The Truth About Off-Market Property: When It’s Worth It (and When It’s Not)

The Truth About Off-Market Property: When It’s Worth It (and When It’s Not)

Off-market property (or offmarket property) isn’t a cheat code. Here’s how to find off-market properties, spot time-wasters, price them correctly, and negotiate terms that win.


If you’ve been house-hunting for a while, you’ve heard the whisper: “The best homes sell off-market.” Sometimes that’s true. Often it isn’t.


After buying more than 200 properties, here’s the reality: a small subset of off-market opportunities are genuinely worth your time; a large share are mispriced, mismanaged, or not truly for sale. This guide explains what “off-market” (and “offmarket”) actually means, how to find off-market properties without wasting months, and how to sort winners from time-wasters—fast.



What “Off-Market” Really Means (and the Variants You’ll See)


“Off-market” generally means a property not advertised publicly on major portals. Instead, it’s floated quietly to a small pool of buyers.


  • Silent listing: No public ads; shared privately with vetted buyers by phone or email.
  • Pre-market: An early window before a planned public campaign.
  • Database only: An agent circulates a low-fi PDF or a few iPhone photos to known buyers.
  • Private sale with confidentiality: The seller wants minimal exposure for privacy or sensitive circumstances.
  • Soft test of price: The owner wants feedback on value before paying for marketing and styling.

Key idea: Off-market isn’t automatically “secret” or “cheap.” It’s simply less public. Your advantage depends on why it’s off-market and how you navigate the process.



Why So Many Off-Market Properties Waste Your Time


Classic non-genuine scenarios that chew up hours and go nowhere:


  1. “Just testing”: Owner fishing for a number, not yet a seller.
  2. Failed past campaign: Owner previously listed and didn’t sell; now trying quietly to avoid another public fail.
  3. Dependent seller: “We’ll sell once we buy,” but they’re not actively looking.
  4. Unrealistic price: Owner wants well above market to “make it worth it.”
  5. Inspection friction: Limited access; you can’t bring your inspector through.
  6. Hostile tenants: Tenants refuse inspections or sabotage presentation.
  7. Ownership misalignment: A part-owner pushes a sale without full consent.
  8. Estate complications: Probate not granted or beneficiaries can’t agree on method/price.

Can these be solved? Sometimes. But the friction cost and deal risk are high. Recognise them early and preserve your time for genuine opportunities.



What a Genuine Off-Market Opportunity Looks Like (Green Flags)


  • Real seller + realistic price: The owner is ready to transact and the ask aligns with comparable sales.
  • Clear motive for going quiet: Privacy, speed, cost control (avoiding marketing/styling), or sensitive circumstances.
  • Time-bounded need: The seller values certainty and efficiency over the chance of a slightly higher price later.
  • Cooperative access: Proper inspections and due diligence allowed.
  • Straightforward title/tenancy: Co-owners aligned, tenants cooperative or vacant.
  • Prepared paperwork: Contract draft and key documents are in motion; the vendor’s lawyer is engaged.


Are Off-Market Properties Worth It?


Sometimes—for three reasons:


  • Less competition: Fewer eyeballs can mean less pressure and fewer bidding theatrics.
  • Better terms: Win on certainty and speed (deposit structure, settlement timing, inclusions) not just on price.
  • Process control: Shape the deal without waiting for public open homes.

But weigh the trade-offs:


  • Thin price discovery: Without public feedback, asking prices can be anchored too high.
  • Selection bias: Agents sometimes channel tricky stock off-market first.
  • Operational risk: Limited time, incomplete documents, or constrained access can lead to rushed decisions.


How to Find Off-Market Properties (Without Burning Months)


1) Build (or borrow) authentic agent relationships


Agents prioritise buyers who are clear, responsive, and decisive. Share a tight buy box and prove you’re easy to deal with.


2) Track pre-market signals


  • Fresh signboards without a corresponding online listing
  • Photographers or stylists visiting a property
  • Agency “coming soon” social posts or buyer-database emails

3) Use targeted owner outreach—respectfully


In specific streets or buildings, a polite, specific letter can surface a seller. Avoid spam.


