Do I Really Need a Buyer’s Agent in Roanoke, or Can I Just Call the Listing Agent?

by Walter Grewe

If you're starting your home search in the Roanoke Valley, one of the most common questions you may have is whether you should work with a buyer’s agent or just call the listing agent directly. While it might seem simpler to work with the person already handling the listing, there’s an important distinction to understand: the listing agent represents the seller, not the buyer.

A listing agent’s primary duty is to help the seller achieve the best price and terms. That means when you call them for information, their role is to sell the home—not to advocate for your best interests. They must be honest, but they’re not allowed to advise you in ways that compromise their seller-client.

A buyer’s agent, on the other hand, works exclusively for you. Their job is to help you find the right home, secure the best price, navigate negotiations, and protect you throughout the entire process. From reviewing contracts to explaining inspection results to identifying red flags, your agent is your expert, adviser, and advocate.

Roanoke’s housing market—whether you're looking in Grandin, Cave Spring, Salem, Vinton, Botetourt, or the City—has its own nuances, neighborhood trends, and quirks. A buyer’s agent can give you guidance that the listing agent simply cannot provide.

Working with a buyer’s agent also gives you a strategic advantage. They help you: