Frequently Asked Questions
General
Put simply, a buyers agent is a professional who represents the interests of YOU, the BUYER in a real estate transaction. They work with the buyer to find their dream home or investment property and assist with the negotiations and due diligence process to ensure a smooth and successful purchase. With their extensive knowledge of the local real estate market, they help the buyer make informed decisions and save time and money in the process.
In short, a buyers agent provides peace of mind and helps make the home-buying process as stress-free as possible.
How?Â
1. Expertise: A buyers agent has in-depth knowledge of the real estate market, a strong network of sales agents, and a complete understanding of the negotiation process. They are very well equipped to help clients make informed decisions.
2. Time-saving: The process of buying a property can be time-consuming, especially for those with busy schedules. A buyers agent can take care of all the legwork for you.
3. Objectivity: It’s natural to become emotionally attached to a property, but a buyers agent remains neutral and can help you make a logical decision. Objectivity is especially important during the due diligence period. We’ll make sure emotion doesn’t ever override logic.
4. Cost savings: A buyers agent is equipped to negotiate on your behalf, which can often result in a better deal for the buyer. Whilst cost savings are usually thought of when it comes to the purchase price, there can also be significant costs savings associated with negotiating the right terms. Terms are often overlooked, but are actually just as important as the purchase price.
5. Access to properties: A buyers agent has access to properties that may not be available to the public, which increases your chances of finding the perfect property.
A real estate (sales / selling) agent is engaged by the seller – their job is to get the highest price for their seller.
A buyer’s agent, like us, is engaged by a buyer. We represent your interests exclusively to buy a property. We help you find the right property, negotiate the lowest possible price, and secure you favourable terms.
It makes sense to have a professional in your corner when you’re dealing with one on the other side. Â
Setlr differentiates itself from other buyers agents by offering a personalised and comprehensive service to clients looking to purchase a home. Our team has extensive experience and knowledge in the industry (and the areas we service), and we use this to provide a tailored experience to each client.Â
We’ve also invested heavily in our systems and processes to make the buying journey as seamless, transparent and stress-free as possible. From onboarding to regular updates, walk-through videos, and digital tools for reviewing properties, every step is designed for clarity and confidence no matter where you are located.Â
Relationships and communication are what we do best, and this extends to both negotiations with the selling agents, and the highest quality servicing for our clients. From finding the perfect home to negotiating the deal and getting you settled, we’re on the front foot from start to finish.
Choosing the right buyer’s agent can have a big impact on your property outcome. Here’s what to look for:
- Local Experience – Ideally, they’ve been active in the Brisbane market for 5+ years and know how to uncover the right opportunities.
- Social Proof – Check for client testimonials, case studies and Google reviews that show real results.
- Professional Standards – Make sure they use a Form 6 for client engagement and hold full indemnity insurance.
- No Conflicts – Ask whether they’re are currently assisting clients with a brief that overlaps with yours.Â
Ultimately, you want someone who not only knows the market inside out but also takes the time to understand your goals – and is committed to putting your interests first.Â
Yes, buyer’s agents should hold a current real estate license, use a Form 6, and carry professional indemnity insurance. This protects you and ensures compliance with legal & ethical standards.
A buyer’s agent represents the buyer throughout the property purchase process.
This can include:
- Understanding your brief and budget
- Identifying suitable suburbs and property types
- Searching for on-market, pre-market and off-market opportunities
- Inspecting and shortlisting properties
- Assessing value
- Completing due diligence
- Advising on risks
- Negotiating price and terms
- Managing the process through to contract and settlement
A good buyer’s agent helps you move through the process with more clarity, structure and confidence.
A buyer’s agent can be especially useful when you are:
- Time-poor
- Relocating from interstate or overseas
- Unsure about property values
- Struggling to secure the right property
- Buying in an unfamiliar area
- Competing against multiple buyers
- Looking for off-market opportunities
- Buying an investment property
- Making a major lifestyle or financial decision
- Wanting support with due diligence and negotiation
For many buyers, the value is not just in the property they secure, but in the mistakes they avoid along the way.
Do I need a buyer’s agent if I can find properties online myself?
Not necessarily.
Many buyers can find properties online. The challenge is often knowing which properties are worth pursuing, what they are really worth, what risks need to be checked, and how to negotiate effectively.
A buyer’s agent adds value by filtering opportunities, assessing quality, understanding value, completing due diligence and managing the strategy behind the purchase.
