A “buyer’s advocate” is usually referred to as a “buying agent” or “property search agent.” They are professionals who assist buyers in the real estate market by searching for properties, advising on the value, negotiating prices, and sometimes managing the legal aspects of purchasing a property. Their role is to represent the best interests of the buyer, helping to streamline the process and ensure their clients get the best possible deal.

Read more on our blog post: The Buyer’s Advocate – Duties & Responsibilities

A buyer’s advocate can help you save money in several key ways when purchasing property:

Expert Negotiations: We are skilled in negotiation. We understand the local real estate market conditions and can negotiate the best price on your behalf, potentially saving you several ten to hundred thousands of dollars.
Access to Off-Market Listings: They often have access to off-market properties (properties that are not listed on the open market). Accessing these properties can reduce competition and potentially lower the purchase price.
Valuation Expertise: We have expertise in property valuation, ensuring that you do not overpay for a property. We evaluate whether a property is priced correctly based on current market conditions and comparable sales.
Time Savings: By efficiently managing your property search and purchase process, you save considerable time. Time is money, especially if you’re balancing property searching with other responsibilities.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Buyer’s advocates are knowledgeable about potential pitfalls in the property buying process. We steer you away from properties with hidden problems that could cost you money in the long run, such as structural issues or legal entanglements.
Strategic Bidding at Auctions: If we’re buying at auction, we do so by developing a bidding strategy, keeping you calm and composed, which prevents overpaying in the heat of the moment.
Streamlined Process: As part of our full service, we manage inspections, organise legal work, and other purchasing processes, ensuring that everything is done correctly and efficiently, which helps avoid unnecessary costs.

Overall, we provide invaluable assistance by leveraging our expertise to secure the best financial outcome for you in the property buying process.

When considering whether to hire a buyer’s advocate, a more fitting question might be, “Can you afford not to?” Here’s why:

Maximising Your Investment: Our services are not just an expense; they are an investment in making one of the most significant financial decisions of your life—the purchase of a property. We save you money by leveraging expert negotiation skills to secure a lower purchase price and accessing off-market listings to reduce competition.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes: The property market is complex and full of potential pitfalls. With our expertise, we help you avoid costly mistakes such as overpaying for a property or purchasing a property with hidden defects. These savings can often outweigh the cost of our services.
Streamlining the Process: We manage all aspects of the property search and acquisition process, saving you time and helping you avoid unnecessary additional costs. Our industry knowledge and efficient management make the process smoother and more cost-effective.
Understanding the Costs: Our fees are transparent and are structured as a flat fee or a percentage of the purchase price, depending on your needs and the level of service required. When you consider the potential savings in price negotiations, access to better opportunities, and avoidance of costly errors, the value of our services exceeds their investment.
Long-Term Benefits: Investing in professional guidance means you’re more likely to secure a property that not only meets your needs but also offers better potential for future appreciation. This strategic acquisition can impact your financial health positively for years to come.

In essence, while there is a direct cost to working with us, the financial benefits, savings, and added security we bring to your property transaction can make it a question of whether you can afford to bypass this advantage in your property journey.

Our service stands out in the real estate market for several key reasons:

Personalised Approach: We understand that every client has unique needs and preferences. Our approach is highly personalized; we tailor our services to match your specific requirements, whether you are a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or looking for a second home. We take the time to understand your goals and preferences in detail before beginning the property search.
Extensive Network and Access: We have cultivated a broad network of contacts within the real estate industry, including agents, developers, and private sellers. This extensive network provides us with access to off-market properties that you might not find through traditional channels, giving you a competitive edge.
Expertise in Negotiation and Market Analysis: Our team is equipped with advanced negotiation skills and deep market knowledge. We conduct thorough market analysis to ensure you pay a fair price and often below market value. Our negotiation tactics are backed by data and years of experience, ensuring you get the best possible deal.
Comprehensive Support Services: From the initial search to the final signing, we manage every aspect of the buying process. Our services include arranging inspections, facilitating legal reviews, and connecting you with trusted mortgage brokers and other professionals. We aim to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible for you.
Commitment to Transparency: We operate with complete transparency regarding our processes and fees. There are no hidden costs, and we provide regular updates and open communication throughout the buying process. This ensures you are always informed and confident in your decisions.
Results-Oriented: Our success is measured by your satisfaction and the results we deliver. We are committed to finding you the perfect property that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations, all while ensuring the best financial outcome.

By choosing our service, you benefit from a partner who is fully invested in your success and equipped to navigate the complexities of the real estate market on your behalf.

