Buying Advice
How to Choose a Buyers Agent
There are hundreds of buyers agents in Australia. Here's what to actually look for, what to ask, and what should make you walk away.
There are hundreds of buyers agents in Australia. Some have better marketing than others. But at the end of the day, you're looking for someone who understands your needs, knows the market, and can actually get it done.
Here's what to look for.
1. Experience and Track Record
Look for an agent with a proven record of purchases in your target area and property type. Someone who specialises in what you're buying is far more valuable than a generalist.
Ask them:
- How many properties have you helped buyers purchase in my target area in the past year?
- What types of properties do you have the most experience with?
- Can you share an example of a particularly difficult purchase you've negotiated?
2. Licensing
A buyers agent must hold a real estate licence. Check this before you engage anyone. Here's where to verify by state:
- NSW — NSW Fair Trading
- VIC — Consumer Affairs Victoria
- QLD — Office of Fair Trading Queensland
- SA — Consumer and Business Services SA
- WA — Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
- TAS — Property Agents Board Tasmania
- NT — Licensing NT
- ACT — Access Canberra
Professional memberships like REBAA, PIPA, API, or REIA are a good sign but not mandatory. They show the agent takes their professional standing seriously.
Ask them:
- Are you a fully licensed real estate agent? What is your licence number?
- Do you hold any professional memberships?
3. Local Knowledge
A good buyers agent knows the area you're buying in, not just broadly but specifically. They should understand pricing trends, what's actually selling and for how much, planned infrastructure, and which streets or pockets to avoid.
Ask them:
- Can you show me examples of properties you've secured in this area recently?
- How do you stay across local market conditions?
- Are there any developments or infrastructure changes coming that I should know about?
4. Independence
A genuine buyers agent works exclusively for buyers. Some agents have relationships with developers or projects that can subtly influence what they recommend. Ask directly.
Ask them:
- Do you accept any commissions or payments from vendors or developers?
- How do you make sure your recommendations are independent?
5. Fee Structure
Understand exactly what you're paying and when. Get it in writing. Common structures are a flat fee or a percentage of the purchase price, sometimes with an upfront retainer.
Ask them:
- What is your full fee structure?
- Are there any additional costs I should know about?
- When are fees payable?
Read our full guide on buyers agent fees
6. Their Process
A professional buyers agent should be able to walk you through their process clearly, from understanding your brief through to settlement. If they're vague about how they work, that's worth noting.
Ask them:
- What does your process look like from first meeting to settlement?
- How often will you update me and how?
- How do you handle communication during negotiation?
7. Specialisation
Some agents focus on investment properties, others on prestige homes, first home buyers, or development sites. Someone whose experience aligns with your goals will give you better advice than a generalist.
Ask them:
- Do you specialise in home buying, investment property, or something else?
- Have you worked with buyers with similar goals to mine?
- What types of properties do you typically recommend and why?
8. Reviews and References
Read their reviews. Check Google, look them up on the site here, ask for references you can actually contact. A good agent should have no hesitation putting you in touch with past clients.
Ask them:
- Can you provide references from recent clients?
- Where can I read reviews of your work?
9. Workload and Exclusivity
An agent with too many clients at once can't give each one proper attention. Also consider whether they're working with multiple buyers in the same area with the same budget — that can create internal competition.
Ask them:
- How many clients are you currently working with?
- Will I be working directly with you or with a junior team member?
10. Their Network
A well-connected buyers agent gets early access to off-market properties and hears about opportunities before they're listed. This is a real advantage in a competitive market.
Ask them:
- How strong are your relationships with local selling agents?
- How do you find off-market properties for clients?
11. Personal Fit
You'll be working closely with this person for weeks or months. If something feels off in the first conversation, it probably will throughout the process. Trust your instincts.
Ask yourself:
- Did I feel heard in the first conversation?
- Were they straightforward and easy to talk to?
- Do I trust their judgement?
12. Their Own Property Experience
An agent who invests personally often brings a different level of insight into property selection and risk. Not essential, but worth asking about.
Ask them:
- Do you invest in property yourself?
- What areas have you purchased in and why?
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Pressure to make quick decisions
- Vague or verbal-only fee structures
- Any connection to the selling side of the transaction
- Limited or no track record in your target area
- Promises of guaranteed outcomes or guaranteed off-market access
Take Your Time
Don't rush this decision. Talk to a few agents, compare them properly, and choose someone you're confident in. This person will be representing your interests in one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make.