4) Monitor agency websites and databases


Many agencies show sneak peeks on their own sites or push to their buyer lists days before portals.


5) Work with a buyer’s agent who actually screens


Filtering non-genuine stock is a full-time job. The real value isn’t “more listings”—it’s wasting less time and escalating the right ones.



The Fast Filter: Opportunity or Time-Waster?


Use this 10-question triage. Five or more “yes” answers ≈ real opportunity; three or fewer suggests “park it” unless price is unusually attractive.


  1. Is the owner a seller now (not “maybe later”)?
  2. Is the ask within a defensible comparable-sales band?
  3. Is there a clear motive (privacy, speed, cost saving, or circumstance)?
  4. Can you inspect promptly and thoroughly?
  5. Has the seller engaged a lawyer/conveyancer?
  6. Are key docs available (contract; strata/HOA records if applicable)?
  7. Are title and tenancy clean (co-owners aligned; tenant cooperation documented)?
  8. Will the seller consider terms that reduce your risk?
  9. Is there a realistic pathway to exchange (no hidden blockers like probate delays)?
  10. Are agent communications transparent and consistent?

Score guide: 8–10 yes = strong candidate; 5–7 = conditional; 0–4 = high friction.



Pricing Off-Market: How to Value Without the Crowd


  • Time: Prior 6–12 months in the closest possible micro-area.
  • Adjust: Land content, plan efficiency, light/outlook, privacy/noise, parking, renovation scope, and condition.
  • Band not a number: Define Fair, Stretch, and Walk-Away.
  • Context: Buyer depth, recent failed campaigns, and uniqueness.


Negotiating Off-Market: Win on Certainty, Not Just Price


  • Price anchored to your comp band
  • Expiry/fuse to avoid endless shopping
  • Deposit structure and proof of funds
  • Settlement timing that solves for the seller
  • Inclusions documented
  • Due-diligence access (where lawful)
  • Clear path to decision-makers

Helpful tactics: Ask early, “What outcome—price and timing—would get this done quietly?” Solve problems (access, timing, storage) and be the lowest-risk buyer with fast paperwork and clean conditions where lawful.



Due Diligence Off-Market: The Non-Negotiables


  1. Contract review by a property solicitor/conveyancer
  2. Title checks: easements, covenants, encroachments
  3. Building & pest (or relevant apartment/building review)
  4. Strata/HOA: reserves, major defects, insurance, by-laws, pets, any short-stay rules
  5. Compliance: unapproved works, fire safety, pool/barrier rules where applicable
  6. Environmental & micro-location: flood, drainage, noise corridors, utility corridors, infrastructure pipeline
  7. Cost plan: immediate repairs vs staged upgrades with realistic pricing

If you can’t inspect properly or review documents in time, don’t compensate by paying more. Process beats pressure.



A Simple Off-Market Workflow (End-to-End)


  1. Strategy & brief: Buy box, valuation method, hard red lines.
  2. Coverage: Agent networks, pre-market signals, owner letters.
  3. Screen: 10-question triage; park low scores unless price compensates.
  4. Diligence & value: Contract/title + building/strata; set Fair/Stretch/Walk-Away.
  5. Offer & negotiate: Clean, low-friction offer tailored to the seller’s constraints.
  6. Exchange & settlement: Lock down timelines, responsibilities, and immediate post-settlement works.


People Also Ask / FAQ


Is off-market property cheaper?

Not by default. Some sellers will accept a fair price for speed and certainty, while others anchor high without market feedback. Comparable sales are your anchor.


How do I find off-market properties?

Build relationships with agents, watch pre-market signals, join agency databases, and use respectful owner outreach in defined pockets.


Are off-market properties worth it?

They can be—when the seller is real, pricing aligns with comps, and you can complete proper due diligence.


What’s the difference between off-market and pre-market?

Off-market may never go public; pre-market is an early window before a planned public campaign.


Can I negotiate better terms off-market?

Often yes. Certainty, speed, and clean paperwork can beat a slightly higher number from a riskier buyer.