Our fee structure is designed to be flexible and tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients, from first-time home buyers to seasoned investors. Here’s a general overview:

First Home Buyers: We offer a fixed price service for first home buyers, provided that the purchase price qualifies for a stamp duty concession. This arrangement is specifically designed to support first-time buyers in navigating the market with a clear, upfront cost.
Percentage Fee: For purchases that do not qualify under the first home buyer’s fixed price arrangement, we charge a percentage of the purchase price. This percentage is calculated based on the complexity of the transaction and the level of service required.
Fixed Fee Options: In certain instances, depending on the nature of the property and client requirements, we can offer a fixed fee. This option is discussed and determined on a case-by-case basis to ensure it aligns with the specific needs and expectations of our clients.
Retainer Fee: Upon engaging our services, a retainer fee is required to commence the property search and acquisition process. This 30% of the approximate total. The remainder of the fee is payable upon successful purchase of a property.
First Home Buyer Package: This fixed fee service is an upfront payment.

Our goal is to provide transparent and fair pricing that reflects the value and personalised service we deliver. Each client’s situation is unique, and we are committed to providing clear, upfront information about all costs involved before any agreement is signed. This ensures there are no surprises, allowing you to plan and budget effectively for your property purchase.

Our property sourcing approach combines several effective strategies to ensure we find the best possible options for our clients:

Network Connections: We leverage our extensive network of real estate agents, developers, and other industry professionals to gain access to properties as soon as, or even before, they come on the market. This includes both publicly listed properties and private listings not available to the general public.
Off-Market Properties: A significant portion of our property listings comes from off-market sources. These are properties that are for sale but not advertised to the general public. Accessing these listings ensures our clients can view and make offers on properties with less competition, often leading to better purchase terms.
Local Community Engagement: We maintain strong relationships with local communities in our targeted areas. This allows us to gather insider information and get early alerts about properties that are about to be listed.
Technology and Data Analysis: We utilize advanced real estate software and databases to track market trends, new listings, and historical data. This technology enables us to analyze the market effectively and identify properties that meet specific criteria quickly.
Client Specifications and Custom Searches: Based on the detailed criteria provided by our clients, including location preferences, budget, and must-have features, we conduct tailored searches. We continually refine our search criteria based on client feedback and new market information to ensure we find the best fit.
Direct Outreach and Canvassing: In some cases, we engage in direct outreach, canvassing neighborhoods, and contacting property owners directly to inquire about potential sales that match our clients’ requirements.

Our multi-faceted approach ensures that we have a diverse and dynamic portfolio of properties to offer our clients, maximising their chances of finding their ideal property under the best possible terms.

When you express interest in a property, our comprehensive approach ensures that every step is handled with precision and care:

In-Depth Property Evaluation: We begin with a detailed evaluation of the property to understand its features, condition, and potential issues. This foundational step is crucial for informed decision-making.
Market Analysis and Valuation: Concurrently, we conduct a thorough market analysis to verify the property’s value. This involves comparing it against similar properties and recent sales in the area to ensure the asking price is justified.
Due Diligence: Our due diligence process includes a meticulous review of the property’s documents, such as the contract of sale, and arranging necessary inspections like building and pest inspections. This step is vital to uncover any hidden issues and ensure legal compliance.
Pricing Review Based on Due Diligence Findings: The insights gained from our due diligence inform our pricing review. We assess whether the property’s price reflects its true condition and market value, adjusting our strategy accordingly.
Purchase Strategy: Depending on the seller’s circumstances and our assessment of how aggressively we wish to pursue the property, we decide whether to proceed with a direct offer or prepare for auction bidding.
Negotiation Phase/Auction Bidding: We then enter the negotiation phase or participate in auction bidding, equipped with a strategic plan tailored to secure the property at the best possible terms.
Ongoing Support Through to Settlement: After successfully negotiating or winning the bid, we provide ongoing support throughout the settlement process. We ensure all contractual conditions are met, manage communications among all parties, and handle any issues that arise, ensuring a smooth transition to settlement.
Final Inspection and Settlement: Just before the settlement is finalized, we conduct a final inspection to confirm the property is in the agreed condition. We then coordinate the settlement process, culminating in the transfer of ownership.

Our proactive and detailed approach from start to finish ensures that you are not only satisfied with your property choice but also secure in the investment you are making.

