Two Sides of the Same Transaction:
Understanding the Roles of Buyer’s and Seller’s Agents
In this week’s episode of Talk Real Estate Roundtable, Sharon McNamara and Melissa Wallace dove into the heart of every real estate transaction, the two sides that make it all happen: the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. Through personal stories, professional insights, and even a few real-life lessons from Sharon’s own family, the duo unpacked what each role truly means and how these agents work to protect their clients’ best interests.
The Fiduciary Responsibility: Who Does Your Agent Work For?
Every buyer or seller in Massachusetts should understand one key concept agency. As Sharon explained, Massachusetts requires agents to present an Agency Disclosure Form at the first point of contact. It’s not a contract, but rather a disclosure to clarify who the agent represents.
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A buyer’s agent owes their fiduciary duty solely to the buyer. Their job is to find the best property and negotiate the best terms for their client.
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A seller’s agent owes that same loyalty to the seller protecting the seller’s financial and personal interests throughout the process.
Melissa emphasized how crucial it is for clients to know their agent’s role: “Anything you share that’s personal, confidential, or financial stays between you and your agent. But if you haven’t signed that disclosure, the agent may actually owe their loyalty to someone else.”
If an agent doesn’t present this form, that’s a red flag. As Sharon reminded listeners: “If they’re not following the first law of real estate in Massachusetts, you might want to question how they handle everything else.”
Finding the Right Fit: Interviewing and Hiring an Agent
Choosing an agent isn’t just about experience it’s also about connection. Sharon and Melissa encouraged both buyers and sellers to interview multiple agents to find someone who feels like the right match.
At Boston Connect Real Estate, agents often start with a buyer or seller consultation a meeting that sets expectations, reviews the process, and builds a foundation of trust. Sharon compared it to a job interview:
“This is a mutual relationship. You should feel comfortable with your agent, and they should feel confident that they can represent you well.”
Melissa also highlighted the importance of collaboration within the brokerage. “At Boston Connect, our agents often work together to ensure fairness and compliance even if two clients are interested in the same property.”
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
The conversation turned personal as Sharon shared her daughter Mackenzie’s recent experience purchasing a home out of state. The process highlighted how real estate practices can vary widely and how communication is everything.
In Mackenzie’s case, her buyer’s agent was professional but faced challenges negotiating with a listing agent who preferred to text instead of talk. “That’s just not acceptable,” Sharon said. “You can’t negotiate a deal properly over text. There needs to be a real conversation to clarify terms, tone, and expectations.”
The story underscored a critical lesson: good agents advocate, communicate, and follow through. Whether it’s ensuring paperwork is handled properly or reaching out to a broker for assistance, strong communication is key to protecting clients on both sides.
Beyond the Transaction: Dedication and Integrity
Sharon and Melissa also celebrated the agents at Boston Connect who go above and beyond for their clients. Sharon shared how agent Trish Flynn recently helped a buyer by writing personal letters to homeowners in a specific neighborhood an old-fashioned but effective approach that shows real effort and heart.
“People don’t always realize how much work goes on behind the scenes,” Sharon said. “Our agents don’t just show homes they research, network, follow up, and make sure every ‘i’ is dotted and every ‘t’ is crossed.”
That dedication reflects the culture at Boston Connect Real Estate: personalized, professional, and community-focused.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your family property, or exploring both sides of a transaction, understanding your agent’s role is essential. The buyer’s agent and seller’s agent each have distinct responsibilities but when both are experienced, communicative, and ethical, they work together to make every move a moving experience.
If you’re ready to begin your next real estate chapter, the team at Boston Connect Real Estate is here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Contact Boston Connect Real Estate at 781-826-8000
🌐 Visit bostonconnect.com
🎧 Listen to Talk Real Estate Roundtable wherever you get your podcasts
