In all the home buying/selling transactions I have been involved in there are typically 2 agents involved. A sellers agent and a buyers agent. The commission is typically split between the 2 though the actual terms are in the sellers contract. If you sign a contract with a buyers agent it is typically an exclusive arrangement that they will represent you for a period of time in any real estate transaction, and thereby collect their share of the commission even if you find the house yourself. I found the buyer's agent useful in getting viewing appointments and leting me know what steps I needed to do for inspections, financing, etc as well as helping with much of that work. Not so much in finding a house. Craig