What due diligence should I do off-market?

Exactly what you’d do publicly: contract/title checks, building & pest, strata/HOA review, compliance, and environmental overlays.


Is “offmarket property” the same as “off-market property”?

Yes. Use both variants naturally; the hyphenated form is standard in formal writing.



Ready to Find the Right Property?


Let’s make your search easier and more successful. Book a call with me here and we’ll map the fastest path to the right purchase.


Book a call



✅ Off-Market Property Checklist


Use this quick checklist to spot genuine opportunities, avoid time-wasters, and move confidently on the best off-market deals in your area.


Step 1: Spot Genuine Opportunities


  • Seller is committed to transact now (not “just testing”)
  • Asking price is within a reasonable band of comparable sales
  • Clear reason for off-market (privacy, speed, sensitive circumstances)
  • Access granted for proper inspections and due diligence
  • Vendor’s lawyer engaged and draft contract available


Step 2: Screen for Red Flags


  • No unrealistic pricing far above recent sales
  • No hostile tenants or access restrictions
  • No unresolved ownership or probate disputes
  • No “dependent sellers” (only selling if they buy first)


Step 3: Value & Compare


  • Review 6–12 months of nearby comparable sales
  • Adjust for land size, parking, light, privacy, condition
  • Set your “Fair / Stretch / Walk-Away” price bands


Step 4: Negotiate Smart


  • Structure offer with clear terms (price, deposit, timing, inclusions)
  • Provide certainty (finance ready, clean conditions, quick paperwork)
  • Ask: “What outcome would get this done quietly?”


Step 5: Complete Due Diligence


  • Contract & title review by solicitor/conveyancer
  • Building & pest inspection (or strata report for apartments)
  • Check overlays: flood, bushfire, easements, zoning constraints
  • Confirm compliance (approvals, fire safety, pool/barrier rules)

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12 popular buyers agent questions answered 

 

When it comes to buying a property, many people assume that they can navigate the process on their own. However, purchasing a home or an investment property is often a complex and time-consuming process that requires expert knowledge and guidance. This is where a buyers agent can be incredibly valuable. A buyers agent is a licensed real estate professional who specializes in representing the interests of homebuyers. 

 

In this article, we will explore what a buyer’s agent is and the benefits they offer, as well as when it is appropriate to engage their services. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, understanding the role of a buyer’s agent can make all the difference in finding your dream property.

 

What You’ll Learn From This Article

 

  1. What is a buyers agent? 
  2. What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a buyers agent?
  3. How much do buyers agents charge?
  4. Are buyers agents worth it?
  5. How much will it cost me not to use a buyer’s agent?
  6. Do i need a buyers agent in today’s market?
  7. How to choose a buyers agent?
  8. What questions should i ask a buyer’s agent before hiring them?
  9. Can you claim buyer’s agent fees on tax?
  10. Can a property seller contact the buyer agent directly?
  11. Do i have to sign a buyer agent agreement?
  12. Can you have multiple buyers agents?

 

What is a buyers agent?

A buyer’s agent is a fully licensed property agent who works on behalf of a homebuyer or property investor in a real estate transaction. The primary responsibility of a buyer’s agent is to help their client find and purchase a home that meets their specific needs and budget.

 

Buyer’s agents work exclusively with buyers and are therefore focused on helping buyers navigate the complex and sometimes overwhelming process of purchasing a home. They typically have extensive knowledge of a local real estate market and relationships with a network of selling agents in that area.  

 

Buyer agents offer purchasers transparency and clarity around price and market value by researching comparable sales transactions and will drive the due diligence and research process to mitigate the risk of a purchased property causing problems or stress to its new owner in the future. 

 

The way a property is marketed, negotiated, and sold depends on many factors including demand for that property type, the expectations of the vendor, and the particular style of the sales agent. Every transaction is unique and a buyers agent’s experience navigating the many variations of the sales process and the legal and financial requirements involved can undoubtedly give a purchaser an advantage.