The short answer — earlier than you think.
Most people assume they should start searching first and call a buyer’s agent once they’re struggling. In reality, the earlier you engage us, the better your outcome tends to be.
Here’s why: we help you get clear on your brief before you start looking, which means you’re not wasting weekends inspecting the wrong properties. We also help you understand the market — what’s realistic for your budget, which suburbs suit your goals, and what to watch out for.
If you’re at any of these stages, now is a good time to reach out:
- You’re thinking about buying in the next month or so
- You’ve started looking but aren’t finding what you need
- You’ve been missing out at auction or in competitive situations
- You’ve found a property and need help with the negotiation
There’s no wrong time to have a conversation. Book a free 15-minute call here and we’ll let you know honestly whether and how we can help.
Working with Setlr
We have a proven process to find the right property for our clients, that has been refined and perfected over many years and involvement in countless property transaction. We begin by understanding our client’s unique needs, lifestyle, and goals. Then we take this information and identify properties that meet your specific criteria.Â
Setlr has a network of trusted real estate agents and industry professionals, that enables us to access many properties not listed on the market, which greatly increases your chances of finding the perfect fit. We use our collective expertise to assess each property’s potential and negotiate the best deal for you.
On average, we secure properties within 30–45 days, but it can vary based on your brief, budget and the market. For some clients we find the right property in a couple of weeks, others can take a little longer.
At the end of the day, it’s not about the timeframe – it’s about finding the right property. Our role is to keep the process focused and efficient so you don’t waste time but also don’t settle.
We love houses… units, townhouses, duplexes… basically anything with a foundation! Our experienced team of buyers agents have a deep understanding of the local property market and work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a family home, an investment property, or something in between, we can help you find the right property that meets your requirements and fits your budget.
We’re Brisbane specialists, but you should talk to us if you’re considering property anywhere in South East Queensland. From the eastern suburbs to the west, north side and the inner city, out to Moreton Bay and Redland Bay.
Yes, we do! Setlr handles all negotiations as part of our comprehensive buyers agent service. With our expertise and knowledge of the real estate market, Setlr’s Buyers Agents work hard to secure the best deal for their clients and represent their best interests through the negotiation process. Keeping in mind, the best deal is so much more than just the lowest possible purchase price.
We focus on every aspect of the deal, things that are often overlooked such as access, inclusions, timeframes, the list goes on. Setlr’s goal is to make the home-buying process as stress-free as possible, and it is in these details that we’re able to achieve this.
Yes, we have secured many properties via auction and will work with you to outline an auction strategy for securing the property.Â
That’s great – we offer a “Negotiation Only” service if you need expert help closing the deal and securing the best terms.Â
In a competitive market like Brisbane, having your finance pre-approved is key. It puts you in a strong position to act quickly and confidently when the right property comes up. Â
We limit the number of active clients to ensure personalised service and attention. And we always ensure that we do not take on clients with the same brief therefore not competing against each other. If a prospective client has a brief that is similar to an existing client, we do not take on the new client until we have successfully purchased for the existing client first.Â
Yes, we’ve helped numerous clients successfully purchase property through their SMSF. We work closely with your financial advisor and solicitor to ensure the purchase is fully compliant with SMSF regulations.Â
Our role is to help you identify the right property that aligns with your investment strategy and offers strong potential for long-term growth.
As your buyer’s agent we help reduce the risk of common buying mistakes, including:
- Overpaying
- Buying in the wrong location
- Chasing suburbs that do not align with your budget
- Missing better opportunities
- Becoming emotionally attached too early
- Underestimating renovation or maintenance costs
- Overlooking building, pest, flood, zoning or body corporate risks
- Making weak or poorly structured offers
- Buying a property that does not suit your long-term goals
The right advice can help you avoid hidden costs and poor decisions after purchase.
Both — and we’ll work around what suits you.
For local buyers, you’re welcome to attend inspections alongside us but we will also provide a detailed walk-through video if you can’t make it.
For interstate, regional or overseas buyers, we attend all inspections on your behalf and provide detailed walk-through videos so you can see the property thoroughly — including the things that don’t make it into the listing photos. We’ll also give you our honest verbal assessment on the spot.
Either way, you’re always fully informed before any decision is made.
It’s a fair question, and one worth asking any buyer’s agent.
Our business runs on referrals and repeat clients. That only happens when we get the outcome right — not just the outcome quickly. Rushing a client into the wrong property would be the worst thing we could do for our reputation, and more importantly, for you.
