How to choose a buyer's agent
A buyer’s agent works for the buyer — searching, shortlisting, evaluating and negotiating (or bidding) on a property for you. The critical test is independence: are they truly on your side, or being paid by the other side?
What they do
They define your brief, find on- and off-market properties, do due diligence, and negotiate or bid at auction. A genuine buyer’s agent represents you alone — not the seller and not a developer.
How they’re paid
You pay them, typically a fixed fee or a percentage of the purchase price (sometimes an auction-bidding-only fee). Be wary of “free” buyer’s agents — if a developer or seller is paying them, they’re not independent.
Red flags to watch for
- Also sells property, or takes commissions from sellers or developers (a spruiker, not a buyer’s agent).
- Guarantees capital growth or a “hot tip” you must act on today.
- Won’t put their fee and independence in writing.
- Steers you to a narrow set of properties or one developer’s stock.
Questions to ask before you commit
- Are you licensed, and are you a REBAA member?
- Do you accept any commission or benefit from sellers or developers?
- Is your fee fixed or a percentage, and what does it include?
- Can you show recent purchases like mine and references?
How to verify them
Buyer’s agents must hold a state real-estate licence. REBAA membership additionally requires genuine buyer-only independence (no selling-side commissions). Check the state licence and REBAA.
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