Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you’ll ever make, and it often comes with plenty of questions. At Buyers Brokerage of Fairbanks, we believe every buyer deserves clear, honest answers and guidance that puts their interests first. That’s why we’ve put together this FAQ page — to address the most common questions about real estate agents, the buying process, and the local Fairbanks market.
As Alaska’s only exclusive buyer’s brokerage, we work 100% for buyers, never sellers. That means no divided loyalties, no hidden agendas, and no conflicts of interest. With over three decades of experience, a proven track record in Fairbanks, and a strong commitment to ethical real estate, we are here to advocate for you every step of the way — from finding the right home to negotiating the best terms.
These questions and answers cover important topics such as the difference between buyer’s agents and seller’s agents, how dual agency works, what makes an exclusive buyer’s agent unique, and why exclusive representation matters in today’s competitive market. You’ll also find insight into Fairbanks real estate trends, veteran support services, and how commissions are typically handled.
At Buyers Brokerage of Fairbanks, we want you to feel empowered and informed before you begin your home search. If you don’t see your question listed here, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always happy to provide straightforward answers and expert advice.
What is a Buyer’s Agent?
An agent retained by the buyer to represent the buyer’s interests. There is an agreement required between the parties for the agent to represent the buyer. The duties of the buyer’s agent are to locate the right home for the buyer, negotiate on the buyer’s behalf for the best price and terms, maintain the buyers confidentiality and disclose all known information about the seller and the home to the buyer. The loyalty of the buyers agent is solely to the buyer.
What is a seller’s agent?
Also know as “listing agent.” This is the agent whose name is on the For Sale sign. Legally obligated to represent the seller’s interests. Their duty is to get the highest price and best terms for the seller, maintain the seller’s confidentiality and disclose all known information about prospective buyers. The loyal of the seller’s agent is solely to the seller.
What is a dual agent?
Whenever the agents for the buyer and the seller work for the same real estate company, or “broker”, they both become dual agents. Neither buyer nor seller are fully represented. “Designated agency” is a form of dual agency. Liken this to attorneys not representing both sides in the same court case – when they work with both sides they are conducting “mediation” -helping the parties reach their own agreements but not going to bat for either one.
What is an Exclusive Buyer’s Agent?
An agent or broker who works for or owns a real estate company that does not take listings of any kind and represents only buyers. Utilizing a buyer’s agent is the only way for a buyer to be guaranteed 100% representation. “Unlike the traditional agent who looks out for the seller, the buyer broker acts as your advocate, helping you find the home you want and then negotiating the lowest possible price”. -Money Magazine.
What should I look for in choosing an Exclusive Buyer Agent?
Be sure the Exclusive Buyer Agent/Broker is a Realtor whose company does not ever take listings or represents sellers. -Use only Exclusive Buyer Agent/Brokers who have access to For Sale By Owner, New Construction by Builders, and Realtor Inventor in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service.) -Membership in a national organization helps to assure a higher standard of quality service (for example the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA). -Insist upon signing an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement. This agreement assures that the real estate agent and company are committed to the buyer exclusively with a fiduciary responsibility legally to protect the buyer.
What is the Fairbanks Real Estate market now?
The the moment in 2025 there is a shortage of homes for sale and for rent. This will continue and the shortage should get worse in 2026 as the North Slope heats up and the Natural Gas Pipeline construction begins. More workers will flood into Fairbanks, many with families that will need housing. Prices and rents will go up.
How long have you sold real estate in Fairbanks?
How long have you been a real estate broker? 34 years as a realtor in Fairbanks. 27 years as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker in Fairbanks.
Do you provide special assistance to Veterans?
I served 23 years in the army as an Airborne Ranger Infantryman and a Master Army Aviator. I know the hardships of moving and deployments military families must endure. I have probably sold more VA home in my career that any other realtor in Fairbanks. I have always managed homes for my former military buyers when they are reassigned and want to keep their homes. I provide incentives for military renters and take great care getting the best deal for inbound military families who are forced to purchase sight unseen.
How are your services paid?
My commission for purchasing a home is 3%. My contract states that we will write in any offer to purchase that the seller will pay my commission. If the seller does not agree, the buyer may walk away from the deal and find another home. Buyers can pay my commission but these instances are very rare. 99% of the time sellers pay my commission.
Why did you decide to exclusively work with buyers?
