10 Questions to Ask a Buyers Agent Before You Sign Anything

Choosing a buyer’s agent can be one of the best moves you make in your property journey or one of the most expensive mistakes. The difference comes down to who you work with, and how much you know before committing.

If you’re thinking about using a buyer’s agent, ask these 10 questions first:

1. How long have you worked as a buyer’s agent, and what’s your background?

Experience matters. A lot of new buyers agents entered the industry in the last few years, many of whom have only ever seen strong market conditions. You want someone who has worked through different cycles and understands how areas behave long term, not just in boom markets.
Ask about their professional background, training, and whether they have experience in property analysis, investing or valuations.

2. Do you specialise in any particular areas or property types?

A buyers agent who works “everywhere” often ends up being an expert nowhere. You want someone who has deep knowledge of specific suburbs, understands school zones, rental demand, local amenities, future development plans and street-level nuances. If an agent cannot clearly state their core territories and property types, they may not have the insight needed to advise you properly..

3. How do you research property and suburb performance?

This is where poor-quality buyers agents are exposed.
A good agent should be able to explain:

• How they analyse growth trends

• How they assess infrastructure, employment hubs and demographic shifts

• What data sources they rely on

• How they differentiate between “hot now” areas and strong long-term performers

If their answer sounds vague or overly sales-focused, they may not be doing proper due diligence.

4. Can you walk me through your process from start to finish?

A professional buyers agent should have a clear, structured process, not just “we look for properties and negotiate.”
Look for a process that includes:

• Strategy and brief development

• Suburb selection

• Off-market search

• On-market assessment

• Detailed analysis

• Negotiation strategy

• Settlement coordination

  If they cannot outline each stage, their service may lack depth and consistency.

5. Do you receive referral fees or commissions from selling agents or developers?

The answer must be no. Some buyers agents claim to be “independent” but still receive referral fees from developers or selling agents in exchange for recommending certain properties. This creates a clear conflict of interest and can lead to you paying top dollar for the wrong asset.
You need someone who is aligned only to your goals.

6. How do you charge, and what’s included in the fee?

Some buyers agents charge large upfront fees with no refund if a deal is not found. Others charge a percentage of the purchase price, which incentivises them to push you toward more expensive properties.
Ask:

• Is the fee fixed?

• Is it refundable if no property is purchased?

• Are negotiation and inspections included?

• Are there additional charges for off-market access or property reports?
  Transparency is key.

7. How many clients do you take on at once?

If a buyers agent is juggling too many clients at once, they cannot dedicate enough time to your search. Agents who prioritise volume over quality often rely on “easy wins,” placing clients into the same stock repeatedly, regardless of suitability. A good agent will limit their workload to maintain quality and focus.

8. Can I see your testimonials?

Testimonials are great. Real conversations are better. Speaking to recent clients lets you understand:

• How well the agent communicated

• Whether the client felt genuinely represented

• What value the agent provided

• Whether promises matched resultsIf an agent refuses to provide references, consider it a red flag.

9. What’s your success rate in securing off-market or pre-market properties?

Off-market access is one of the biggest selling points for buyers agents. But the quality of off-market stock varies dramatically.
If an agent claims “80 percent off-market access,” ask them to define what that means. Is it true off-market, pre-market, or listings given early access by friendly agents? You want meaningful off-market access, not recycled stock.

10. What happens if I don’t buy a property?

Some buyers agents charge full fees regardless of whether a suitable property is found. Others will try to push clients into properties that only almost fit the brief just to close a deal.
Look for someone who:

• Offers reasonable refund terms

• Adjusts the strategy collaboratively

• Is prepared to walk away rather than compromise your long-term outcome

Your buyers agent should protect you, not pressure you.

Want to work with an unbiased buyers agent? Let’s chat!