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The distinction that matters: a selling agent is engaged and paid by the seller and owes their duty to the seller. A buyers agent is engaged by, and works for, the purchaser.
What they actually do
- Search and shortlist, sometimes including properties not yet publicly advertised.
- Appraise value independently of the selling agent’s price guide.
- Negotiate, or bid at auction on your behalf.
- Coordinate due diligence — inspections, contract review timing, settlement logistics.
Some offer the full service; others do auction bidding or negotiation only, for a smaller fee.
How they charge
Usually a fixed fee or a percentage of purchase price, commonly with an engagement fee up front and the balance on success. Percentage models create an obvious tension — a higher price means a higher fee — so understand which model you’re signing and ask how that’s managed.
When it’s worth it
Strongest when you’re buying from interstate and can’t inspect easily; when you’re time-poor in a fast market; when you don’t know the region’s street-by-street differences; or when you’d rather not bid at auction yourself. For a local buyer with time and good suburb knowledge, the fee is harder to justify.
Before you engage one
- Check they hold a current Queensland real estate licence.
- Confirm in writing that they act exclusively for buyers and take no commission from sellers, developers or projects.
- Ask what happens if you don’t buy — is the engagement fee refundable, and is there a time limit?
- Get their recent purchase history in the areas you’re targeting.
Still deciding where to buy rather than how? Start with choosing a suburb.