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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Buyer's Agent?
A real estate Buyers Agent is a fully licensed real estate agent who works exclusively for the property buyer - YOU.
What does BUYERS FIRST do?
BUYERS FIRST provides absolute independent expert objective information, and dynamic strategies formulated to your specific needs. Our services include:
  • Complete property search for home or investment throughout the entire process
  • Auction bidding - tactics, strategies and knowledge accumulated to win the property
  • Property reports
  • Negotiating at all stages of the property transaction
  • Knowledge of residential, commercial, industrial markets
  • Complete confidentiality
Why should I use a buyer's agent?
When you engage a Buyers Agent, you have a licensed real estate professional to represent only YOU and YOUR interests. Throughout the entire process BUYERS FIRST offers independent expert advice and is dedicated to saving their clients time and money. We carry out extensive property searches in the buyer's selected area, including market research and analysis. We negotiate the best possible price, terms and conditions, bid at auction and coordinate the settlement. We liaise with real estate agents, solicitors, conveyancers, builders, pest inspectors and architects, and property related services. We can prevent you from making mistakes.
Most buyers use a real estate agent to purchase property, why shouldn't I?
You can, however, buyers should be aware that real estate agents have a legal obligation to loyally work toward getting the highest price and best possible terms for vendors - they cannot represent the interests of the buyer above those of the seller. A clear conflict of interest is at play where agents act to buy and sell property. BUYERS FIRST acts as a personal advocate of the buyer; we are not restricted in the number of properties we look at, and you only need to see the properties that are of interest to you. We carry out research identifying market trends and sales to ensure that we locate every advertised property, we also have access to "off market" properties which we can show you.

A study by U.S. Sprint (the long distance company) found that "232 relocating Sprint employees who hired buyer's brokers paid an average of 91 percent of a home's list price. People who used traditional agents typically paid about 96 percent. (Money Magazine, April 1993.)

Do buyer's agents need to have a real estate sales background?
Absolutely not. BUYERS FIRST principals have extensive property experience in Australia ans overseas as well as a background in property styling. They have enjoyed broad professional success in diverse leadership roles before becoming buyers agents, including their capacity for managing people, ability to get the best from their team, strategic planning, lateral approach to problem solving, clear and focused work styles, ability to successfully negotiate in all business situations. They see these experiences as the strengths that will deliver what they promise.
I live overseas, how can I be sure you will meet my needs from this distance?
BUYERS FIRST regularly assists overseas buyers and expatriates. We provide you with extensive market analysis, photos and virtual tour of all properties that suit your criteria. We communicate via email and telephone. The only real difference to our Australian clients is you may not get to inspect the property prior to settlement.
How do real estate agents respond to working with Buyers Agents?
Real estate agents are happy to enter into negotiation with Buyers Agents, because they understand that they are representing real buyers. On the contrary, because buyer's agents understand the whole buying process, it can make their job easier.
What happens if I change my mind on an area or a type of property once I engage you?
BUYERS FIRST listen to what clients' really want, it's imperative not to waste your valuable time sourcing inappropriate properties, so we ask you to complete our "Client Property Needs Questionnaire" and ensure it is achievable and realistic. We streamline and build on your Property Profile as the search goes on. The unique expertise of the BUYERS FIRST team ensure an understanding of the subtleties of your property quest. If you change the initial brief significantly however, we may have to review our fee to cover the time already spent searching. It is our job to get you the right property.
How many properties will you present to me?
We will contact you about suitable properties once they qualify against your criteria, and we have physically inspected the property, the numbers vary depending on the brief. We do the leg work and screening against your profile.
How long do I have to make up my mind?
As long as you like, however, sometimes decisions need to be make quickly to secure the property, but we will never pressure you into buying something you are not comfortable with.
How much do you charge for your service?
BUYERS FIRST service fees are based on the individual brief from the client, all fees are agreed upon prior to the appointment. We do not charge a percentage of the purchase price.
Do you receive any other commissions?
Absolutely none.
Can you buy on my behalf even if I am not here?
Yes, we do this for overseas clients; we can also get a limited power of attorney for clients who do not want to be identified, to enable the purchase to take place.
What qualifications do you have?
Government Licensed Real Estate Agents, tertiary qualifications, members of professional bodies including the REI Australia and the International Real Estate Federation.
Are Buyers Agent's fees tax deductible?
If you are purchasing an investment property the fees may be tax deductible. BUYERS FIRST recommends you check this with your accountant and advisers. You cannot claim buyers agent fees if the property is purchased to live in.
What happens to the information I give you?
BUYERS FIRST are also subject to the Privacy Act and Regulations governing the protection of your details in Australia. Please see our Privacy Policy. Many of our clients require total anonymity and total discretion in the purchase of their property. BUYERS FIRST works well with these clients.
Do you buy commercial properties?
Yes.