FAQ

Learn more about how we help property buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buyers Agents

What is a buyer's agent?

A buyer’s agent – also known as a buyer’s advocate – is a licensed real estate professional who works exclusively for a buyer to search for, evaluate and negotiate the purchase of a property. This property can be an investment property or an owner-occupied home.

A buyer’s agent is the opposite of a selling agent as the selling agent (typically more common) works with the seller to get a sale and is usually paid to achieve a sale.

What is the difference between a buyers agent and a ‘normal’ agent?

There are selling agents or typically what a lot of people refer to as ‘real estate agents’ or ‘property agents’ and they are usually the ones with their faces on for sale signs or on ads. While they can sometimes help to find you a property, these are often ones that they are also selling. They usually work for a commission of the sale, so they are motivated by a sale. Buyer’s agents work only for the buyer and help the buyer to look for properties and negotiate with owners or selling agents (often ones that are motivated by getting a sale) to get you the best deal. At Buyers Agency Co, we work off a flat fee so there is no bias to get you a higher valued property for a higher commission. We work for your goals.

Why do I need a buyer’s agent?

Using a buyers’ agent, you will:

  1. save money as BAs can often get you a better deal, and reduce the risk of costly issues
  2. know what to buy and what NOT to buy
  3. save time as BAs have access to a lot more opportunities and a lot of time monitoring and researching the market
  4. reduce stress and be empowered with experienced and researched knowledge to make an informed decision
  5. avoid emotional biases and sales ‘hype’
  6. have access to off-market properties and explore areas you are not familiar with
  7. have an expert negotiate effectively for your interests, and tell you when to walk away from a property
  8. have an expert assess and review properties to ensure you’re making the best decisions
  9. access to a well-established network of property professionals to help you in other aspects of your journey
  10. make the best decision for your goals

What makes a good buyer's agent?

Firstly, a true buyer’s agent works exclusively for you and is independent (not 'tied' to a finance broker or property manager)

There are 14 key factors to consider when selecting a good buyer’s agent.

  1. Goals – Do they understand your goals?
  2. Results oriented - what have they achieved? Are they just going to be a property buyer to get paid or a goal achiever?
  3. Advice and partnering – Do they help to guide your decisions or just tick the box?
  4. Research focus – how much research they conduct and what is their methodology for determining good properties
  5. Expertise – how much do they know about the markets to know how they work, zoning laws to create opportunities and avoid risks, and even property management, maintenance and construction so can avoid any issues.
  6. Market coverage – which areas do they work in?
  7. Network – what other property professionals are in their team?
  8. Off market can your buyer’s agent access off-market properties (opportunities that are not yet advertised)
  9. Industry experience - how long have they been in the industry?
  10. Cost - confirm fee structures and check they don’t get kickbacks from agents, property managers and settlement agents.
  11. Credentials - check licencing, qualifications, and affiliations
  12. Do they play the property game for themselves? – Too many buyers agents claim to be pro property, but don’t own a single investment property themselves.
  13. We work with all residential property buyers - whether you’re looking for a first home, a luxury home, or an investment property, we have the experience and expertise to assist you. 

Our buyer’s agents have supported a range of goals, with different budgets and search criteria, and we tailor our approach to suit you based on your individual circumstances.

Costs

Is it affordable to use a buyers’ agent?

If you are purchasing an investment property, the cost of using a buyers’ agent is generally tax deductible. However, always check with your accountant to see if it is applicable in your case.

Are buyers’ agents fees tax deductible?

If you are purchasing a property for investment purposes, the cost of using a buyers’ agent is generally tax deductible on sales of the property. However, always check with your accountant to see if the fee would be tax deductible in your case.

Do you offer any guarantees with your service?

While we cannot make any guarantees because of the many variables our service relies on, we work extremely hard to help you find the best property for your goals. Achieving your goals is what drives us and why we exist.

Services and Process

What is the general process?

Refer to our process

Do you only buy in Perth?

We predominantly buy in Western Australia (Perth Metro and Regional locations - including WA mining towns)

How long will it take?

It depends on the goals and criteria for every buyer and while we want to ensure we work with a timeline; we do not want that to be the biggest factor and affect the quality of the purchase. Our turnaround time for is between 4-20 weeks depending on how many unsuccessful offers there are and if we must give flexible settlement dates.

Is there any limit to the number of properties you will present to me before I make a purchasing decision?

Absolutely not. However, we may qualify properties against yours and our criteria before we present to save you time in the property search, while presenting some comparisons. Our buyer’s agency agreement has an initial period of 6 months, and we expect to help you achieve your goals during that time.

I've already chosen a property to buy - can you help me?

Yes! We can help to review the property and also negotiate the purchase for you, however if the property does not meet our criteria and methodology, we may not be able to support the process.

I want to develop - can you help?

Absolutely – we can help to find you a site or property for development or assess your property for development. We regularly source development sites and properties on behalf of our clients and can recommend suitable consultants to assist.

Accreditations

Are you a member of a professional industry association?

Yes. We are members of REIWA and have a Real Estate License. Our licensee also has numerous other property related qualification which arguably make us one of the most strategically rounded buyer’s agents in Perth.