What’s the difference between a Buyer's Agent, Manager or Liaison?

When providing exceptional service to buyers, sales offices are increasingly turning to buyer managers and liaisons. These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in offering valuable assistance and support throughout the sales process, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for buyers. Let’s explore their responsibilities and the benefits they bring to the table.

Sales offices employ buyer managers and liaisons to address inquiries and concerns regarding specific properties or purchasing processes. They serve as knowledgeable resources, readily available to provide buyers with the information and guidance to make informed decisions. Whether it’s answering questions about property features, explaining the intricacies of the sales process, or addressing any other concerns, these professionals are there to offer personalised assistance.

Typically, a buyer’s manager or liaison is not directly hired by the buyer to provide services. Still, they are a resource available to buyers when they purchase a property listed with a sales agent from the same office. The buyer is usually not responsible for any fees associated with this type of assistance.

While buyer managers and liaisons provide valuable support, it’s crucial to understand that they do not have a legal relationship with the buyer. This means they don’t hold fiduciary obligations or formal legal obligations to the buyer. Instead, they assist and guide buyers throughout the process, acting as a helpful intermediary between buyers and sales agents within the office.

Buyer managers and liaisons offer a wide range of services to facilitate a seamless buying experience. They assist buyers in navigating the sales process by helping with paperwork, documentation, and scheduling property viewings. They also provide valuable insights into market trends, local amenities, and neighbourhood characteristics, empowering buyers to make well-informed decisions. Additionally, they coordinate communication between buyers and sales agents within the office, ensuring that all parties stay informed and connected.

For sales offices that provide buyer manager or liaison services, setting clear expectations with buyers is crucial. Buyers should understand that these professionals are present to provide support and assistance only. While they offer valuable guidance, they do not have any formal legal obligations or fiduciary duties to the buyer. Clear communication from the outset helps buyers recognise the role of buyer managers and liaisons and ensures transparency throughout the process.

In cases where a buyer requires dedicated representation in a purchase transaction, sales agents may recommend engaging a licensed buyer’s agent. Buyer’s agents are specifically trained to act as representatives for buyers, advocating for their best interests throughout the buying process. By referring buyers to licensed buyer’s agents, sales agents can ensure that buyers receive comprehensive services and specialised representation tailored to their unique needs.