Naturally, I advocate for using a buyer's agent, and now I've put it into practice. I've recently engaged a buyer's agent myself to purchase an investment property interstate.
It was a no brainer because I wasn't going to have time to do the search myself, and I don't know the local market. Plus, I wanted someone to handle everything, from suburb and property selection through to settlement. Having that local expertise makes all the difference.
Why I Didn’t Shop Around
I only spoke to one buyer’s agent. Not because I’m lazy 😝, but because I already knew who I wanted to work with. Over the years in the industry, I've had the advantage of getting to know a lot of buyer's agents. You recognise the ones who will put their clients best interests first, who are respected by their peers, and who can prove great results.
The buyer's agent we chose ticks all of those boxes. She’s experienced, well respected, and we trust her completely. Plus, her style and approach to buying property is similar to how I like to work. So for me, it was an easy choice!
Local Knowledge Was Non-Negotiable
Because I was buying interstate, I wanted someone who works that local market day in, day out. They need to know the streets to avoid, the ones with upside, and have strong agent relationships.
This kind of knowledge only comes from being on the ground, and it was really important to me that she had it.
The Initial Meetings
In our first conversations, she walked us through recent sales, pointing out the good, the bad, and the things worth a closer look. It was local insight that only comes from really knowing the market.
From there, we went deeper into our brief including why we were investing, and what would (and wouldn’t) suit us. What gave me the most confidence was her honesty about what not to buy. That’s when you know you can trust someone: when they’re just as confident saying no as they are saying yes.
A good buyer’s agent isn’t there to sell you property. They’re there to help you avoid the wrong ones and focus on the right ones.
A Clear Process
Another big plus was how clear she was about her process. She walked us through how she works, how we’d communicate, when we’d see properties, and what to expect. No over-promising, no smoke and mirrors.
It wasn’t overwhelming either. My partner’s not across the buying process as I am, but she explained things in a way that worked for both of us. From onboarding right through to starting the search, I feel we are involved, informed and reassured - what it should be!
What I Think Buyers Should Look For
Going through this process myself, here’s what I’d tell anyone considering a buyer’s agent to watch for:
Someone with a solid reputation — respected by clients and peers.
Local knowledge — they need to know the area street by street.
The ability to quickly explain what property works (and what doesn’t).
A focus on strategy before property.
Clear communication and process.
Objectivity — they’ll say no more often than yes.
Walking in My Clients’ Shoes
This whole experience has been a great reminder of what it feels like to be the client. Even though I know the ins and outs, I still wanted guidance in an area I’m unfamiliar with, and I simply don’t have the time for a long lead time to DIY my way ahead of the competition. It’s been reassuring, exciting, and exactly what I hoped for.
I came in as a paying customer, not cutting corners with a ‘cheaper’ low-touch buyer’s agent. And the experience has only reinforced my belief that having the right buyer’s agent by your side is one of the smartest decisions you can make.