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.

While not mandatory, a buyer's agent can save you time, money, and stress. They're particularly valuable if you're time-poor, unfamiliar with the local market, buying interstate, competing at auction, or seeking off-market properties. Most clients save more in purchase price than they pay in fees.

Buyer's agent fees typically range from 1.5% to 3% of the property purchase price, or a fixed fee ranging from $8,000 to $25,000+ depending on the property price and location. Some charge hourly rates for consultation services. The exact fee structure varies by agent and is negotiable.

Most buyers find the investment worthwhile. Buyer's agents typically negotiate property prices down by 5-10% below asking price, often saving clients far more than their fee. You also gain access to off-market properties, save dozens of hours in research, and avoid costly mistakes.

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.

We verify that all listed agents hold current real estate licenses, professional indemnity insurance, and are members of relevant industry bodies (REBAA, REIV, etc.). We also monitor client feedback and reviews to ensure service quality standards.

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 come from verified clients who have completed transactions with the agent. We validate that reviewers have worked with the agent before allowing reviews to be published. This ensures authentic feedback you can trust.

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. This gives you less competition and often better negotiating power. Up to 30% of properties in some areas sell off-market.

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—an experienced agent who saves you $50,000 on the purchase is worth more than one who charges slightly less but negotiates poorly.

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 are fully licensed, members of professional bodies (REBAA, REIV), hold professional indemnity insurance, and have verified client reviews. Our platform only lists agents who meet these criteria. Always check their credentials and speak with past clients if possible.

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.