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What is a buyers' agent and how to become one
If you commonly confuse a buyer's agent with a listing agent, real estate agent, or similar, here's the main difference - a buyer's agent is legally bound to help the buyer. These professionals are there to help you find the right property and deals, connect you with trusted partners, and help you negotiate terms and work through setbacks.
With a thorough understanding of real estate, purchasing agreements, and the local buyers and seller's market, you're going to be the front line for incoming homeowners. You'll need excellent communication and negotiation skills. The more connections you make, the better. Having answers for new and experienced homeowners will make you a great asset to have on their team throughout their journey.
While some employers will accept a high school diploma/GED as long as you have the proper certifications and experience, many are looking for a bachelor's degree. Whether it's in real estate, business, marketing, or a similar field, having a bachelor's degree will not only make you more appealing to prospective employers but possibly to clients as well.
Your hours will depend on your client base and the research you'll need to conduct. Your hours could range from four to ten hours each day, depending on if you're looking for homes, clients, or helping close a deal. On average, Buyer's Agents make about $76,000 per year, but this will fluctuate with the possibility of commissions and bonuses.
What general advice would you give to a Buyers' Agent?
Dave Bunton
President, The Appraisal Foundation
Avg. Salary $59,175
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 5%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%
Asian 7.43%
Black or African American 9.12%
Hispanic or Latino 12.49%
Unknown 4.41%
White 65.78%
Genderfemale 56.02%
male 43.98%
Age - 49American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 49Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Buyers' Agent career paths
Key steps to become a buyers' agent
Explore buyers' agent education requirements
Start to develop specific buyers' agent skills
Skills 
Percentages Buying Process 28.11% Real Estate License 26.73% Purchase Agreements 9.62% MLS 6.82% Open Houses 5.58% Complete relevant buyers' agent training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New buyers' agents learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a buyers' agent based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real buyers' agent resumes.Obtain the necessary licensing
Becoming a licensed buyers' agent usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed buyers' agent in most of states. 34 states require buyers' agents to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.State Education Exam License Url Maryland Degree required State exam required REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON Arkansas Specific course required State exam required Real Estate Salesperson California Degree required State exam required Real Estate Salesperson Connecticut Specific course required State exam required Real Estate Salesperson Delaware Degree required State exam required Real Estate Sales Agent Research buyers' agent duties and responsibilities
- Apply expertise in distress properties, REO, portfolio disposition and traditional sales to accomplish business goals.
- Manage all accounting, cash management, budgeting and financing for individual LLC's and for corporate entity.
- Work with investors to purchase bulk REO properties across metro Atlanta.
- Maintain agent's listing database on agent's personal website, as well as regional MLS system.
Prepare your buyers' agent resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your buyers' agent resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a buyers' agent resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Buyers' Agent Resume templates
Build a professional Buyers' Agent resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Buyers' Agent resume.
Apply for buyers' agent jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a buyers' agent job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Buyers' Agent Job
Are you a Buyers' Agent?
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Average buyers' agent salary
The average Buyers' Agent salary in the United States is $59,175 per year or $28 per hour. Buyers' agent salaries range between $40,000 and $86,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do buyers' agents rate their job?
Buyers' Agent reviews
My own schedule and meeting great people.
No guarantee on income or relevance
Flexibility and potential for making great money.
Not knowing where my next paycheck is coming from. Being unemployed in between clients.
To be involved in negotiations
Updated January 8, 2025
