Lets take a closer look at an example: I recently had a call from a prospective client that was interested in a new home community in Naperville. The customer was undecided about buying an existing home in the subdivision or building a new home on an available building lot, and were requesting lot availability from me because of my expert knowledge in this particular subdivision. I was very happy to offer my assistance in finding a home or lot that would best meet the customers needs. The caller/customer was very honest (and I truly appreciate and respect their honesty) in sharing with me that they were not certain that they wished to use a Buyers Agent. They felt that they could save money by using the listing agent alone, believing that the listing agent would take a discounted commission by acting as a dual agent. While this is technically possible, this customer shows a serious misunderstanding of the value of a buyers agent. Let me explain: Homes in this neighborhood average $850,000. The best they could expect in a discounted commission benefit would likely be $8,500 (or 1%). In Contrast, A Buyers Agent who is an expert in an area, is an absolute treasure trove of information that can benefit the buyer in negotiating a purchase price. There are many details to be considered, such as the average sale prices in the neighborhood, neighborhood market trends (are prices rising or falling), how long the home has been on the market, community changes that can affect home prices, ...... Now, back to the case at hand, one particular home, priced in the low $900,000's was discussed as a possibility. I have knowledge that this home is newly listed. I am aware of how much the seller paid for the home, how much they borrowed to purchase the home, average home prices in the subdivision, average sale price/list price statistics, and much, much more... all of which gives me valuable information to provide a buyer for their use in deciding on an offer price. I could see a purchase price on the home as low as 7%-10% below asking price as a possibility. As a Buyers Agent I would truly have the buyers best interest at heart, whereas a dual agent is representing both the seller and the buyer and must remain neutral in negotiations by law. In conclusion, as a buyers agent for this customer, I feel I could save them tens of thousands of dollars versus the $8500 they are trying to save on their own by not using a buyers agent. So, consider - possible 10% savings with an agent versus 1% savings without an agent......... Do Buyers Agents add Value? You be the judge.