 

Another of the key benefits of working with a buyer’s agent is that they can provide objective advice and representation throughout the home buying process which may otherwise become an emotional decision. 

 

Because they work solely on behalf of the buyer, they can help their clients make informed decisions without being influenced by any other parties involved in the transaction. Additionally, many buyer’s agents will deploy methods and resources that can help buyers find and evaluate the right property more efficiently than they might be able to on their own. This includes accessing properties not listed for sale by traditional means (off-market or silent listings). 

What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a buyers agent?

Buying and selling real estate can be complicated. That’s where buyers agents and real estate agents come in. A real estate agent is a professional who sells properties. Who does a real estate agent represent? The seller. Real estate agents are paid through commission from either the seller or the vendor. A buyer’s agent, exclusively represents the buyer. They act in the buyer’s best interest and help them through the process of securing the property they want.

 

How much do buyers agents charge?

Many buyer’s agents charge for service like a real estate sales agent ie, a percentage commission. This can make sense if you’re selling a property as the sales agent is incentivised to achieve a higher sales price. Paying more commission to your buyers agent the more you pay for your property can make less sense for buyers In hotter market years such as during 2020- 2021, Unicorn Buyers Agents offered fixed fees, to protect our clients.

 

In neutral or cooler years we offer a percentage-based fee capped at a pre-agreed rate. This way our buyers may benefit from a lower-than-expected commission whilst also having the peace of mind of knowing the maximum they’ll pay. 

For maximum flexibility and transparency, we offer clients the choice to lock in a fixed fee or to hire us on a percentage-based fee capped at a pre-agreed amount.

 

Are buyers agents worth it?

In Australia until recently the use of a professional buyers agent to undertake one’s search and property purchase was uncommon.

 

Sydney house hunters have long been resigned to the stresses of endless weekend inspections and annoying agent phone calls, not to mention having to negotiate with seasoned professionals trained in the art of extracting the highest possible price for their client- the seller. 

 

In the last few years however Australians are increasingly following the trend of their US counterparts to engage a buyers agent to find, negotiate and secure residential owner-occupied and investment property. Why?

 

 The competition for the best property in the most desirable suburbs has intensified, with a significant percentage invisible to the average house hunter. Property prices have spiked- and so has the cost of making a mistake. And we have increasingly become time-poor professionals who realise the value in deploying another professional to do what they do best.

 

Hiring a buyers agent does make sense but what can you expect for your money, and how will you assess the value of your buyers agent’s services?

 

A good buyer’s agent in Sydney will understand your brief in detail, then tailor their services and fees to your exact needs. This may be as simple as attending an auction to bid on your behalf, or appraising a property you have found, or conducting the entire search campaign all the way from day one to contract settlement.

 

  • ‘Bid at auction’ gets you a hired gun as your proxy on the big day. They will bid, deploying one of many strategies they have available, which they believe is best on the day to secure the property for you for the lowest price possible whilst taking into consideration other bidders, and the auctioneers style.
  • An appraisal and negotiate service will see a buyers agent provide you with a professional opinion on the market value and likely selling price of a property you have found, based on recent comparable sales, market momentum, and level of interest in that particular property. The agent will then deploy their negotiation expertise and relationships to negotiate a purchase by private treaty.
  • A complete search really should be just that. The best buyers agents will go beyond public listings to use real estate agent outreach, professional research tools, community networking , door knocking and letterbox drops to source and shortlist potential properties. 

Dozens of physical inspections will follow, accompanied by detailed research to validate the properties have no issues and can be secured within your budget. They will have a team of professionals including building inspector, engineer, solicitor, builder, handyman and property manager- to do all the heavy lifting, and will coordinate them all on your behalf. They’ll deal with selling agents, so you don’t have to. And they’ll package up a shortlist of desirable options to make your decisions. easier.

 

 A top buyers agent will show you the property that ticks your boxes, and sometimes that may be unconventional- but a buyers agent will also show you how an easy low-cost renovation can leave you with the property you dreamed of.

 

 An expert buyers agent will be your voice of reason- guiding you to avoid psychological pitfalls like analysis paralysis, FOMO, buyers remorse, and more.

