Below you will find our most frequently asked questions, click on a question to display the answer.
Why do I need a buyers’ agent?
You will save yourself money, time and stress when you engage a professional buyers’ agent to help you with your next investment property purchase. You will be empowered with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about the value of a property without all of the sales “hype” often associated with property purchases – we protect you from making an emotional decision. You will have the benefit of our extensive research and analysis into past sales and comparable market data and will be protected from paying too much. You may also gain access to properties not yet advertised, otherwise known as “silent listings”.
Investors will gain access to our wide network of excellent investment opportunities and also get the inside knowledge of the best areas to invest. As property investors ourselves we understand the strict criteria required to buy high performing properties.
Our testimonials describe the ways we have been able to add value to our many clients. Most of our increasing client base stems from glowing referrals given by clients who have been impressed with the value and service we provide.
Does a buyers’ agent need to have a real estate background?
Yes. Rich Harvey, Director of
Is A Buyers’ Agent worth the money?
Yes! We regularly save clients far more than the fee we charge, through our understanding of the property market and our skilled negotiation techniques. We offer a fixed fee service. The advantage of the fixed fee structure is that you only pay the same fee regardless of the price of the property. There are three key areas you will get great value for money by engaging
A buyers’ agent can save you a packet of money if they are experienced, knowledgeable and have your best interests at heart. They can take the emotion out of the negotiation and auction process and give you accurate advice on property values. They should have an extensive database of agent contacts to help you find off-market properties.
How Do I find A Buyers’ Agent?
Apart from searching online, ask a local selling agent if they have seen a good buyers agent in action. You can also ask family, friends and work colleagues about their experience with using buyers agents.
An important question to ask a buyers agent is whether they are truly “exclusive” or “independent”. If they accept sales commission from vendors or developers then they cannot be classified as “independent” as they are acting in the interests of the seller. Only deal with a licensed buyers agent (you can check license via the Office of Fair Trading in each state) and one that is a recognised member of your state Real Estate Institute and the Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia.
There are seven factors to consider when selecting a good buyers agent.
Is it affordable to use a buyers’ agent?
Yes. We typically save our clients far more than our fee in the transaction by negotiating well. We assist property buyers of all budgets, saving you money by doing extensive research and analysis, looking at comparable sales and market data, and by negotiating hard to secure the best price, terms
Are buyers’
If you are purchasing a property for investment purposes, the cost of using a buyers’ agent is generally tax deductible (forms part of the acquisition or “cost base”). Check with your accountant to see if the fee would be tax deductible in your case.
Do you offer any guarantees with your service?
Propertybuyer is currently the most awarded Buyers Agency in Australia, and this public scrutiny is an unbiased testament to our integrity, value
We guarantee not to waste your valuable time sourcing inappropriate properties. We will deflect all the stress and detail and save you months of endless searching. We will spend time with you up front so that we clearly understand your needs and will target the search based on agreed preferences. With our help, you will save time, money and stress on your next property purchase. You will gain access to more properties, be better informed about comparable sales, the true value of a property and capital growth projections for the area, and you will make a more informed decision. When you decide on the right property, we will negotiate for you so you will be able to make a rational decision about price without the stress and pressure of dealing with real estate agents or having to negotiate.
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
We have professional indemnity insurance to $4 million.
What is the process and how long will it take?
Our average turnaround time for investors is around 30 days and for home buyers between 40 to 65 days. After the initial meeting, where our services are further explained, questions are answered and your “buyers brief” is established, an engagement fee is paid (this amount varies according to the service you choose). Once your finance is pre-approved, the engagement fee is paid, and you are ready to buy, the search begins. We conduct thorough research and then present you with a shortlist of properties. The decision to buy is then yours.
If I engage the services of
Yes – as long as your buyers brief is realistic. We guarantee to give you personal and professional service and a detailed analysis
We work with you in partnership to help you
We will always be working in your best interests and
What suburbs do you cover? Do you
For investors (residential and commercial), we source investment property Australia-Wide. We are constantly researching and reviewing the market for “property hot spots” and look for areas that have consistently performed well for capital growth and rental return or have significant potential for capital growth due to infrastructure and population drivers. Becoming a client of
For home buyers, prestige buyers and first home buyers, in Sydney, we
(our Buyers Agents are all long-term residents of Sydney, so we know this city very well:)
(We also cover other areas on request or we can refer you to our network of trusted buyers agents in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Hobart and Darwin or in other States)
I live and work overseas – how can you service my needs from this distance?
We regularly assist overseas buyers and expats. We communicate via phone, email or skype regularly. We are aware of the time differences and will often call an overseas client very late at night or early morning. Once the “buyers brief” is established 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 photo and virtual tours of the property and its location. All features of the property, both good and bad, will be communicated so you can make a fully informed decision. We regularly purchase properties for overseas clients that do not inspect the property prior to purchase. We take extra care to make sure all inspections are completed thoroughly.
No,
We will contact you via email and phone about suitable properties as soon as they are found and the criteria are matched. We will physically inspect the property before it is presented to
How do I get in contact with a buyers’ agent?
Contact
What is the difference between a buyers’ agent and a selling agent?
The key difference between a buyers’ agent and a traditional selling agent is who they represent. A buyers’ agent works exclusively for the buyer, whereas the selling agent works for the vendor (seller). By
An important question to ask a buyers’ agent is whether they are truly “exclusive” or “independent”. If they accept sales commission from vendors or developers then they cannot be classified as “independent” as they are acting in the interests of the seller. Only deal with a licensed buyers’ agent. You can check
A buyers’ agent aims to secure the property for the lowest price and best conditions possible for you, the buyer. The selling agent wants to get the highest price and best conditions for the vendor (seller).
Do you ever represent the vendor in selling a property?
No. We never sell
Where a client is planning to sell their home we can provide assistance with selecting the best local agent and negotiating the best terms for the marketing strategy (this service is called “Vendor Advocacy”).
Do you source properties for home buyers (owner occupiers) as well as investors?
Yes. Our goal for every client is to find the right property, at the right price,
What if I find (or buy) a property myself after I have engaged your services for the full search?
We work in partnership with our clients. It is only natural for many people to still keep an eye on the property market, even while we are looking for you. If you do happen to identify a property that we haven’t seen, then just let us know and we can provide a full appraisal. Once
With our help, you will make a more informed choice and won’t be swayed by emotional marketing – so you will save yourself money anyway.
One of the requirements of working with us is that you communicate openly and honestly with us at all times.
Are you a member of a professional industry association?
Yes –
NSW Real Estate Institute: Rich is the Chairman of the Buyers’ Agents Chapter Committee which meets regularly to advise the Institute on a range of policy matters to improve the professional standards within the Buyers Agents industry.
Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA). This association aims to raise the profile of the industry and to establish guidelines for the professional conduct of buyers’ agents. Rich Harvey is the current President of REBAA! (and has previously served as the NSW State Representative) and one of the original members.
PIPA- Property Investment Professionals of Australia –
How Do I become A buyers’ agent?
Complete A Quick Property Brief To Get Started
Get an expert in your corner.
Step 1 – Tell us your requirements in the short Property Brief to be matched with one of our expert buyers’ agents who specialise in that area. Once you’ve hit send, we will review the Brief and arrange a consultation to discuss your details and the next steps. Please note the first consultation is obligation free.
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