Buyer’s Agent Vs Sales Agent – The Cost of Relying on a Sales Agent for Advice

Read the full blog of “how a buyer’s agent saves you money in Brisbane” to find out more.

When it comes to purchasing property in Brisbane and Queensland, especially in competitive markets, the choice between a buyer’s agent and a sales agent can significantly impact your financial outcomes. While both play pivotal roles in the property market, understanding the key differences is essential for making informed decisions.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of relying on a buyer’s agent versus a sales agent and why engaging a buyer’s agent can save you time, money, and stress in the property market.

---

The Buyer’s Agent Advantage

Pros of Hiring a Buyer’s Agent in Brisbane

1. Objective Representation
   • A buyer’s agent works exclusively for the buyer, ensuring that your interests are their top priority. Unlike sales agents who represent the seller, buyer’s agents are committed to finding you the best property at the most favorable price.
2. Local Market Expertise in Brisbane
   • A buyer’s agent in Brisbane has a deep understanding of local market trends, whether it’s the riverside charm of New Farm, the family-friendly appeal of Cleveland, or the coastal serenity of Margate. This knowledge allows them to identify hidden gems and undervalued properties that may not be widely advertised.
3. Superior Negotiation Skills
   • With years of experience negotiating deals, buyer’s agents can secure better terms and lower prices for you, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars. They handle all negotiations, ensuring you avoid the stress and complexities of dealing with sales agents.
4. Saving Time and Effort
   • Searching for properties, arranging viewings, and managing negotiations can be time-consuming. A buyer’s agent in Queensland takes care of all the legwork, streamlining the process so you can focus on other priorities.
5. Exclusive Access to Off-Market Properties
   • Many of the best deals in Brisbane never make it to public listings. A buyer’s agent often has access to off-market properties, giving you more options and less competition.
6. Avoiding Common Mistakes
   • By providing objective advice and thorough research, a buyer’s agent helps you avoid common mistakes like overpaying, buying properties with hidden issues, or falling victim to sales tactics.

---

Cons of Hiring a Buyer’s Agent

1. Service Fee
   • Hiring a buyer’s agent involves a fee, which can vary based on the property price. At IPS Buyer’s Agents, we offer transparent bracket fees tailored to your budget:
     • $0 to $900,000 – $9,990.00 (incl. GST)
     • $900,000 to $1,600,000 – $13,990.00 (incl. GST)
     • $1,600,000 to $2,500,000 – $19,990.00 (incl. GST)
     • Over $2,500,000 – Call for custom pricing.

---

The Sales Agent Pitfall

Pros of Relying on a Sales Agent

1. Free Service for Buyers
   • Sales agents are paid by the seller, so their services are technically “free” for buyers. However, this benefit comes with significant drawbacks.

---

Cons of Relying on a Sales Agent

1. Conflicted Interests
   • A sales agent’s primary allegiance is to the seller, not the buyer. Their goal is to secure the highest possible price for the property, which often conflicts with the buyer’s interests.
2. Limited Market View
   • Sales agents only show you properties they are listing, which means you may miss out on better options elsewhere.
3. Pressure Tactics
   • High-pressure tactics are often used to push buyers into making quick decisions, potentially leading to overpayment or buyer’s remorse.
4. You Become the Product
   • While it may seem beneficial to have free services, it’s essential to understand that the sales agent’s primary customer is the seller, not the buyer. Their goal is to sell the property at the highest price possible. A common listing tactic that sales agents use is to tell potential sellers that they have hundreds of buyers for their home in their database. This is how you become their product being sold to get them more listings. They only want to help you so they can get more listings. To me you are not a number or a marketing tool. You are a really family who I want to help change your life. Read Retirement Properties on Bribie Island with a Buyer’s Agent to see why I do what I do.

---

Real-Life Example: The Cost of Relying on a Sales Agent

Consider two nearly identical properties in Deception Bay. One buyer, relying solely on a sales agent’s advice, overpaid by $80,000 compared to another buyer who engaged a buyer’s agent. Additional costs, including $5,000 in stamp duty and $15,000 for renovations, led to a total overspend of $100,000.

Had they worked with a buyer’s agent in Brisbane, they could have avoided this costly mistake by receiving better market insights and expert negotiation support.

---

Case Study: Smart Buying in Deception Bay

Shin and Rio, first-time investors, engaged our services after a negative experience relying on a sales agent. We helped them purchase a 4-bedroom property in Deception Bay for $628,000. Located just 8 minutes from the water on a 1,012 sqm block, the property was appraised for $560/week in rent, offering a 4.63% gross rental yield.

With room for a granny flat, the property’s value has since increased to approximately $675,000. Over 25 years, Deception Bay has experienced an 8.16% annual capital growth, demonstrating the power of expert guidance.

---

FAQs: Common Questions About Buyer’s Agents in Brisbane

What is the difference between a buyer’s agent and a sales agent?

A buyer’s agent represents the buyer and works to secure the best deal, while a sales agent represents the seller and aims to maximize the sale price.

How much does a buyer’s agent cost in Brisbane?

Costs vary but typically include:

• Bracket fees starting at $9,990 (incl. GST) for properties up to $900,000.
• Flat fees starting at $15,000 + GST.
• Percentage fees ranging from 1.5% to 3% of the property price.

Can a buyer’s agent help with off-market properties?

Yes! Buyer’s agents often have access to exclusive listings not available publicly, giving you a competitive edge.

---

If you have enjoyed “How a buyer’s agent saves you money in Brisbane” here are some more resources to help.

• “Explore more about off-market properties in Brisbane.“
• “Learn how a buyer’s agent in Queensland can save you money.”
• “Discover success stories with our Brisbane property buyers.”

---

Conclusion

Deciding between a buyer’s agent and a sales agent is a crucial step in your property journey. While sales agents may seem like an appealing choice due to their “free” services, their primary allegiance lies with the seller, not the buyer. This often results in higher prices, limited property options, and potential buyer’s remorse.

On the other hand, engaging a buyer’s agent in Brisbane provides objective representation, expert negotiation skills, and access to exclusive off-market properties. Whether you’re searching in Cleveland, New Farm, Margate, or Deception Bay, a buyer’s agent ensures you’re making well-informed decisions that align with your goals.

Buyer’s agents not only save you time and effort by handling the legwork, but they also help you avoid costly mistakes. From conducting thorough market research to identifying hidden gems and negotiating favorable terms, they focus solely on your best interests.

In competitive markets like Brisbane, where opportunities move quickly, having a dedicated expert by your side can mean the difference between overpaying for a property and securing your dream home or investment at the right price.

Ready to make a smarter property decision? Contact IPS Buyer’s Agents today and experience the benefits of expert guidance and unwavering support throughout your property journey.