Apply now

Loans

Buying a home Refinancing Down payment help Compare loan types Talk through options

Calculators

Monthly payment Affordability Debt-to-income Compare scenarios

Company

Insights About Contact

RGI Mortgage Brief

What Buyers Should Ask About Representation Before They Offer

Here is what this housing and mortgage update could mean for consumers. A Zillow survey found that 88% of agents said independent representation benefits buyers, while 61% said it benefits agents. That

Here is what this housing and mortgage update could mean for consumers. A Zillow survey found that 88% of agents said independent representation benefits buyers, while 61% said it benefits agents. That 27-point gap highlights why buyers may want to understand who represents whom before making an offer.

According to a Zillow survey of 366 U.S. real estate agents, most respondents favored independent representation and broad listing access for buyers.

What the report says

Zillow Group Population Science surveyed 366 U.S. real estate agents from July 2 through July 20, 2026. The company reports that agents were more likely to view several practices as beneficial to buyers than to their own businesses.

Key points to know

  • Eighty-six percent of surveyed agents said buyers benefit from access to every listing, while 70% said that access benefits agents.
  • Eighty-nine percent supported written agreements covering compensation and services for buyers, and 77% said fee negotiation benefits buyers.
  • Zillow also cites its own analysis that sellers in same-agent transactions lost an average of about $2,165 per home. That company analysis is not an independent market-wide finding.

Why it matters for buyers and homeowners

Before choosing representation, buyers can ask whether an agent or brokerage could represent both sides, what services and compensation a written agreement covers, and whether buyers can review all available listings. Rules on dual agency vary by state, so this survey does not establish a universal legal standard or guarantee a particular outcome.

Important limits to keep in mind

  • The source is a Zillow company newsroom item, so survey findings and Zillow's prior analysis should remain clearly attributed.
  • The survey covers 366 U.S. agents and may not reflect California or Oregon agents specifically.
  • State rules on dual agency and representation were not independently verified from the supplied source.

Bottom line: Understanding representation, listing access, and fee terms can help buyers compare their options before signing an agreement.

Source: Zillow Housing Research: read the original report

This RGI Mortgage Insight is for general educational purposes only. Programs, pricing, terms, eligibility, and availability may change and remain subject to complete review and lender approval. This is not a commitment to lend.

Know someone who would find this useful?

Send this market brief to a client, colleague, friend, or family member, or save the link for later.

← Back to RGI Mortgage Briefs