 

 Finally, a good buyers agent will ensure you pay the right price, the lowest price possible given market conditions. 

 

How much will it cost me not to use a buyer’s agent?

I talk to buyers every day and a comment I often hear is “I’d love to use a buyers agent to find my property but I really can’t afford it because I need to put every dollar toward my purchase”.

 

I put one to three on-market and off-market property matches in front of my clients every week. These properties are within budget, they have been physically inspected and researched to make sure they’re problem free. 

 

I know how the sales agent will run the campaign and by deal time I’ll know the minimum price that needs to be paid to secure the property. This saves my clients thousands of dollars of search time  and many thousands more by not overpaying. I’ll also buy a better house on a better street which means tens, or hundreds of thousands of dollars more in your pocket. 

 

How? Let’s assume you manage to buy without overpaying and you’ve chosen a good suburb, street, and property type that grows in value at say 4% a year for the next decade.

 

 Now let’s assume I could buy you a slightly better property that grows in value at a slightly better 5% for the next decade. That 1% extra on a $2m property means my purchase will be worth $200k more than yours in ten years time. Not using a good buyers agent will cost you money.

 

Do i need a buyers agent in today’s market?

In a seller’s market with FOMO running high it seems easier to understand the value proposition for a buyers agent.

But great buyer agent work is just as critical in a cooler market. Here’s a few reasons why.

  1. Selling agents get much better at returning your calls in a tough market but they still have one thing top of mind – squeezing the highest possible price out of you. That’s their job. 
  2. We have the relationships with agents which helps us find opportunities in the form of off-market /silent listings by anxious and distressed owners. We also help bring things to market. Potential sellers are more likely to list when a buyers agent walks through the home during an appraisal. 
  3. We assess up to the minute market value. Sydney property prices are volatile. Price action varies suburb to suburb, street to street. Last nights’ sale resets todays suburb benchmark. On a $2M home purchase overpaying by 3% is a $60,000 mistake and buying at a 5% discount to market is a $100,000 win.
  4. Cooling markets are a minefield of second grade properties and unrealistic vendors. We shortlist, inspect and present only the best, most viable options saving you time money and stress. 

How to choose a buyers agent?

Hiring a buyer’s agent is a significant investment. Understanding how to prepare for the buying process and how to choose the right agent for your search will save you in every respect. Avoid the following mistakes and you’re well on the way to a profitable, and enjoyable buyer’s agent experience.

 

Mistake #1. Hiring an agent before your finance is approved.

Serious property hunting without the funds available is unproductive. You cant buy if you haven’t got the money! The first step of buyer preparation is to have your finance in place- preferably a fully assessed loan rather than just an approval in principle.

 

It’s certainly advisable to research your property market, write your brief, and get your buying team in place whilst arranging finance. However, the right time to put your buyer’s agent to work officially is when your finance is approved.

 

Mistake #2. Choosing a buyer’s agent without a buying team if you don’t have one of your own

A successful buying assault on a sought-after home or investment requires a crack team of experts; In addition to your buyer’s agent you’ll need a top broker and solicitor, and if the property is a renovation project, an architect, private certifier, a builder, or tradespeople, an engineer a  quantity surveyor as well. This group comprises your personal army, your buying team.

 

If you don’t have a team at hand make it a high priority to select a buyers agent who can bring one to the table. Hiring this agent means you’ll inherit their panel of experts who have worked together in the past. You’ll enjoy the advantage of ‘synergy’ when an experienced team works together with your buyer’s agent for a great result -all without you having to lift a finger.

 

Mistake #3 Not choosing a buyer’s agent who is completely independent and working for you

A buyer’s agent must be  100% working in your best interest.

 

This means they should not accept any type of incentive or remuneration that would affect their ability to give you independent advice.  A clear contravention of this principle would be a buyer’s agent accepting an incentive from a builder or developer for an introduction that leads to a sale. 

 

Standard agency agreements in all states generally make provision for an agent to disclose referral fees and commissions so you can understand whether there is a financial incentive involved with any of your buyers agents associations.

