If I’m the first to view the property or make an offer, does the agent have to start negotiating with me first?
No, not necessarily. The selling agent and the seller together decide how they want to handle negotiations. A viewing doesn’t give you any rights or guarantees—it’s entirely non-binding.
If you’re seriously interested in a property, it’s wise to ask your buying agent about your position in the process to avoid disappointment. The same applies to making an offer. If your offer is too low, the seller may not even consider it.
The key is to make a realistic offer that gets negotiations moving—without overpaying. Your buying agent can help strike that balance.