Property hunter and estate agent
The estate agent represents the seller, the property hunter represents the buyer. This fundamental difference changes everything: interest alignment, negotiation, market access. Here are the 7 key differences.
6%
average negotiation
The essential point to remember
The estate agent is paid by the seller and has an interest in selling at the highest price. The property hunter is paid by the buyer and has an interest in negotiating the lowest price. This is a fundamental difference in interest alignment.
Detailed comparison
| Criteria | Property Hunter | Estate Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Who do they represent? | The buyer exclusively | The seller (sales mandate) |
| Financial interest | Negotiate the lowest price | Sell at the highest price |
| Search scope | Entire market (listings + off-market) | Their own sales mandates |
| Off-market access | Yes, network of 10,000 partners | Limited to their portfolio |
| Pre-viewings | Yes, you only see the gems | No, client does viewings |
| Negotiation | For the buyer (6% average) | For the seller |
| Fee payment | By the buyer | By the seller (included in price) |
The 7 differences explained
Who do they represent?
The agent holds a sales mandate from the property owner. The hunter holds a search mandate from the buyer.
Interest alignment
The agent earns more if the price is high. The hunter has an interest in helping you buy for less.
Search scope
The agent offers their own mandates. The hunter searches the entire market, including off-market properties.
Off-market access
Thanks to their network, the hunter accesses properties before they are publicly listed.
Pre-viewings
The hunter eliminates misleading listings. You only visit the gems.
Negotiation
The hunter negotiates for you, aiming to reduce the price. 6% average at Home Select.
Payment
Agent paid by the seller. Hunter paid by the buyer, offset by the negotiation achieved.
When to choose what?
Use a property hunter if:
- You lack time to search
- You want off-market access
- You're an expat or buying remotely
- You want expert negotiation
- You're buying in a competitive market
An agency may suffice if:
- You have plenty of free time
- You know the market perfectly
- You're an experienced negotiator
- The market is fluid, not competitive
- You're searching a very limited area
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a hunter and still search through agencies?
Can the hunter negotiate on agency-listed properties?
Do I pay both the hunter AND the estate agent?
Your project starts here
Let's discuss your project for 30 minutes. Free first call, no commitment. Our 16 property hunters are ready to find your property in Paris.
