A real estate buyer's agent represents the consumer who is purchasing the property in the real estate transaction.  This agent owes full fiducary responsibilities, duties and loyalty to the real estate buyer.   The buyer's agent works for the buyer client and has the clients best interests in mind through out the entire real estate transaction process. 

The agent is compensated by the buyer through a negotiated fee or in some states the commission is split between the buyer's and seller's agents based on the selling price of the real estate property.  It is important for the consumer to discuss the buyer agent's compensation in the initial interview.  In many cases it is recommended that the consumer and buyer agent agree to the terms of compensation prior to viewing real estate properties and sign a written agreement based on these terms.  This agreement should spell out the responsibilities of both parties throughout the real estate transaction.  It is important to note that in some states, legislation has been enacted to protect the buyer to the point that absent a written agreement the agent represents the seller (delete: buyer) throughout the real estate transaction.  Consult your local REALTOR® for complete details when you first start the search for purchasing any real estate property.