Yes, we specialize in assisting clients with the acquisition of investment properties. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of both new and seasoned investors. Here’s how we can help you maximise your investment potential:

Market Analysis: We conduct comprehensive market analyses to identify areas with high growth potential and strong rental yields. This ensures that your investment aligns with your financial goals and market opportunities.
Property Selection: Based on your investment criteria, such as budget, desired return on investment, and risk tolerance, we identify properties that best fit your investment profile. Whether you’re looking for residential, commercial, or specialty properties, we have the expertise to guide your selection.
Financial Analysis: We provide detailed financial analyses, including projected cash flows, capital growth potential, and tax implications. This helps you understand the financial performance of potential investments.
Due Diligence: We carry out thorough due diligence on every prospective investment. This includes verifying property conditions, legal standings, and compliance with regulations, ensuring that there are no surprises after the purchase.
Negotiation and Acquisition: Leveraging our negotiation expertise, we aim to secure properties at favorable prices and terms. Whether through private sale or auction, we represent your interests vigorously to achieve the best possible outcome.
Property Management Connections: If needed, we can connect you with reliable property management services to ensure your investment is well-maintained and generating steady rental income.
Ongoing Support and Advice: Our relationship with you doesn’t end once a purchase is made. We provide ongoing support and advice to help you adjust your investment strategy based on market conditions and personal circumstances.

Our goal is to make property investment accessible, profitable, and stress-free for our clients by providing expert guidance every step of the way. Whether you’re expanding your portfolio or making your first investment, we are here to support your journey.

The timeline for purchasing a property with the assistance of a buyer’s advocate can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of your search, market conditions, and your specific requirements.

On average, the entire buying process with a buyer’s advocate can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months from the formal engagement. More important than a tight timeline is to ensure that every step is handled with thorough attention to detail, ensuring that you make a well-informed and strategic property investment.

To make the most of our initial consultation and expedite the property buying process, preparing certain information and documents beforehand is helpful. Here’s what you should consider bringing to our first meeting:

Financial Overview: Have a clear understanding of your budget and financial limits. This includes your pre-approved mortgage amount if applicable, or details about your available capital for the purchase. Documents like bank statements, proof of income, or a pre-approval letter from your lender can be very useful.
Property Requirements: Think about what you are looking for in a property. Consider factors such as location, size, type of property (e.g., residential, commercial, investment), number of bedrooms, special amenities, or any other preferences that are important to you.
Investment Goals: If you’re purchasing an investment property, outline your long-term investment goals. Are you focused on capital growth, rental yield, or perhaps a renovation project? Understanding your strategy will help us find properties that align with your objectives.
Timeline: Have an idea of your preferred timeline for purchasing a property. If you have any urgency due to personal circumstances like a lease ending or relocating for a job, let us know.
Questions and Concerns: Write down any questions or concerns you might have about the buying process, market conditions, or our services. This helps ensure we address all your needs during our consultation.
Previous Experiences: If you’ve purchased property before, think about what went well and what didn’t. Sharing these experiences can provide valuable insights into how we can tailor our approach to better suit your needs.

By preparing these items, you’ll help us gain a comprehensive understanding of your needs and preferences right from the start, which will enable us to serve you more effectively and efficiently.

Yes, engaging our services does involve signing a contract. This contract is crucial as it outlines the terms of our professional relationship, ensuring clarity and protection for both parties. Here are the key elements typically included in our service contract:

Scope of Services: The contract will detail the specific services we will provide, such as property search, market analysis, negotiation, and settlement assistance. This helps set clear expectations about what you can expect from us throughout the property buying process.
Fees and Payment Structure: The contract will specify the fee structure, whether it is a flat rate, a percentage of the property purchase price, or a combination of both. It will also outline payment schedules and any conditions related to fees.
Duration of Agreement: It will include the duration of our engagement, specifying when the service begins and under what circumstances it concludes or can be terminated by either party.
Obligations and Responsibilities: Both the client’s and the buyer’s advocate’s obligations will be clearly stated to avoid any misunderstandings. This includes your responsibilities, such as providing necessary information and making timely decisions, as well as our commitment to diligently pursue your property goals.
Confidentiality and Privacy: The contract will address how your personal information is handled, ensuring that your privacy is respected and maintained throughout your dealings with us.
Dispute Resolution: In the unlikely event of a disagreement, the contract will provide mechanisms for dispute resolution, helping both parties resolve any issues amicably and professionally.
Termination Clauses: Terms under which the contract can be terminated prematurely by either party will be clearly outlined, including any penalties or obligations on termination.

Signing a contract with us ensures that you have a clear understanding of what to expect during our engagement and provides a legal framework that protects your interests. It’s an important step in establishing a trusting and effective professional relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions