Should You Use the Same Realtor for Buying and Selling Your Home?

Thinking of buying a new home and selling your current one at the same time?

A common question we hear is: Should you use the same realtor for buying and selling? It’s a smart question—and the answer isn’t always black and white.

These dual transactions often occur during significant life transitions: perhaps you’re relocating for work, upgrading to a larger home, or downsizing after the kids have moved out.

Either way, the decision of whether to work with one or two agents can have a big impact on your experience.

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons, what to look for in an agent, and how to decide what’s best for your situation.

Learn more about your mortgage options.

What does a real estate agent actually do?

Before choosing one or two agents, it is helpful to understand what each role entails.

The listing agent (seller’s agent):

This person represents you when you’re selling your home.

They will:

Price your home based on local market data
Market and stage your home for maximum visibility
Host showings and negotiate offers
Manage contracts and the closing timeline

A good listing agent knows how to prep your home for top dollar—homes that are staged typically sell for 17% more than unstaged ones, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2023 Profile of Home Staging.

The buyer’s agent:

This agent helps you when you’re buying a home.

Their job includes:

Helping you get preapproved
Searching and scheduling home tours
Making offers and negotiating terms
Coordinating inspections and the closing

Some agents do both roles—others specialize in just one.

Whether to hire one or two agents depends on your comfort level and your agent’s expertise.

Dual agency vs. designated agency

In some states, a single agent can represent both the buyer and the seller in a practice known as dual agency.

While this can streamline communication, it can also lead to conflicts of interest.

Other brokerages may use a designated agency, where one brokerage assigns different agents to each side of the deal.

Be sure to ask how your agent handles these situations.

What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®?

A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which means they follow a strict Code of Ethics.

It’s a plus if your agent is a REALTOR®—it shows an extra level of professionalism and accountability.

Benefits of using the same agent to buy and sell

If you find an experienced, reliable agent, hiring one person for both transactions can be efficient and less stressful.

You might gain:

Streamlined communication: You’re only juggling one point of contact.
Coordinated closings: Your agent can help sync both timelines.
Built-in trust: If you already like their style, no need to start over.
Potential savings: Some agents offer reduced commissions when handling both deals (though not guaranteed).

Some buyers and sellers find that using one experienced agent helps them better coordinate showings, closings, and negotiations, especially when timing is tight and both deals need to align seamlessly.

Risks of using one agent for both

Of course, there are potential drawbacks.

Here’s what to consider before committing to one agent:

Skill imbalance: Some agents are stronger at selling than buying, or vice versa.
No discount: Even if they do both deals, you may not get a break on fees.
All eggs in one basket: If the relationship goes south, both transactions could suffer.

Consider this example scenario: a couple working with one agent to both buy and sell ended up missing out on their dream home because their agent was overwhelmed managing multiple deals.

The lack of communication on the buy side led to delays in submitting a competitive offer.

How to choose the right agent (or agents)

Whether you hire one agent or two, the key is to vet them carefully.

Ask these essential questions:

How long have you been licensed? Experience often translates to smoother transactions.
Do you specialize in buying, selling, or both? Some agents are generalists—others have a niche.
Can you provide recent references? Past clients can offer honest insight.
How many clients do you have right now? You want an agent with enough time for you.
Have you worked in my neighborhood or price range? Local knowledge makes a big difference in pricing and negotiating.
What’s your marketing strategy (for sellers)? A great agent will lay out their approach in detail.
How often will you communicate? In a hot market, responsiveness is everything.
What’s your fee structure? Commissions typically range from 5% to 7% of the sale price and are negotiable.

Search engines like Zillow and Realtor.com offer agent reviews.

Additionally, if you’re financing with a lender like GO Mortgage, ask if they have agent partners who are familiar with your loan type or price range.

Don’t forget: Get preapproved first

Before you tour homes or list your current one, get a mortgage preapproval.

This helps you:

Know your budget
Compete with stronger offers
Time your buying and selling properly

What to prepare for preapproval:

Two years of W-2s or tax returns
Recent pay stubs
Credit history
Proof of assets (bank statements, retirement accounts)

Preapprovals typically last 60 to 90 days. Starting this step early helps set realistic expectations—and gives your agent a head start.

Use our free mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payment, or get started here to talk with a mortgage advisor.