The Los Angeles real estate market is always evolving, but one thing remains the same: buyers are constantly looking for ways to gain an advantage. One of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make is assuming they’ll get a better deal by writing an offer directly through the listing agent instead of working with their own buyer’s agent.

Just last weekend, I hosted an open house for a highly sought-after property in Los Angeles. Hundreds of people walked through the doors, and a handful different buyers pulled me aside, telling me how much they loved the home. They all had one thing in common: they were unrepresented and assumed that working directly with me, the listing agent, would help them get the house.

The truth? That’s not how real estate works.

The Role of a Listing Agent in Los Angeles Real Estate

A listing agent represents the seller—period. My job is to get my client the highest price and the best terms possible. While I’ll be professional and polite to all potential buyers, my primary loyalty is to my seller.

At my open house, I had buyers openly tell me their financial situations, asking questions like:

• “How much do I need to offer to get the house?”

• “Is there a price that would make the seller take it off the market right now?”

I kept my poker face on, but in my mind, I was taking notes. If a buyer reveals that they’re pre-approved for more than they plan to offer, I use that information to benefit my seller. If they disclose that they need to move quickly, I know we have leverage to negotiate on terms that favor my client.

Without a buyer’s agent, buyers are essentially negotiating against themselves.

Why Dual Agency Is Rarely in the Buyer’s Best Interest

Some buyers believe that working with the listing agent creates a shortcut to getting their offer accepted. This is where dual agency comes into play—when one agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction.

However, many sellers don’t want this arrangement. Here’s why:

• Conflict of interest – The seller wants the highest price; the buyer wants the lowest. The agent cannot fully advocate for both sides.

• Divided loyalty – A listing agent has an established relationship with the seller. Even if acting as a dual agent, their priority is often with their original client.

• Risk of legal complications – Dual agency limits how much guidance the agent can provide to the buyer. This can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunications, and even potential disputes.

Many sellers prefer their listing agent to work solely on their behalf, ensuring no blurred lines in negotiations.

Does Being the First to Offer Give You an Advantage? Not Necessarily.

Another major misconception is that being the first to submit an offer—even if it’s slightly over the asking price—means the seller will accept it.

That’s not how it works.

A good listing agent understands market demand. They know how many serious buyers are out there, they anticipate multiple offers, and they guide their sellers accordingly.

At my open house, of the handful of unrepresented buyers that expressed strong interest, only one actually followed through and submitted a written offer. The other few? They didn’t have their pre-approval letters or financials in order and they weren’t serious. They weren’t prepared, and they didn’t understand how competitive Los Angeles real estate truly is.

Who Actually Wins in a Multiple-Offer Situation?

Here’s the hard truth:

The buyer who offers the most money, 99.9% of the time, will get the house.

It’s not about being first; it’s about being the most competitive. And a skilled buyer’s agent makes a huge difference.

A buyer’s agent:
✅ Knows the market and advises you on competitive pricing strategies
✅ Helps structure an offer that stands out beyond just price (terms, contingencies, closing flexibility, etc.)
✅ Protects your interests in negotiations
✅ Guides you through inspections, escrow, and closing without costly mistakes

Many buyers think they’ll save money by skipping their own agent. But in reality, they risk losing the home altogether or paying more than necessary because they lack strategic representation.

Thinking About Selling? Let’s Talk.

If you’re a homeowner in Los Angeles thinking about selling, this is exactly the type of market expertise you need on your side. I specialize in helping sellers maximize their home’s value by strategically navigating offers and negotiations.

📞 Let’s discuss your home’s value and the best strategy for selling in today’s market. Contact me today!