All Topics / General Property / Are buyers agents/ advocates a rip off?

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  • Profile photo of sashabearsashabear
    Member
    @sashabear
    Join Date: 2008
    Post Count: 4

    We are doing an interstate relocation in a few months and looking to buy a new PPOR in Melbourne.

    We know the area we want to live, and have a child starting school, so it would be a big advantage to move into a house we own rather than going on the rental roundabout and looking to buy once we're there and having to change schools. But it's hard to search from a distance, so we are considering a buyer's agent.

    What value can a buyer's advocate deliver? Especially if you are looking in middle range 500-700 K not 1mil plus or investment apartments which seems to be where most of them specialise? And what are the risks?

    Any thoughts?

    Profile photo of Scott No MatesScott No Mates
    Participant
    @scott-no-mates
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 3,856

    A buyers advocate brings to the table a wealth of property, negotiation and owner representation expertise which the layperson can only ponder. Would you design your own house? Design engineering components, submit complex tax returns (for your business etc)? No, of course not. That is why we utilise the skills of these bods. Others use them, like in your situation either time poor or distance poor. They are on the ball with a local area which they operate and get up to speed by listening to your requirements then sifting thru all the market.

    Profile photo of Opportunity In EverythingOpportunity In Everything
    Member
    @opportunity-in-everything
    Join Date: 2006
    Post Count: 122

    yes and no

    No for some of the reasons above!

    And yes for the costs.  Opportunity cost that is. 

    How much is your time worth? 

    Do you have the time to do the homework for yourself? 

    At the end of the day if you're happy to put your investment future in the hands of someone else good for you. 

    Otherwise even ordinary selling agents these days will take the time to educate you on the market and their own listings too obviously.

    Disclaimer; never used one and possibly never will.

    Profile photo of ducksterduckster
    Participant
    @duckster
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 1,674

    They come into being useful when you do not have the time to go checking properties

    Disclaimer; never used one and possibly never will.

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

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