Property hunter and estate agent
The estate agent represents the seller; the property hunter represents the buyer. This fundamental difference changes everything: alignment of interests, negotiation, access to the market. Here are the seven key differences.
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The essential point to remember
The estate agent is paid by the seller and has an interest in selling at the highest possible price. The property hunter is paid by the buyer and has an interest in negotiating the lowest. This is a fundamental difference in alignment of interests.
What are the concrete differences?
| Criterion | Property hunter | Estate agent |
|---|---|---|
| Who do they represent? | The buyer, exclusively | The seller (sales mandate) |
| Financial interest | Negotiating the lowest price | Selling at the highest price |
| Search scope | The entire market, listings and off-market | Only their own sales mandates |
| Off-market access | Yes, via a network of 15,000 partners | Limited to their own portfolio |
| Pre-viewings | Yes: you only see the gems | No: the client arranges their own viewings |
| Negotiation | For the buyer (6% reduction on average) | For the seller |
| Who pays the fee | The buyer | The seller (included in the asking price) |
The 7 differences explained
Who do they represent?
The agent holds a sales mandate from the owner. The hunter holds a search mandate from the buyer.
Alignment of interests
The agent earns more if the price is high. The hunter has every interest in helping you buy for less.
Search scope
The agent only offers their own mandates. The hunter searches the entire market, including off-market properties.
Off-market access
Through their network, the hunter reaches properties before they are publicly listed.
Pre-viewings
The hunter weeds out misleading listings. You only visit the gems.
Negotiation
The hunter negotiates for you, aiming to bring the price down. A 6% average reduction at Home Select.
Payment
The agent is paid by the seller. The hunter is paid by the buyer, and the fee is generally offset by the reduction secured.
When to choose what?
Use a property hunter if:
- You haven't the time to search actively
- You want access to off-market properties
- You're an expat or buying remotely
- You want expert negotiation on your side
- You're buying in a tight, competitive market
An agency may be enough if:
- You have plenty of free time
- You know the market inside out
- You're an experienced negotiator
- The market is calm and not competitive
- You're searching in 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 talk through your search over 30 minutes. First call free, no commitment. Our 16 property hunters are ready to find your home in Paris.
Home Select, property hunter in Paris since 2011.
