A buyer’s agent is a licensed real estate professional who does not sell real estate, but acts exclusively to assist buyers find, evaluate and negotiate the purchase of real estate.
Engaging a buyer’s agent is becoming increasingly popular in Australia, particularly in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and Lower North Shore where it is can be extremely difficult to buy property. In these markets, using a buyer’s agent saves you time, stress and a lot of money. Here’s how…
A good buyer’s agent has access to properties before they are advertised. Access to unadvertised, off market or unlisted properties is a huge advantage when buying as you can view properties both on and off the market before making a purchase. In the current market where competition is fierce and stock is low, access to unlisted properties gives you the upper hand by providing you with a broader range of options and allowing you access to properties that most people don’t even know about.
Good buyer’s agents also have all the partners and contacts you need to act quickly and make an informed decision on property, quickly. At the moment, acting promptly can mean the difference between winning the race and buying the property, or missing out.
Here are a few tips that will ensure you get your money’s worth from your buyer’s agent:
- Be open and honest – it is so important to give your buyer’s agent a thorough and full brief of what you are looking for. A good buyer’s agent will also be open and honest with you too so tell them what you want and they will help you find it or provide you with options. It is important to note that your buyer’s agent does not get paid until you buy your home, so talk to them about what you need and they will they will help you find something that suits your needs and your budget
- Act quickly – one of the most important requirements of a great buyer’s agent is their cohesive team. Great buyer’s agents will work closely with a great broker, solicitor, building and pest inspectors and other industry professionals. They have built a strong team around them so that once they have found ‘the one’ for you, the necessary due diligence can be completed in lightning speed. Not having your finance properly pre-approved, or not getting a building inspector onsite fast enough can be the difference in you winning the property or missing out! This team work is imperative so ensure your buyer’s agent has a strong team and use them to your advantage
- Don’t delay – time is money in the current market meaning if you let another few months go by without buying you may well price yourself out of the suburbs you want to buy in! When you engage a professional buyer’s agent to help you buy a property, let them help you. Answer your phone, respond to emails and be ready to look at shortlisted properties.
- Use their contacts – a good buyer’s agent will save you thousands of dollars, much more than the fee you pay them. They will have access to unlisted properties to give you a broader range of options, they will have strong relationships with agents meaning your calls will be returned and queries answered promptly, they will have an experienced broker who specialises in residential & investment loans and has a good knowledge of the legal requirements around SMSF’s, and they will have excellent and experienced strata and building inspectors who will be available when needed
If you would like to find out more about how using a buyer’s agent can save you time, stress and money contact Felicity Schilling from Unlisted Property Buyer’s Agent www.unlistedproperty.com.au 0424 266 205 felicity@unlistedproperty.com.au facebook.com/unlistedproperty
