Are you planning to buy property in Australia but confused about making the right decision? The best way is to find the right buyer agent.
Why Should You Choose a Buyer Agent?
Last year, rental, hiring, and real estate services contributed about 66 billion AUD to the economy, up from 64 billion AUD in 2022. The industry experienced a dramatic growth trend within the last ten years, proving its increased value to the country.
Thus, we can not neglect the importance of buyer agents in Australia.
But how will you decide if that buyer is the one you can trust? Asking the right questions is a key parameter in this regard.
Here, get to know the top 10 questions that will simplify the process for you.
1. Are You Fully Licensed to Opt for this Role?
The licensed agent will have the proper training and legal understanding of the Australian property market. Ask them for their license number and check their credentials with local real estate regulatory bodies.
2. Do You Have a Membership of REBAA?
Make sure that the buyer you are going to choose is qualified for his role and that his/her buyer agency is recognized by REBAA (Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia). Though it’s not mandatory, following the standard set by REBAA ensures that you are professional in your field.
3. How Much Experience Do You Have in the Real Estate Industry?
The next question is to ask about the relevant experience in the industry. A survey showed that around 50% of Australians plan to seek property investment advice from a qualified adviser.
An experienced buyer agency in Melbourne will have refined knowledge of smart strategies. They know the underlying secret of the market after encountering multiple errors and trials.
4. Can You Provide References from Previous Clients?
A good real estate agent should not hesitate to share references from previous clients. Request testimonials and reviews. This will give you a sense of what they have been up to in the past, how assiduous they are in working for their clients, and if their clients would be leaving happy or not. Even better would be evidence that they have previously worked with clients seeking buyers’ agent’s in Melbourne or any specific location you are interested in.
5. What is Your Fee Structure?
Next, ask about the fee structure of the agent. Some charge at a flat rate, while others, for example, charge as a percentage of the price paid. That way, you can avoid something possibly charged to you later on. Ask if they will charge any extra costs on services like inspection or market reports.
6. How Do You Find Properties?
Ask how he finds the potential properties. Does he rely solely on online listings or does he have access to off-market deals? Good buyers’ agents must have a wide network and present properties that you will never find by yourself. Best buyers’ agents in Australia typically have strong connections that will give you an edge in finding those hidden exclusive listings.
7. What is Your Negotiation Strategy?
Being a formidable asset a buyers agent can claim to possess, this entails negotiation skills. Ask how they will approach negotiating with the sellers and how they’ve assured clients of better deals in the past. Their expertise in good negotiation may save you thousands of dollars.
8. What’s Included in Your Service?
Be clear about what services are included in the fee. Some agents offer a comprehensive service from the initial property search right through to closing the deal, while others may provide just a more limited service. You should clarify upfront what you’re paying for and, therefore, what you can expect.
9. Do You Work Exclusively for Buyers?
Buyers’ agent role varies depending upon their representation. Some represent buyers and others are presentative of both buyer and seller. Be smart enough to choose an agent who represents buyers only to avoid conflict of interest. A buyer agent who is focused only on representing buyers is the more genuine to put your concerns and interests first.
10. How Will We Communicate With Each Other?
Frequent communication is considered paramount when dealing with property buying. Always ask how often they would update you on fresh listings, market trends, and the progress of your search. The best property investment consultant in Australia should prove responsive and easy to access with regular updates and prompt answering of questions.
Citadel: The Best Property Agency in Australia to Trust
Citadel is more than just a buying agent, rather we support our customers throughout this journey. Our expansive network lets us access properties that may not be advertised publicly, thus giving you an added edge in the highly competitive market. Furthermore, our transparent fee structure ensures that you know exactly what you are paying for with no surprise hidden charges.
You will get Customer service excellence here. We know how buying a house is one of the biggest decisions made in one’s life, and we ensure you feel confident step by step. Don’t hesitate to make your first call with Citadel and get the deal done at the table!
Final Note
Not only is it wise to choose Citadel as your buyers’ agent, but it is an investment in peace of mind going through one of the most important decisions in life. Through Property Investment Advisors‘ expertise in Australia, we help find not just any property but the right property for you.