In practice, this means:
- We take the time upfront to build a thorough brief so we’re always searching with clear criteria
- We present properties with an honest assessment — including the downsides
- We’ll tell you when a property doesn’t meet your brief, even if it’s close
- We’ll never pressure you into making an offer you’re not comfortable with
- We limit the number of active clients we take on at any time, so your search gets the attention it deserves
Buyers Agent Fees & Value
Fees vary across the industry depending on the level of service, property type and complexity of brief. Most buyers agents fees are between 1% and 2.5% of the purchase price. In some cases, a fixed fee may also be available, tailored to your budget and specific needs.Â
While there is a cost involved, many clients find the value far outweighs the buyers agents fee – saving them time, reducing stress and achieving a better result than going it alone.Â
As a consultative buyers’ agency, we start with a quick 15-minute chat to understand your goals and explain how we can best support you.Â
To discuss our buyers agent services in more detail schedule a call here.
For the right buyer, yes. A buyer’s agent can be worth it if they help you make a better property decision than you would have made on your own.
That value might come from securing the right property, avoiding the wrong one, understanding true market value, accessing off-market opportunities, negotiating better terms, saving time, reducing stress and helping you buy with confidence.
A buyer’s agent is not just there to find properties. Their role is to help you assess value, understand risk, structure your offer and secure the right property with a clear strategy.
For more detail, you can read our full blog on whether a buyer’s agent is worth it.
Absolutely not. We look after clients with all budgets including those at $750,000. All our clients recognise the value in engaging Setlr to find the right property and secure it with the best price and terms.
Not always, and that should not be the only measure of value.
Sometimes a buyer’s agent may help you secure a property below budget or below the top competing offer. Other times, the value may come from securing better terms, avoiding overpaying, identifying hidden risks, or helping you buy a better-quality property.
The goal is not simply to buy the cheapest property. The goal is to buy the right property well.
Buyer’s agent fees differ because not all buyer’s agents offer the same level of service, experience, market knowledge or support.
Some charge a fixed fee, others charge a percentage of the purchase price. Some charge an upfront engagement fee, while others only charge once a property has been purchased.
The fee usually reflects what is included, who is providing the advice, how much work is involved and the level of support provided throughout the buying process.
At Setlr, our fees reflect the experience of our team, our Brisbane market knowledge, our due diligence process, access to on, pre and off-market opportunities, and the level of support we provide from brief through to settlement.
When comparing buyer’s agent fees, it is worth looking beyond the cost and considering the overall value being delivered.
For more detail, you can read our full blog on why buyer’s agent fees differ across the industry.
Off-Market & Access
Off-market properties aren’t publicly advertised. Through our strong relationships and ongoing communication with selling agents, we gain access to these opportunities.
In addition to off-market opportunities, we also get access to pre-market properties (those about to be listed) and post-market properties (were previously on the market but ae no longer actively advertised).
Generally speaking, around 50% of all properties we purchase for our clients have been sourced off-market. But for us the most important thing is finding the ideal of property for you regardless of where it is listed.Â
Off-market properties can offer unique advantages, but they’re not always the best fit for every buyer or brief. It’s important to understand both the pros and cons.
Things to consider with off-market properties:
- Photos and information may be limited or outdated
- Sellers are often not in a rush to sell
- Pricing can be higher, as the seller may only sell for the “right price”
- However, there is typically less competition which can lead to favourable negotiations
At Setlr Buyers Agents, we explore all opportunities – off-market, pre-market, on-market and post-market – to find the best property for you. It’s not about where the property is listed, but whether it aligns with your brief and goals.Â
Yes. One of the benefits of working with a buyer’s agent is access to agent relationships and opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
Off-market access is not always about getting a bargain. Often, the real value is getting access to the right property before the broader market sees it, or finding an opportunity you may not have known existed.
This can be particularly useful in tightly held suburbs or property segments where quality stock is limited.
Location & Local Insights
Yes! We live and breathe Brisbane. We’ll help you identify suburbs that suit your lifestyle, budget and goals.Â
All the time. We are your eyes on the ground. We use online technology to make the process super smooth when you can’t be here in person. We attend all inspections providing you with walk-through videos so you see every aspect of the property.Â
With clear and consistent communication, we keep you informed and involved every step of the way no matter where you are.
Client Reviews
Read about the experiences these happy home buyers had with Setlr Buyers Agents
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