If you ask a buyer's agent whether you should hire a buyer's agent, you already know what the answer will be. So let's skip the pitch and talk honestly about when it actually makes sense — and when it doesn't.
Be honest about which one you are
Probably fine on your own if…
- You have plenty of time
- You enjoy the process
- You read strata reports & contracts confidently
- You're comfortable bidding at auction
One earns its keep if…
- Your time is limited
- You're buying interstate or overseas
- You can't reliably tell well-priced from over-priced
- Auctions make your stomach drop
A lot of people do it themselves and do it well. The reasons on the right are all perfectly normal — and the ones we hear most often.
The real question isn't the fee
It's what would a mistake cost you? These are the costs that never show up in a fee comparison:
If you have the time, the knowledge and the temperament, you can absolutely do it yourself. If you're missing any one of those three, having someone experienced on your side probably pays for itself.
This article is general property market information only — it isn't financial, tax, legal or investment advice. Your specific situation should always be discussed with a qualified, licensed professional (financial adviser, mortgage broker, tax agent or solicitor) before you make any decisions. FiveFold Property Partners helps clients buy property; we are not licensed financial advisers.