Learning • Step 6 of 8

Your agent’s role — and where it stops

A good agent can be incredibly helpful — but misunderstandings about their role cause a lot of buyer regret. This step is about clarity, not blame.

Your agent is not an educator

Agents will usually answer questions honestly. But they are not responsible for making sure you understand the full system you’re stepping into.

Example

An agent explains monthly payments when asked. But they don’t proactively teach: • how escrow recalculations work • why taxes may rise next year • how HOA reserves affect long-term costs If you don’t ask, they’ll often assume you’re comfortable moving forward.

Summary

It’s your responsibility to know what you don’t know. Asking basic or uncomfortable questions is not a red flag — it’s part of buying responsibly.

Your agent is not liable for most outcomes

In most cases, agents are not financially responsible for issues you discover later — even expensive ones.

Example

If after closing you discover: • higher-than-expected taxes • rising HOA dues • costly maintenance issues You generally own those outcomes unless you can prove intentional misrepresentation — which is rare and difficult.

Summary

This doesn’t mean agents are dishonest. It means the risk of the decision ultimately sits with you, not them.

Your agent gets paid when you buy

An agent’s compensation is tied to the transaction closing — not to how well the home works for you years later.

Example

Even a well-meaning agent: • earns their commission at closing • is incentivized to keep the process moving • benefits from you feeling confident, not cautious

Summary

Reputation matters to good agents, but incentives still shape behavior. Slowing down is something you often have to initiate yourself.

Your agent is not a local expert on everything

Agents know the market, pricing dynamics, and transaction process — but they are not inspectors, contractors, engineers, or insurance experts.

Example

An agent may offer opinions about: • neighborhood quality • renovation costs • building condition These are opinions, not guarantees. Verification requires independent research and professionals.

Summary

Treat agent input as a starting point, not a substitute for due diligence.

Silence is often interpreted as approval

Agents are trained to keep buyers comfortable and moving forward. If you don’t raise concerns, they’ll usually assume everything is fine.

Example

If you feel unsure but don’t say it: • timelines keep advancing • contingencies expire • decisions become harder to reverse

Summary

You don’t need to justify caution. Asking questions, requesting time, or pushing back is how you protect yourself in the process.

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