gregorygarver.com

[NARAN]

My partner and I are looking for our first home (a 2-bedroom unit) in Brisbane, Australia, for the two of us and our caged guinea pigs. It seems as though most properties are snapped up within hours of us finding them on the internet, and working full-time makes it hard for us.Real estate agents are contractually bound to get the best price for the seller, so we're cautious not to trust them too much. Is it worth investing in a buyers agent, or should we just wait it out until something comes along that we find ourselves? It will cost us from $5000 upwards to engage the help of a buyers agent (which is a lot of money when buying your first home), so we'd be grateful to hear opinions from people who have either used a buyers agent or from people within the industry.Thanks for your help...It might be useful to mention that in Australia the buyers agents are hired and paid by the buyer to get the best deal. The listing agent is the one who takes a cut from the seller. Most agents will now only let you view at open inspections along with other prospective buyers, and you are then silently 'bidding' for a property. It's becoming hard to find someone to independently show us a property.

[open4one]

If an agent shows you the house that is NOT the listing agent, they should be YOUR agent, not the agent trying to get the highest price for the house.You need to have the guts to lowball the offer and stick to your guns if the agent is not doing their job.Pay for a "buyers agent"? Not me!Have purchased about 8 homes myself

[rann_georgia]

Not sure about the laws in Australia, but in the US a Buyer's Agent gets paid by the sellers, not the buyers. And they look out for your best interest.I personally love working for first time home buyer's. I love seeing the excitement in their eyes when they find their dream home.Good Luck!

[SearchlightCrusade]

I would use a buyers agent only if you can afford one. Having bought and sold about 10 houses over the years I think I would prefer to do the looking myself. I like the "open for inspection" system as you can look at a property without the agent breathing down your neck and telling you which room is which (as if you don't know a bathroom from a kitchen). The thing is to keep looking and don't give up. Also it is very important not to settle for second best because you are sick of looking. If this happens have a rest for a week or so and don't go house hunting until you feel up to it again. It is a wonderful feeling to have found just the property you want and at a price you are comfortable with. Happy house-hunting.