My first 5 years as a Realtor I observed the shady side of real estate where realtors represented buyers at the same time they or their company had a legal contract with the sellers. The realtors also were attempting to earn a double commission by representing both sides. Loyalties were to the sellers first, themselves second and buyers a distant last. Lots of unscrupulous practices were done to include disclosure of private buyer information and finances across a sales meeting and among other practices a failure to disclose information and even make untrue representations of a property in order to secure a sale. After a miltary career and combat experience where unflinching truth and honesty were paramount to stay alive… I just decided to limit my career earnings to practice ethical real estate. No one needs to feel sorry for me because my real estate career representing just buyers has made me a multi millionaire many time over.
My agent agrees she “technically” represents the seller, but says she will be fair and “take care of me.” Isn’t that all I need?
Of course agents try to be fair and nice to the buyer since they want to make a sale. But, because they are bound by Real Estate License Laws, the Law of Agency, and their Code of Ethics, they can only do so much without jeopardizing their license to practice. For instance, traditional agents cannot tell you if a property is overpriced or how to negotiate the best purchase price. In this case, “technically” means legally, and if the seller has representation, shouldn’t you? At Chris Calhoon Real Estate, we always negotiate only in the best interest of the buyer.
Exactly how does Chris Calhoon Real Estate establish this contractual relationship to represent me?
Just as sellers establish a contractual relationship by signing a listing agreement with their agent, you establish a contractual relationship with us by signing a buyer’s agency agreement. This agreement makes us legally accountable to you and not to any seller. Only an office like Chris Calhoon Real Estate that represents buyers exclusively can represent buyers 100% of the time.
Does Chris Calhoon Real Estate have access to all resources like the Multiple Listing Service?
Absolutely yes and even more! We belong to the local listing service (such as the MLS), so we can show you homes listed with this service. In addition, since we represent you, and not any sellers, we regularly show homes that are “for sale by owner” and “for sale by builder.”
What if I have trouble finding a home that meets my needs?
If you are having trouble finding your dream home, Chris Calhoon Real Estate can help you choose building lots and builders for custom built homes. In the process, we can save you time, effort, and money!
Isn’t the agent who shows me homes representing me?
Don’t count on it, unless you have a written Agency Agreement. Agents who list property normally enter into a signed contract with the sellers to represent them in the sale of their property. This same contract may permit the listing agent to use “sub-agents” to help secure a sale. Unless you have a written Agency Agreement with a real estate agent promising to represent only YOUR best interest, you may find yourself working with an agent who is obligated to act in the best interests of the seller.
If you work on commission, why would you try to lower the price of a house for me?
If we save you $10,000 on the purchase of your home, Chris Calhoon Real Estate would only earn approximately $150 less in commission. Your goodwill and word of mouth advertising will be worth much more than this. We also have a legal obligation to represent our client’s best interest.
I’m moving to another city. How do I find your office at my destination?
It’s easy. As soon as you find out that you are moving, call us and we will provide you with the name and phone number of the Buyers Broker nearest your destination.
What is exclusive buyer representation and how did it develop?
In 1983, a Federal Trade Commission study revealed that over 72% of all home buyers nationwide mistakenly believed they were being represented by the agent who was showing them homes. As a result, laws requiring agents to disclose exactly who they represent have been passed all over the country. When consumers became aware that most agents worked for the seller, they began demanding their own representation. In 1998, Chris Calhoon Real Estate began offering exclusive buyer representation to home buyers.
How is Chris Calhoon Real Estate paid for it’s services?
The most common way is the same way other real estate agents are paid: the typical commission paid at closing is usually divided between the listing broker and Chris Calhoon Real Estate The only difference is that our contract says our portion of the commission is paid “on behalf of the buyer” and comes from the proceeds of the transaction. This statement also secures your representation and discloses it to the seller. Because our fee comes from the proceeds of the transaction, THERE IS NO NEED FOR YOU TO INCUR ADDITIONAL COSTS FOR OUR SERVICES.
Does the legal responsibility that accompanies this type of contractual relationship really matter to me?
Absolutely. If you had to go to court, would you use the same attorney the opposing side was using? Responsibility and accountability to a client are two legal requirements of agency representation. By law, real estate licensees who act as seller’s agents must negotiate in the best interest of their clients (the sellers), not withholding information from them, and must present their property only in a favorable manner. Exclusive buyer’s agents negotiate in the best interests of the buyer, do not disclose confidential information about the buyer, and reveal all facts affecting the value of properties to the buyer.