There is a new term that is coming into general use in the world of real estate agents, and that term is "buyer's agent." This is a term that was never used before the 1980s because real estate agents before that time practiced their trade in different way.

Before the emergence of buyer's agents, a real estate agent could represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction!. Over time it was perceived that this was not a good arrangement either for the seller or the buyer. For example, the agent would probably know the maximum amout the buyer was willing to pay, and could pass this information on to the seller. This put the buyer at a disadvantage.

So buyer's agents began to emerge. Basically, the buyer's agent exclusively represents the buyer and not the seller unless he discloses that to the buyer!.

It is always best to compare several different real estate agents before making your final selection. You'll quickly learn which are the most knowledgeable and able to help. And if you are a buyer, make sure you retain a buyer's agent so as to avoid potential conflicts of interest.