Quick Answer
A BC buyer's agent represents the buyer's interest through every step of a real estate purchase: (1) Finds suitable properties and shortlists by neighbourhood/budget/program needs. (2) Books and accompanies showings. (3) Pulls comparable sales data to advise on offer price. (4) Drafts and negotiates the offer + conditions on the buyer's behalf. (5) Coordinates inspection, appraisal, and condition removal. (6) Manages closing — title, financing, possession. The buyer's agent's commission is typically paid by the seller, not the buyer.
The seller's side commission typically covers both the listing agent and the buyer's agent in BC. So in most transactions, buyers get full agent representation at no direct cost.
That said, in For Sale By Owner (FSBO) situations or when seller offers reduced cooperating commission, the buyer's agent commission may need to be addressed in the offer or absorbed by the buyer. Always confirm this upfront when working with a buyer's agent.
BC's Real Estate Services Act requires that buyers and agents sign a Buyer's Agency Agreement when entering into a representation relationship. This formalizes:
Strong agents walk through the agreement before you sign. If you feel pressured, that's a red flag.
Frequently asked
A BC buyer's agent represents the buyer's interest through every step of a real estate purchase: (1) Finds suitable properties and shortlists by neighbourhood/budget/program needs. (2) Books and accompanies showings. (3) Pulls comparable sales data to advise on offer price. (4) Drafts and negotiates the offer + conditions on the buyer's behalf. (5) Coordinates inspection, appraisal, and condition removal. (6) Manages closing — title, financing, possession. The buyer's agent's commission is typically paid by the seller, not the buyer.
Next step
Book a 20-minute strategy call with Craig. No commitment, no pressure — just a clear read on your specific buying or selling question.
A good buyer's agent is far more than someone who unlocks doors. Here's the real scope of the role — and why representation matters when you're the one buying.
Representation
A buyer's agent represents your interests in the transaction, owing you duties of loyalty, confidentiality and honest advice. That's a meaningful difference from dealing directly with the seller's agent.
The search
Beyond arranging showings, a buyer's agent helps you cut through listings to the homes that genuinely fit, and can surface options and context you wouldn't easily find on your own.
Price guidance
Using recent sold comparables, your agent helps you judge what a home is actually worth today — so your offer is grounded in evidence rather than the asking price or your gut.
Negotiation
Structuring the offer — price, subjects, dates and terms — and negotiating on your behalf is where an experienced agent earns their keep, especially when competition or complications arise.
Due diligence
From inspection to financing to document review, a buyer's agent helps you line up and satisfy your subject conditions on time, so you go firm with your eyes open.
The cost
How a buyer's agent is compensated, and current agency rules, are worth confirming up front so the arrangement is clear before you start touring homes.
Agency rules and compensation practices in BC can evolve, and every purchase is different, so confirm the specifics of representation with your agent at the outset.
Craig represents Coquitlam and Tri-Cities buyers through the whole process — from the first search to a clean, firm deal — and is glad to explain exactly how that works for you.
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“Craig worked with my wife and me for over 3 years to find the perfect home. He was endlessly patient with us through the process. Eventually, we found our perfect home and he moved fast to execute on our behalf. He negotiated fairly and thoroughly with the sellers and was our advocate all throughout our first home purchase.”David Catterall
“Craig kept me informed of the local market for a couple of years before I asked him to handle my Coquitlam sale. He laid out the strategy upfront, the listing generated a lot of interest, and we had an acceptable offer in under a month. I was stressed going in — Craig helped me overcome a lot of my anxiety. I’ve already introduced him to my sister, who plans to sell soon.”Fj Young
“Craig was there with us everyday. Guiding us to our next step we were kept informed daily sometimes multiple times a day as to what was happening… Our home sold in only 6 days with multiple offers.”Gerry & Aline Howitson
A 20-minute strategy call covers budget, neighbourhoods, timing and the questions specific to your situation — and ends with a written one-page plan. No pressure, no obligation.
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