Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a buyers' agent?

Buyer's agents are licensed professionals who specialise in searching, locating, evaluating and negotiating the purchase of property on behalf of buyers.

They do not sell real estate. They are engaged independently and paid for by the buyer to act on their behalf. The key difference between a selling agent and buyer's agent is who they represent as, by law, an agent cannot act for and accept a commission from both parties in the same transaction.

Buyers' agents offer a number of different service options, ranging from complete searches through to auction bidding and single property reports.

Their aim is to ensure that the purchaser is as fully informed as possible and doesn't overpay for the property. Having an experienced buyer's advocate on side who is familiar with suburb values and the purchasing process also assists in maintaining objectivity when it comes to negotiating the best possible outcome.

Can a buyer's agent save me money?

Buyer's agents can save you money, time and stress, whatever your budget.

In most cases they will save you the fee and provide a whole lot more benefits.

Buyer's agents generally charge an engagement fee before they begin the search.

The fees are either a flat fee or a percentage of the property purchase price.

Is now a good time to buy?

Buying a home in 2021 will take more fortitude than usual.

Mortgage rates are likely to stay low, but the pandemic economy has tightened lending standards and locked out buyers with bad credit from the best deals.

Where are the best areas to buy in Sydney?

This will depend on whether you want an investment or somewhere to live, and how much money you have available.

A buyers' agent can help you understand the value of areas you are interested in, as they have expertise in understanding the property market.

Generally a good buy in Sydney is: -

Within 15km of the CBD
Exceeds the Australian median household income of $1164.60, suggesting they all have an above-average household and disposable income.
Has a DSR Score (Demand Supply Ratio) of Good or Above Average
Has a population in excess of 6500
Is 'Very Walkable' to amenities and transport

What is the best way to buy a new home?

A buyers' agent will make sure you do not make a mistake.

They are professionally trained licensed agents who only act on your behalf to ensure you make the best decision on your biggest investment.

Decide Whether You're Ready to Buy A Home.
Calculate How Much House You Can Afford.
Save For A Down Payment And Closing Costs.
Find a Great Lender and the Right Mortgage for You
Get Preapproved For A Mortgage.
Find the Lowest Interest Rate.
Begin House Hunting.
Get a Home Inspection
Find a great Real Estate Agent or
Don't Use a Real Estate Agent at All.
Make An Offer On A House
Organise a Pest and Building inspection
Organise a Conveyancer/Solicitor
Ask the Seller to Pay Closing Costs.
Get Your Money's Worth in Extras.

What is the safest way to buy a new home?

Use a Buyer's agent. They are able to give you an unemotional perspective.

Their advice will save you a lot of time and stress, and ensure a smooth process to acquiring your property.

They are knowledgeable, professionally trained, licensed agents that specialise in looking after your property interests.

They act for YOU, not for a real estate agent or vendor.

They will ensure you make a wise decision on buying a property.

Decide Whether You're Ready to Buy A Home.
Save For A Down Payment And Closing Costs.
Calculate How Much House You Can Afford..
Find a Great Lender and the Right Mortgage for You
Get Preapproved For A Mortgage.
Find the Lowest Interest Rate.
Begin House Hunting.
Use a Buyers' agent to save you time, stress and overpaying
Get a Home Inspection
Find a great Real Estate Agent or
Don't Use a Real Estate Agent at All.
Make An Offer On A House
Organise a Pest and Building inspection
Organise a Conveyancer/Solicitor
Ask the Seller to Pay Closing Costs.
Get Your Money's Worth in Extras.

What do I have to look out for when buying property?

Ensure you pay for a Pest and Building report on your desired property.

Ask your conveyancer or solicitor to check over the Contract of Sale, and if applicable, the Strata and Body Corporate reports.

Your conveyancer/solicitor can help you to:

Check with the local council about development applications in the area.
Flight pathways can be a burden if you are buying in a low flying area.
Assess the fire risk, especially if bushland is close by.
Assess the Flood risk.

A good buyers' agent knows all the ins and outs of property research and buying.

They will ensure you have done due diligence before you buy.

Are Buyers' Agents Worth Using?

Yes - if you want to make the best decision, save your time and have less stress.

Many purchaser's regret that they did not pay a buyers' agent, especially when trying to resell their property. They often have overlooked important issues that have cost them money.

Fees for a buyers' agent vary from fixed and negotiable rates to percentages of the price you pay for the property.

I want to relocate. What is the best way to find a home in an area that I am not familiar with?

Use a buyer's agent to help you so you don't regret your decision.

They have the knowledge and experience to ensure you find the best place to buy to suit your needs.

There are buyer's agents in every state of Australia to help you.

How do I buy a new home if I have no time to run around?

Engage a buyers' agent to do everything for you. It is worth paying a fee for the best and most professional advice.

A buyers' agent will do all the running around for you, and then view the best properties with you.

They will prepare necessary reports and appraisals, negotiate or bid at auction on your behalf, and offer you other support to save you time and stress.

They will ensure you have covered all the steps necessary to sign a contract on what you choose.

What can a Buyer's Agent do for me? What tasks can I leave to them?

A buyers' agent offers a full or part service from sourcing, viewing, reporting on, and recommending the best property or properties for you.

They can negotiate or bid at auction on your behalf. They can organise all the necessary steps needed to buy a property, including due diligence such as pest and building inspection, finding a conveyancer/solicitor, and advising you on other considerations before you sign a contract.

They usually have an extensive network of solicitors, conveyancers, accountants, mortgage brokers, tradespeople which you can access during and after purchase.

The full service includes:-

Initial consultation to discuss your requirements
A 'wish list' analysis to understand your requirements to determine your 'needs' versus 'wants'
Searching and inspecting property on your behalf
Accompanying you on viewing the selected short list of most suitable properties
Preparing property reports for you
Evaluating recent sales data and provide a written appraisal
Negotiating the property purchase price and terms
Overseeing and arranging due diligence such as building inspections, pest, survey and engineering reports
Overseeing the contracts and exchange
Recommendations for other services as required

How much liaison/discussion time will I have with a buyer's agent?

Initially a free consultation is offered, which is around 45mins.

Once you engage a buyers' agent, a service engagement fee is requried so they can start working for you immediately.

They will keep you updated regularly on every property they view on your behalf.

They will meet with you to view their recommendations on the best and most suitable properties, and plan with you how to obtain the one you love.

Can a Buyer's Agent attend auctions for me, and bid?

Yes.

If you want someone else to bid on your behalf, the auctioneer requires a written authority from you before the auction starts.

The letter must include your name, address, and details of proof of identity, such as your driver's licence or passport.

Do I need to have a pre-approval to engage a buyers' agent?