How to Choose a Buyers Agent: A Step-by-Step Guide

how to choose a buyers agent
Written by Aife Raveche 
on 24 Jun, 2024

Understanding Buyers Agents: Choose The Right Buyers Agent For You

What is a Buyer’s Agent?

How to choose a buyers agent? The first step is understanding their role and how they can best help you.

A buyer’s agent is a licensed real estate professional who acts in their clients’ best interest such as property investors, home buyers, and commercial property buyers.

A buyer’s agent helps clients make informed decisions when buying a property, ensuring a solid return on investment.

As your trusted buyer’s agent in Melbourne, Raveche Property always works with your best interests at the forefront. We are licensed professionals and work independently on your behalf. We partner with you to secure the best property, for the best price.

Consider us as your trusted sidekick and property expert, there to take the stress out of buying.

Whether you’re looking to purchase an investment property or your dream home — Raveche Property has the insight and experience that takes the stress out of buying property.

The Role of A Buyers Agents: Working For You

Buyer’s agents work exclusively for you — the buyer. Selling agents and Real Estate agents work for the seller of the property. It is important to note that legally, a buyer’s and selling agent cannot act on behalf of or accept a fee from both parties during a property transaction.

Great buyer’s agents will support you throughout the entire sales process to secure a long-term investment.

an image of a family with a buyers agent

Evaluating Your Agent’s Expertise and Services

Industry Experience and Local Knowledge

Ask about the buyer’s agent’s industry experience and local knowledge of the area you’re looking to buy in. Ensure they understand the real estate market and can provide valuable insights. Look at their testimonials and case studies to see their successful purchases.

An experienced agent with local knowledge is extremely advantageous and can help you make the right investment decision.

We talk property all day, every day, so you know we have the full picture when searching for real estate. We will provide you with a competitive edge, ensuring you make informed decisions that set you up for success.

Access to Off Market Properties and Exclusive Listings

The best buyer’s agents have an extensive real estate network to help you discover certain properties that are off-market and exclusive listings.

At Raveche Property, we’re well-connected to local selling and real estate agents, granting us access to these opportunities.

This can be advantageous for potential buyers, who can find the right property without going to auction. This network allows us to provide a wider range of options, increasing your chances of finding the perfect investment property or new home.

Off-market properties are the hidden gems of the real estate industry, and gaining access to these before they go to market can make a critical difference.

What Services Do They Offer?

When choosing your agent, understand the extent of their service and ensure it aligns with your needs.

A full-service buyer’s agent should offer property search, negotiation, and due diligence services to ensure a smooth buying process.

They’re there to act as your trusted advisor and should provide reputable advice and guidance throughout the entire buying process.

In a diverse and competitive market, Raveche is here to support you throughout the entire buying process and help you save money where possible.

Our comprehensive service caters to your personal property needs with all the important details taken care of by our team of experts to ensure you purchase an investment grade property.

Our Services In A Snapshot

  • Our buyer’s agent will start by deeply understanding your needs, preferences, and financial considerations.
  • We leverage our extensive and established real estate network to research market listings. We conduct thorough property searches and research to find you the right investment property or home.
  • We work solely for your best interests to achieve the best outcome for your budget, brief, and desired purchase price. We work alongside you throughout the process as your support and expert guide.
  • We are your representative to inspect, go to auction, bid, and negotiate. We are expert negotiators and can help you purchase your dream property for the best price.
an image of buyers agents services

Assessing Credentials and Insurance

Professional Indemnity Insurance

When finding the right buyer’s advocate, the most essential step is checking their credentials, qualifications and insurance.

You should ensure you’re entering business with a licensed professional and you’re protected by insurance.

Ensure your buyer’s agent has professional indemnity insurance to protect you from potential losses. Learn more about professional indemnity insurance in Victoria and how it protects you.

What Are Their Credentials and Qualifications?

When choosing your agent, ensure they have the right credentials and qualifications, such as licenses and certifications, to ensure they are a professional buyer’s agent.

Another credential to look for is a real estate license — which a buyer’s agent must possess by law. If you are wondering how to become a buyers agent, becoming licensed is essential. You can also check their registration on the consumer affairs website to ensure they are a legitimate real estate agent.

Your potential agent may list their history within the real estate industry on their site. This should give you insight into their experience, credentials and areas of specialisation within the industry.

This information can be available on their website, but it’s a good idea to check for yourself through the official channels.

Choosing The Right Fit For Your Property Goals

Whether or not you engage a buyer’s agent is ultimately a personal choice for every potential buyer. Consider their experience, network and working style to ensure you get true value when engaging your agent.

They may seem the perfect fit on paper, but you should always meet in person or via call before signing the contract.

You and your agent will be working very closely together, likely over an extended period. With this in mind, ensure you establish a strong working relationship with open communication.

This can greatly influence your experience during the property buying process.

an image of a happy family that bought a house

What Are Their Fees and Payment Structures?

Buyers should know how much buyers’ agents charge and the pricing models they use to structure their fees. A Buyer’s agent’s fee structure can vary, but they typically charge in one of three pricing models — a flat fee, percentage fee, and tiered fixed fee.

The agent may also have additional charges for services such as pest inspection or assistance with legal paperwork. Understand their fee structure, including tender contracts or percentage-based fees, to ensure it aligns with your budget.

Do They Own Any Property?

Ask your agent if they own property. Although it may seem obvious, you should always ensure they’ve had first-hand experience in being a buyer themselves. A buyers agent is there to be your expert in property buying. You wouldn’t take swimming lessons from someone who’s never been in the water!

Ensure their experience in buying for themselves doesn’t impact their ability to be unbiased when working with you.

They might have preconceived notions about certain areas of Melbourne that will impact their ability to be impartial or even be looking to buy in the same location as you! Although this scenario is unlikely, there’s never a harm in checking.

Assess Their Professionalism and Communication Style

When choosing the right buyer’s agent, experience and expertise are key. An experienced buyer’s agent can make all the difference.

Meet with potential buyers agents to assess their experience, network and communication style to ensure they’re right for you. A good buyer’s agent should communicate effectively and provide regular updates throughout.

When you meet with any potential buyer’s agent, don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure they’re the right fit. Assess their professionalism and communication style to ensure they are responsive to your needs and concerns.

Complete your due diligence to ensure they can help you reach your property goals. This knowledge from our guide will greatly assist any buyer who wants to know how to choose a buyer’s agent.

Contact Raveche Property today to find your ideal property with the experts!

About the Author

Director & Officer in Effective Control – Vendor and Buyer Advocate Meet Aífe Raveche, your local Buyer and Vendor Advocate and the Director of Raveche Property. With more than a decade of experience in the real estate game, Aífe’s got the inside scoop on everything from property law to managing, selling, and even auctioneering property in both Queensland and Victoria. She’s not just about suits and contracts, Aífe is also the voice behind “The Property Files” podcast, where she sits down with other allied industry professionals and dishes out real estate wisdom with a side of humour and relatability. Aífe’s main mantra in business and in life is that everyone should have access to good and reliable information when it comes to property - she assists those around her to navigate through the often deliberately confusing landscape that is negotiation, asset selection and real estate.
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