What you should get for the fee
For a full search and acquisition, you should expect the whole job: a proper brief, searching on and off market, inspections, due diligence, price assessment, negotiation or auction bidding, and support through exchange and settlement.
If you have already found the property, a negotiation only or auction bidding service costs much less. You get the expertise where it matters most, at the point where the price is decided.
Is a buyers agent worth it?
A good buyers agent should pay for themselves. That can come from negotiating a better price, from steering you away from a property with problems you would not have spotted, or from getting you in front of an off market home before the competition knows it exists.
Then there is your time. Most of my clients are busy professionals or families. Handing over the weekend inspections, the calls to agents and the paperwork is worth a lot on its own.
Questions to ask any buyers agent
- Is your fee a percentage, a fixed amount or both, and when is it payable?
- Will I deal with you personally or with a junior?
- Do you receive any payment from selling agents or vendors?
- How do you find off market properties in my area?
- Can I speak to recent clients?
In NSW, a buyers agent must have you sign an agency agreement before acting for you, and it must set out the fees. Read it carefully, and do not be shy about asking questions.
How I charge
Every brief is different, so I quote in writing before we start, with no hidden extras. Complete Property Solutions is usually a percentage of the purchase price or an agreed fixed fee. Evaluate & Negotiate and Bid at Auction are a smaller fixed fee. Call me and I will tell you exactly what it would cost for your search.
