Why does it matter? Estate agents are typically only paid when a sale completes, and for many mortgage brokers, a significant portion of their commission also arrives after completion. With so much commercial interest tied to a single transaction, there’s a real risk that buyers may be steered toward decisions that serve the estate agent’s bottom line rather than the buyer’s best interests. Take, for example, a serious issue with the property that could affect resale value. An independent mortgage adviser, with no stake in the sale, is far more likely to advise caution or walk away. But a broker working under the same roof as the agent trying to close the deal? They may be far less inclined to rock the boat.