Side by side
| Doing it yourself | Using a buyer's agent | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Evenings and weekends of research and inspections | A strategy session and decisions at key points |
| Market selection | Often limited to areas you know | Markets compared nationally |
| Access | Advertised listings | Advertised, off-market and pre-market |
| Due diligence | You arrange and interpret reports | Organised, reviewed and summarised for you |
| Negotiation | You negotiate with a professional selling agent | A professional negotiates for you |
| Cost | No agent fee | A fee, agreed in writing upfront |
| Who you rely on | Your own judgement | An agent paid by you, with written reasoning |
Doing it yourself may suit you if
- You know your target market well and have time to research
- You are comfortable negotiating and reading contracts and reports
- You are buying locally and can inspect easily
A buyer's agent may suit you if
- You are short on time or buying interstate
- You want access to off-market property
- You want a second opinion that is not paid by the seller
- You want a plan for more than one property
Check before you choose
If you use an agent, ask who pays them, how they choose markets, and whether they receive anything from builders, developers or selling agents.
Common questions
Does a buyer's agent save money?
Often through negotiation and by avoiding a poor purchase, but there is no guarantee. Weigh the fee against your time, access and risk.
Can I start on my own and use an agent later?
Yes. Our acquisition support service checks and negotiates a property you have found yourself.
Related
General information only. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and is not financial, credit, tax or legal advice. Rules change, so check current law and get advice from a licensed professional before acting.