 

Mistake #4 Not choosing the buyer’s agent service that corresponds to your needs

Good buyers agents generally have three or four core offerings ranging from “Done For You” to appraisal, negotiation, and auction attendance. Choosing the appropriate service will require you to be realistic about your own property skillset and the time you can allocate to your house hunting.

 

 If you have the network, resources, and experience to access suitable properties then an ‘appraise and negotiate’ or ‘bid at auction’ service may really be all you need.


Be aware that although you think you can do the job using just these services, you can’t buy what you can’t see and this approach may cost you more time and money in the long run. 

 

Mistake #5 Not choosing a buyer’s agent who specializes in your desired area

An agent that works (and lives and plays) in the suburbs you are searching within is tuned into the important details that can affect a successful purchase. A formal appraisal or valuation is no comparison to the local knowledge of a seasoned area specialist. Bad neighbours, upcoming poor development, problematic executive committees..a local specialist will be aware and steer you clear of troublesome issues that are not apparent to an outsider.

 

Mistake #6 Not paying the right price for the service you’re getting

Buyer’s agents’ pricing can vary widely, and with good reason. Any good agent will tailor the scope of works to your circumstance and most will agree on a fixed price that reflects the work involved. It is worthwhile to understand what that work entails.

 

 A detailed, particular brief for a property in a tightly held suburb should command a premium and what you’ll be paying for is the buyer’s agent’s network of local selling agents, business people, and community, as well as their less conventional methods of sourcing property.

 

More abundantly available property in a less salubrious suburb will see you paying a buyer more for their time conducting inspections and putting together the deal, or their analytical skills if it is an investment property.

 

Paying an entry-level agent an entry-level fee for a challenging brief will not give you an expert outcome.

 

Be as wary of ‘cheap’ fees as exorbitant fees. Take a moment to consider the difficulty of the task at hand and the time and expertise required.

 

Mistake #7 Not assessing the methods your buyer’s agent will use to find your ideal property

Good buyer’s agents will apply multiple resources to source property and it merits asking how your buyer’s agent operates. Key activities you should listen for include personal outreach to a selling agent network, extensive use of research tools such as RPData, and personal outreach to potential sellers, amongst others. Opportunities arise from contact with people and the best agents spend all day talking and researching.

 

Mistake #8 Not choosing an agent with auction experience if that’s the likely method of sale for your property

If the common method of sale for your future home or investment is via an auction then your buyer’s agent should have extensive bidding experience.

 

Auctions are volatile environments where the odds are stacked against the seller. There is plenty of room for error leading up to, and on the day and you will need an agent that, is calm, knows all the rules, and has multiple battle-tested bidding strategies. A well-chosen agent will often know the auctioneer and their calling style which can help.

 

It’s not considered rude to ask your prospective buyer’s agent about their auction experience, and their preferred bidding strategies.

 

Mistake #9 Not screening your agent for negotiating power

Buyer’s agents are negotiators. They are the conduit between you and all the other players in a high-stakes situation. They’ll likely even mediate between you and your spouse when the pressure is on at deal time! To screen for a good negotiator you’ll need to trust your instincts rather than ask questions. Your prospective hire should leave you with the sense that things are going to go your way. Chances are they’ll be waving that magic wand over the other parties too which makes a good deal more likely.

 

Mistake #10 Not having a well-defined brief for your agent

The more thoroughly you detail and communicate your wants and needs, the better your outcome. A good brief goes way beyond just the property attributes. If the property is to be an investment share your overall long-term goals, how the purchase will fit into your portfolio, and when and how it will be divested.

 

If it’s your family home share what you do for work sports and hobbies, what your evenings and weekends look, like where your kids spend their time. Property choice is driven by lifestyle and understanding this is key for your agent to find that perfect property match.

 

Mistake #11 Not confirming your buyer’s agent will be working exclusively on your brief

A buyer’s agent cannot work in your best interest if they have signed on other clients looking for the same type of home in the same suburb and a similar price range.

