Buying Advice
Buyers Agent vs Real Estate Agent: What's the Difference?
Buyers agent, sellers agent, buyers advocate — the terminology gets confusing. Here's a plain-English breakdown of who works for who and why it matters.
Buyers agent, buyers advocate, real estate agent, selling agent. It's easy to lose track of who does what. Here's the short version: a real estate agent works for the seller. A buyers agent works for you.
What a Real Estate Agent Does
A real estate agent (also called a selling agent) represents the seller. Their job is to market the property, attract buyers, and get the highest possible price for their client — the vendor. They're paid by the seller, typically a commission of 2% to 3% of the sale price.
They're not working against you, but they're not working for you either. Their loyalty is to the vendor. Keep that in mind every time you speak to one at an open home or during negotiation.
What a Buyers Agent Does
A buyers agent works exclusively for the buyer. They search for properties, assess them, and negotiate the purchase on your behalf. Their job is to get you the right property at the best possible price and terms.
A good buyers agent will:
- Get to know your brief and budget properly
- Search and shortlist suitable properties, including off-market ones
- Do the due diligence so you don't have to
- Negotiate the purchase price and conditions
- Bid at auction on your behalf if needed
Can Someone Be Both?
Technically yes, but they should never act for both sides in the same transaction. That's a serious conflict of interest. If you're speaking to a buyers agent, ask them directly whether they accept any commissions or incentives from selling agents or developers. A genuine buyers agent won't.
How Each Gets Paid
| | Buyers Agent | Real Estate Agent | |---|---|---| | Works for | Buyer | Seller | | Paid by | Buyer | Seller | | Main goal | Best deal for the buyer | Highest price for the seller | | Fees | Flat fee or % of purchase price | Commission from sale | | Cost to buyer | Yes | Nothing directly |
Using a real estate agent to find a property as a buyer costs you nothing directly. But remember — they're incentivised to close the deal at the highest price. That's not the same as looking out for your interests.
Do You Need a Buyers Agent?
It depends on your situation. A buyers agent is worth considering if you're:
- Buying in a competitive or unfamiliar market
- Short on time and want someone to manage the process
- Buying interstate or from overseas
- Not confident negotiating or bidding at auction
- Tired of missing out and want professional support
You probably don't need one if you:
- Know the area well and have bought there before
- Have time to do your own research and due diligence
- Are confident negotiating and comfortable at auction
- Are buying in a slow market with low competition
What to Look for When Choosing a Buyers Agent
- Licensed: Confirm they hold a real estate licence in your state
- Independent: No kickbacks or referral fees from developers or selling agents
- Local knowledge: Experience specifically in your target area and property type
- Track record: Ask for recent examples of purchases they've helped with
- Clear fees: Get the full fee structure in writing before you sign anything
- Communication: Someone you can actually talk to, who keeps you informed
- Off-market access: Strong agent networks mean more options
Watch Out For
- Agents who can't demonstrate genuine local experience
- Vague or verbal fee agreements — always get it in writing
- Anyone who guarantees outcomes or promises they can always find off-market deals
- Agents who seem to have relationships with particular developers or projects
Read our full guide on how to choose a buyers agent
The Bottom Line
The key difference is simple: a real estate agent is paid by the seller and works for the seller. A buyers agent is paid by you and works for you. Whether that's worth the cost depends on your situation, your experience, and the market you're buying in.