Have you watched The Great British Bake Off? Bakers follow the same recipe, but some cakes turn out perfectly while others collapse into disaster.
Some people ask, “Why would I pay someone to buy me a property when I can do it myself?”
Technically, yes—you can. But, like baking, if you mess up even one ingredient, you could ruin the whole thing.
If you’re not skilled and haven’t practiced the recipe, chances are your first attempt will turn out average at best—and if it’s wonderful, it’s probably a fluke. The more you practice, the better you get, refining the recipe for the best results.
Testing and tweaking a cake is one thing, but experimenting with buying a property is obviously a risky game.
I’m not here to convince you to change your mind—if you have the stomach for it, go for it! But before you do, have a think about these three things that a good buyer’s agent does that most buyers overlook. You've already heard that buyer's agents have access to off-market properties, negotiate for a living etc. but what else can we do that could have an even greater impact on buying successfully?
1. Uncover the Ugly Sides of a Property
A charming house might have more hidden surprises than meets the eye. Most buyers focus on what they can see—the layout, the kitchen, the size. But what about what’s beneath the surface?
For example, I worked with a client who believed we had found the perfect home—spacious, great location… until we dug deeper. It turned out neighboring properties were being bought up by the same company, likely planning a big expansion. Who knows what buildings could be towering next to them in a few years?
Another time, we walked away from a property because a flood study showed that due to the slope of the land, the property was in a flood-prone area, even though the property next door was totally unaffected. Most buyers wouldn’t know where to find that information, or how to interpret the model.
The wrong property might still look right—but once you know what’s hidden, you'll be grateful you walked away from that one.
2. Reduce the Stress of Buying
Ever been stuck in decision paralysis? You’re about to make a major decision, but your brain is doing laps, second-guessing everything?
Now imagine that feeling, but with hundreds of thousands (or millions) of dollars at stake.
That’s where it pays to engage someone who prepares you for all scenarios and advises on what's most likely to work and what doesn’t. My job is to take that weight off your shoulders so you can make a calm, confident decision.
One of the biggest pain points for buyers? When to submit an offer.
Should you go early? Wait? Add conditions? A recent client asked me, “Do we submit now, pending X?
My answer was “No, not yet.”
Based on the agent, the campaign, and the vendor’s position, I knew the best move was to hold off and submit a clean offer at the right time. Without experience, you’re relying on guesswork.
3. Mitigate Hurdles to Avoid Missing Out
The property process is disjointed—you’re dealing with solicitors, banks, building inspectors, agents, and vendors, all moving at their own pace. The buyer’s agent is the one keeping it all together for the buyer.
Here’s are the common challenges:
Solicitors focus on the legal details, not the overall deal. Without someone keeping them informed about negotiations, hurdles, and other factors about the property, they won't know when to push forward.
Engage a building and pest inspector you know. If you don’t have existing relationships, you’re starting from scratch assessing a reputable inspector, wasting time, while others have trusted, thorough inspectors they can book at a moments notice.
Agents are holding buyers at bay until they are ready. Their job is to line up buyers at a time that suits them. You have to know when to push and when to hold back to give yourself the best chance of success.
Thinking About Buying?
If you’re looking for your first or next property, the difference between getting a home and getting the right home is huge. The right strategy, the right timing, and the right approach can make or break your purchase.