 

You need to ask the question- will your brief, price range and instruction have exclusivity in your agents’ portfolio, until they have found your property? It’s not a rude question to ask a prospective buyers agent what other types of clients they will concurrently be working on and what assurances they can give you there will be no conflict of interest.

 

It’s easy for buyer’s agencies large and small to blur the line by having multiple clients with similar briefs. In a tight market with short supply who gets first dibs on something matching multiple briefs?

 

Mistake #12 Choosing a larger agency and being assigned a junior or an associate.

As with many professional services sectors you run into the possibility of being pitched to by a senior expert only to have your brief delegated to a junior once you are on board.

 

 This can be a frustrating experience. If you are choosing a larger organisation always confirm that the agent you want to be looking after you actually will personally be responsible for your search.

 

Mistake #13 Not reference checking your Buyers Agent

Just as you would when you hire an employee- dont be afraid to ask your buyers agent for one or two names of past clients who would be happy to comment on how they worked. Confidentiality issues aside a good buyers agent should be able to agree to this. 

 

So there it is in a nutshell. Using a buyer’s agent will be a profitable and enjoyable experience so long as you can avoid the above mistakes.

What questions should i ask a buyer’s agent before hiring them?

 

When you’re hiring a buyer’s agent, it’s important to ask a few questions to ensure that they’re the right fit for you. Here are some questions you may want to consider:

 

  1. What experience do you have as a buyer’s agent?
  2. How do you plan to help me find the right property?
  3. How familiar are you with the local real estate market?
  4. Can you provide references from previous clients?
  5. How will you communicate with me throughout the buying process?
  6. How do you handle negotiations and bidding wars?
  7. Do you have experience working with first-time homebuyers?
  8. How do you get paid for your services?
  9. How many clients do you currently have?
  10. Do you work full-time as a buyer’s agent or do you also handle listings?

Asking these questions will help you get a better sense of the agent’s experience, expertise, and approach to working with clients, which will help you make an informed decision when hiring a buyer’s agent

 

Can you claim buyers agent fees on tax?

If you are using a buyer’s agent to purchase an investment property, for example, your buyers agent fees may be capitalised into the purchase and be deductible on sale. Even if you are using a buyer’s agent to purchase a personal residence, it’s worthwhile hanging on to the invoice. Check with your accountant and tax agent to see what portion of fees may be expensed and how. 

Can a property seller contact the buyer agent directly?

Yes, a property seller can contact the buyer’s agent directly. This does in fact happen. Here at Unicorn Buyers Agents we are contacted daily by sellers interested to avoid sales agents commissions by seeing if we may have a buyer for their property.

A property seller who already has their home listed with a sales agent is much less likely to contact the buyers agent directly as they trust their nominated agent to facilitate the transaction. 

 

A property seller who is selling privately will contact the buyer agent directly and we have conducted a number of purchases directly with the seller.

 

On occasion, a buyers agent may contact a seller directly even if they have a sales agent- but always with the permission of the sales agent. It may be to clarify some detail directly, to give a client peace of mind. 

 

Do i have to sign a buyer agent agreement?

Yes, you do have to sign a buyer agent agreement. A buyers agent operating in NSW is required to be either a class one or class two real estate agent and must operate under legislation set down in the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act and Regulation. The legislation stipulates that an agency agreement must be in place between an agent and a principal, outlining the terms on which the work will be conducted.

Can you have multiple buyers agents?

Whilst you could theoretically have multiple buyers agents working for you, it would be both unlikely and undesirable for you to enter into this arrangement. Most buyers agents will require you to enter into an exclusive agency agreement which recognizes they alone are working for you and their fee is liable to be paid even in the instance another buyers agent finds a property.

 

Here at Unicorn Buyers Agents we work with clients confident to trust us to find and purchase their home and as such only enter into exclusive agency agreements. We do not co-opt with other agents. 

 

So saying, we do occasionally collaborate with buyers agent colleagues outside of our organisation to assist us with a challenging brief. In this instance, we negotiate remuneration directly from our commission and no further fee is payable by our clients.