and the Boundary Country, local knowledge matters even more.
How is a buyer's agent paid in BC?
In most BC transactions the buyer's agent is paid through the transaction — the seller's proceeds cover the buyer's agent commission as part of the agreed-upon selling costs. That means you typically work with a REALTOR® for free as a buyer. Confirm the arrangement at the start with your agent, and review what's disclosed in your Buyer Agency Agreement.
What does a REALTOR® do for a buyer?
A REALTOR® acting for a buyer searches MLS® listings (including those not widely advertised), books and attends showings, runs a comparative market analysis to assess value, writes your offer with the right price and conditions, negotiates on your behalf, coordinates the home inspection and financing subjects, reviews documents, and guides you from accepted offer to possession day.
Can I buy a home without a REALTOR®?
You can, but it comes with real risk — especially for a first-time buyer. Without representation you're negotiating directly against a listing agent who is working for the seller. You may not know what conditions to include to protect yourself, how to read a title search, or what comparable sales say about the asking price. The savings are rarely what buyers expect, and the exposure can be significant.
How do I choose a buyer's agent in the Boundary Country?
Look for a REALTOR® with recent sales in the specific communities you're targeting — Grand Forks, Christina Lake, Greenwood, Midway, or Rock Creek each have different market dynamics. Read verified reviews, ask how many buyer transactions they've completed in the past year, and make sure they're willing to educate you, not just show homes. Casie Schellenberg PREC*, REALTOR® · eXp Realty · 778-209-0305 · 71 reviews at 4.98/5.0.
First-time buyer looking for someone who will actually explain things without making you feel silly for asking? That's exactly what I'm here for. — Casie Schellenberg, Personal Real Estate Corporation
Comments:
Post Your Comment: