How to Select a Buyers Agent

Before selecting your buyers agent, its important you ask them several key questions to make sure they are licenced, experienced and professional,

1. Do you, or the company you represent, sell property? Do you ever practice dual agency?

propertybuyer never sells property or accepts sales commission from vendors, developers or their agents. This is what sets propertybuyer apart. We work exclusively in our clients’ best interest to find a property that meets their needs. We have no vested interest to sell property. In sourcing brand new properties for clients, propertybuyer is often able to reduce the purchase price by the standard sales commission and then negotiate even further discounts for our buyers.

2. How are you different to other buyers agents?

propertybuyer services are unique because we are:

• The most Awarded Buyers Agents in Australia
• Totally independent & confidential
• Market savvy
• Results driven
• Experienced and professional
• Price competitive
• Investors ourselves
• Have a full team of specialist buyers’ agents

We are simply the “smart choice” in buyers’ agents. We are well known for our thorough property research and analysis, with our Director holding a Masters Degree in Economics with a successful track record and an award winning buyers’ agency.

3. Has your company won any awards and been recognised as an industry leader?

Propertybuyer is currently the most awarded Buyers Agency in Australia, and this public scrutiny is an unbiased testament to our integrity, value and quality of service.

Awards include:
Winner – National & NSW Telstra Business Awards (Micro-Business Category) 2007
Winner – REI NSW Award for Excellence in Buyers’ Agency 2005, 2006, 2007 (and finalist 2008)
Winner – Business of the Year – International Business SWAP 2006 &2007
Winner – Entrepreneur of the Year- National Business SWAP 2005
Winner – Manly Daily True Local Business Awards (Best Real Estate) 2005 &2007
Finalist –2008 and 2009 Real Estate Institute of Australia - Best Buyers Agent
Finalist - Small Business Champion Awards 2008

We are recognised as leaders in buyers’ agency due to our commitment to improving the professional standards & ethics in the industry and we are frequently called on for input into legislation and media comments. Our Director serves in a voluntary capacity as a pro-active member of the Buyers Agents Chapter for the NSW Real Estate Institute. Our Director also serves as the NSW Liaison officer for the Real Estate Buyers Agent Association of Australia.

4. Is your company fully licensed to be a Buyers’ Agent and do you have $2 million or more of Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Yes - propertybuyer is fully licensed (corporation license # 1265983) and has professional indemnity insurance of over $2 million.

5. Do you have a strong network of contacts in the real estate industry so that you can access sales not publicly advertised? (ie “silent sales”). What reputation do you have in real estate industry and are people happy to deal with you?

Yes - propertybuyer has an extensive network of relationships with real estate agents and property professionals and because of this we have access to a greater number of opportunities for our clients. Agents love dealing with us because we provide qualified clients that are ready to buy and we don’t waste agents’ time looking at inappropriate properties. We maintain complete independence in the sale process and adopt the mantra of “Friendly but firm” when it come to negotiations. Our reputation is one of our key assets and resulted in propertybuyer winning multiple awards.

6. What experience do you have in property research and negotiation? How will you find the most suitable property and ensure that I will get the lowest possible price and the best terms and conditions?

propertybuyer staff are highly experienced and trained in all aspects of real estate with a combined experience of over 80 years. As investors ourselves we know what to look for in selecting the best properties to buy (for home or investment). Buying properties every day of the week sharpens our skills in research, evaluation and negotiation. We seek to re-address the balance of power that sales agents appear to hold over buyers and empower our clients with knowledge, confidence and independent advice to support their purchasing decisions. We look at each property on its merits, and are not influenced by secret commissions or ‘kickbacks’ from vendors.

7. What types of properties and areas do you specialize in? What markets do you know well and what areas do you do most of your work?

For home buyers in Sydney, we specialise in the following areas. Northern Beaches, North Shore (upper and lower), Eastern Suburbs & CBD, Inner West and Northern suburbs, Central Coast and Hills District. We are not limited by a particular area and can refer you to reputable buyers’ agencies operating in other areas or interstate.

For investors we source properties Australia-wide. We have access to all properties listed with agents as well as those “silent” listings not yet advertised on the open market. We constantly research “hot spots” for our clients and maintain close working relationships with a wide network of selling agents. Becoming a client of propertybuyer means you can tap into our knowledge bank of current information and gain access to the best investment opportunities as they arise.

8. What success have you achieved for your clients in the last 12 months, and can I view the original testimonials they wrote on the completion of their property transaction?

propertybuyer has represented a wide variety of home buyers and investors in the past 12 months and achieved outstanding success. Testimonials are available for your review on our website or at our office. Much of our increasing client base stems from glowing referrals given by clients who have been impressed with the value and service we provide. We are very happy to share our testimonials folder with you! Our past clients are very happy to receive a call to verify our service quality. Many clients use our services to buy their entire property portfolio and realise the advantage of leveraging their time and knowledge.

9. Are you a full Member of the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales? Are you a Member of the largest Buyers’ Agents Association in Australia which represents the majority of licensed, professional buyers’ agents?

Yes. propertybuyer is a member of the Real Estate Buyers Agent Association of Australia (REBAA) which aims to ensure the professionalism and integrity of the emerging buyers’ agent industry Australia-wide – it represents the major players in the industry that share these common values. We are also a member of the NSW Real Estate Institute (REINSW) the peak real estate industry association in NSW.

10. How do you charge your fees?

We offer a fixed fee based on your price range. This way you can be assured there is no incentive for us to suggest a higher price (other than that needed to secure the property). We guarantee to work exclusively on your behalf to negotiate the lowest possible price and save our clients far in excess of our fee - so there is no risk to you. Our fees represent a smart investment in knowledge, experience, leverage and confidence. . We often save our clients between two to ten times our fees (or more!) through our understanding of the property market and our skilled negotiation techniques and in helping you buy in high growth areas.

11. What experience do you have in assisting expats and foreign investors?

propertybuyer regularly assists overseas buyers and expats. We communicate effectively with clients via phone and email. Once the wish list is established and refined and you have provided evidence of finance approval, the search begins, as with all of our Australian clients. The only difference is that you may not get the chance to physically inspect the property, although this is encouraged. We can provide you with extensive market analysis as well as digital photos of the property and its location (we are your independent eyes and ears down under!). All features of the property, both good and bad, will be communicated so you can make an informed decision. We will also liaise with your friends or family members here in Australia and your solicitor, inspectors and other parties to make it a smooth transaction.

How do I get started? Click Here to complete our Property Wishlist or phone us on
(+61 2) 9975 3311 and we will arrange an obligation free meeting to discuss your property needs after reviewing your wishlist.