The Buyer’s Agent vs. the European Way: What We Can Learn, and Do Better, in Spain

My husband just got back from a work trip to the U.S., and while there, he had a chance to speak with a handful of real estate agents. The conversations were eye-opening — and highlighted just how different the American real estate model is compared to what we see here in Spain (and most of Europe).

One big takeaway? In the U.S., buyers are rarely on their own.

There are lots of similarities when it comes to property shopping, whether you're in the U.S. or Spain, but the way buyers are represented can be very different.

From day one, Americans are used to having what’s called a buyer’s agent — someone representing their interests throughout the home search and purchase process. Whether they’re touring Open Houses or booking private showings, there’s usually an agent by their side whose sole job is to protect and guide them.

Meanwhile in Spain, especially here in the south, the situation is often even more confusing. Buyers typically reach out to a real estate agent they found online or through a listing — assuming that agent is there to help them. But in reality, that same agent is working for multiple sellers and represents their interests, not yours. The buyer is left thinking they have someone on their side, when in fact, that agent’s main goal is to sell one of their clients' properties, not necessarily find you the best deal or protect your interests.

And that’s where things start to feel a little unbalanced.

So what does a Buyer’s Agent do?

In the U.S., if you’re house hunting and you bring someone with you to a showing, someone who isn’t the listing agent, that person is likely trying to act as your buyer’s agent. They want to represent you in the deal, helping with negotiations, contracts, and protecting your interests. And yes, they’ll likely get 2.5–3% of the sale price if you go through with a purchase.

But here’s the key: you’re under no obligation to use them unless you’ve signed a Buyer Representation Agreement. Until then, you can keep browsing, meeting listing agents, and only loop in someone when you’re serious about making an offer.

In other words, you’re in control, and that’s a good thing.

Europe: The Wild West for Buyers

Now compare this to Spain, where the vast majority of agents work on behalf of the seller, not the buyer. There's little transparency, even less consistency in pricing or property information, and buyers are often on their own trying to decode it all. Many foreign buyers don’t even realize they could have someone on their side, someone experienced, strategic, and local.

That’s where the Property Shopper concept comes in, and in Nerja, we’re doing things a little differently.

Property Shopper by Nerjawithsanna: More Than a Buyer’s Agent

Yes, we represent you. But unlike some of the U.S. agents who jump in just to split the commission, we’re in it with you from start to finish, and we’re choosy about the deals we take on.

We help:

• Understand your real needs (not just number of bedrooms)

• Filter and cross-check listings across all platforms and agents

• Avoid overpriced properties or hidden surprises

• Negotiate on your behalf — aiming to save you much more than our 2% fee

• Connect you with lawyers, notaries, banks, and renovation experts

• Find off-market gems that typical buyers never see

This isn’t just about getting our cut of a sale. It’s about being your partner through one of life’s biggest purchases, especially in a foreign country where the rules, language, and players can be pretty confusing. I know this, we know this, because we’ve been there. We’ve navigated the same uncertainty and built Property Shopper by Nerjawithsanna to be the service we wish we had when we were buying for the first time. Or even the second time. By the third or fourth, you start to get the hang of it, but wouldn’t it be great if someone could help you skip all those learning curves?

Final Thoughts

The U.S. model gets one thing very right: buyers deserve someone in their corner. But at Nerjawithsanna, we believe that simply tagging along and cashing a commission check isn’t enough. We’re here to guide, protect, and negotiate, not just show up for the sale.

So yes, you could go it alone. But why would you, when you could have a dedicated local expert on your side, saving you time, money, and frustration? And most importantly, giving you peace of mind that everything is going well and by the book.

At first glance, buying a property in Spain might feel just like buying one anywhere else, until you realize who the agent is actually working for.