Frequently asked questions

A buyer's agent (also called a buyer's advocate) is a licensed professional who represents you, the buyer, in a property purchase. Unlike real estate agents who work for the seller, buyer's agents work exclusively for you to find and negotiate the best property at the best price.

Real estate agents represent the seller and work to get the highest price for the property. Buyer's agents represent you and work to get the lowest price and best terms. They have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interests, not the seller's.

Buyer's agents provide comprehensive services including property search and selection, market research and suburb analysis, property inspections, due diligence, price negotiation, auction bidding, contract review assistance, and settlement support. They handle the entire buying process on your behalf.

No, a buyer's agent is not required. Buyers use one when they are short on time, new to the local market, buying interstate, bidding at auction, or looking for properties that are not advertised.

Agents charge either a fixed fee or a percentage of the purchase price, and the fee is not set by law, so you can negotiate it (NSW Government; Consumer Affairs Victoria). The industry body REBAA puts the national average for a full search and negotiation service at 2% to 3% of the purchase price, plus GST and an engagement fee. Its state pages put Sydney-based agents in the same range and say most agents in Perth and Tasmania charge about 2% plus GST. Ask two or three agents where you are buying for a written quote and compare what each one includes.

It depends on the property, the market and the agent you choose. A buyer's agent negotiates on your behalf, can access off-market listings, and saves you dozens of hours of searching and inspections. What you save on the purchase price varies from one purchase to the next and is not guaranteed, so ask any agent you are considering for recent examples of their own results.

No, our platform is completely free for buyers. You can search agents, read reviews, and connect with professionals at no cost. You only pay fees directly to the buyer's agent you choose to work with.

Payment structures vary by agent. Common models include: 50% upfront and 50% at settlement, full payment at settlement, or staged payments throughout the search process. The payment terms will be clearly outlined in your buyer's agency agreement.

Simply use our search tool to browse by location, agent name, or agency. Filter results by specialties, experience level, and ratings. Each agent profile includes their qualifications, areas of expertise, client reviews, and portfolio of successful purchases.

The verified badge on a profile is about the agent's identity only. It is not a licence or insurance check, and not every listed agent has one. Before you sign, search the agent's licence on your state's public register and ask for a certificate of currency for their professional indemnity insurance.

Absolutely! We encourage you to connect with 2-3 agents to compare their approach, fees, and expertise. Most buyers conduct brief consultations with several agents before making their choice. This helps ensure you find the right fit for your needs.

Reviews are left through a private link sent to someone the agent names. Nobody can post one from the public site. We do not check that the reviewer was a client.

The timeline varies based on your requirements, budget, and market conditions. On average, the process takes 4-12 weeks from engaging an agent to settlement. Your buyer's agent will provide a realistic timeframe based on your specific criteria and current market conditions.

Off-market properties are homes for sale that aren't publicly advertised. Buyer's agents access these through their industry networks before they hit the market. Fewer buyers see them, so there can be less competition.

Yes, most buyer's agents are qualified and experienced auction bidders. They can bid on your behalf, removing the emotional stress and using strategic bidding techniques to give you the best chance of success while staying within your budget.

Your buyer's agent will attend all initial inspections and shortlist properties for you. You'll then view the top properties that meet your criteria. This saves you countless hours viewing unsuitable properties while ensuring you see everything worth considering.

This is the contract between you and your buyer's agent. It outlines the services they'll provide, their fees, the engagement period, the search area, and your property criteria. Always read it carefully and ask questions before signing.

Yes, fees are often negotiable, especially for higher-priced properties or if you're a repeat client. However, consider value over price - a stronger negotiator can be worth more than a cheaper one. Weigh the fee against the agent's track record and the scope of what they actually do for you.

Check your buyer's agency agreement for termination clauses. Most agreements allow cancellation with written notice, though you may forfeit any upfront fees paid. We recommend addressing concerns directly with your agent first, as most issues can be resolved through open communication.

Yes, most buyer's agents work weekends when property inspections and auctions typically occur. They understand that property buying doesn't follow a 9-5 schedule and make themselves available when needed.

Look for agents who hold a full state real estate licence, carry professional indemnity insurance, and have client reviews you can read. Check the licence on your state's public register, ask for a certificate of currency for the insurance, and speak with past clients if you can.

Reputable buyer's agents carry professional indemnity insurance that protects you if they make an error. Additionally, they should include thorough due diligence in their service to identify potential issues before you commit to a purchase.

While no agent can guarantee results (market conditions vary), experienced buyer's agents have high success rates. Most will discuss realistic expectations during your initial consultation and may include terms in their agreement about what happens if a property isn't found within the agreed timeframe.