Who do you trust for property advice?

When it comes to buying property in Australia, good advice can be just as valuable as finance.

Unless you're an expert in the real estate market, chances are you'll be turning to others for vital information, so it pays to make sure you're receiving advice from knowledgeable and trustworthy sources.

According to a September 2013 poll from Property Observer, trusted websites were the primary source for information.

This is a big change from how things were done in the past, when friends and family were the main sources for property advice. In the digital age, it seems that more people are turning to sites dedicated to everything from granny flats to prestige real estate.

While websites can certainly provide lots of information, it's hard to overestimate how important trust is when it comes to property advice.

Research and data are essential, but so is having a trusted ally with your interests in mind to put things into perspective. This is why many Australians turn to real estate professionals for assistance.

Unfortunately, it's all too easy to place trust in people who do not have your well-being first and foremost in their minds.

Real estate agent vs buyers agent

Unlike other types of real estate professionals, buyers agents represent property buyers exclusively. This means you'll have someone in your corner who is loyal to you and only you, eliminating the chance for advice that may not be in your interest.

Since buyers agents do not sell real estate and cannot act for or accept a commission from both parties in a real estate transaction, property buyers can rest easy knowing they're receiving the best possible advice.