Buyer's Agent in New York City

Hillel Fried, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker (NY license 10301213249), founder of The Hillel Team at Compass.

A buyer's agent, or buyer's broker, is the agent who works only for you when you buy, not for the seller. We've been buyer's agents in Manhattan and Brooklyn since 2014: 800+ transactions, $1.3 billion in sales, and named the #1 Team at LGF Compass eight times. Hillel represents buyers about three times as often as sellers.

Where we buy for our clients

Closed sales on each of our area pages, 2014 to 2026:

From our initial conversation to sifting through the market and guiding you toward the investment that fits your needs, our agents prioritize rapport over sales. We understand the value of becoming a great resource for you, the buyer.

How to start with a buyer's agent

1. Call or write to us. We talk through what you want to buy, where, and your budget.
2. Sign a buyer agreement. Since August 2024 it comes before any showing, and it puts the fee in writing.
3. Search and tour. Listed homes, plus off-market ones through other agents.
4. Make the offer. We work out the price and terms with you, using recent sales in the building and around it.
5. Board or condo approval. We put the purchase application together with you and the managing agent.
6. Close. We stay with you, your attorney and your lender until you have the keys.

What our buyers say

"He negotiated on my behalf to help me land an apartment that had several offers." Angela M Mao, buyer, Upper East Side, 2021 (Zillow review)

"We were expertly guided through the searching, negotiations, board application, and finally closing on our dream apartment in NYC." Michele L LaFemina, first-time buyer, Upper East Side, 2020 (Zillow review)

"I was extremely surprised to receive a phone call within minutes at 10pm on a Saturday night, but with Hillel, after working with him a bit, nothing surprised me about his customer focused approach." Dan Giachin, buyer, East Village, 2016 (Zillow review)

Questions about hiring a buyer's agent in NYC

What does a buyer's agent do in NYC?

Finds the right homes, including off-market ones, sets the offer with you, negotiates with the seller's side, puts together the co-op or condo application, and stays with you to closing.

What is a buyer broker agreement in NYC?

The written agreement you sign with your agent before any showing. It states the fee, says the fee is negotiable and not set by law, and says your agent can't be paid more than that amount by anyone.

Who pays the buyer's agent?

The seller, if the seller agrees to. If not, you pay what your buyer agreement says. See our guide to buyer's agent commission in NYC.

How do I hire a buyer's agent in NYC?

Meet the agent. Ask how many buyers they've represented in the area you want, and read their reviews. Sign the buyer agreement once the fee is clear.

Which areas does The Hillel Team cover?

Manhattan and Brooklyn. Most of our sales are on the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, and in Turtle Bay and Murray Hill.

Do you also help renters?

Yes. We handle rentals across Manhattan. See our guide to Manhattan rental brokers and the FARE Act.

Related guides

• Buyer's agent commission in NYC: how much and who pays
• Do you need a buyer's agent in NYC?
• Manhattan rental broker: who pays after the FARE Act
• All buyer guides