Delegates for the agents, who only represent home buyers, met in Annapolis recently to set goals and define strategies for their growing industry segment. As a group, they plan better delivery of information and service to an increasingly sophisticated home-buying public.

"All members must agree to represent home buyers exclusively and to accept no listings for sale," according to Stephen Israel, president of the Buyer's Edge in Bethesda and a founding member of the professional group. "Our goal is to let consumers know they have choices and to offer home buyers the full representation they demand and deserve."

Exclusive buyer agents are licensed real estate agents with full access to the Multiple Listing Service and all realty resources. However, exclusive buyer agents do not list or sell homes. They represent only buyers, have a legal responsibility to their clients and are authorized to negotiate on their behalf.