How Buyers Agents Find Properties
How Do Buyers Agents Find Properties?
One of the most common questions property buyers ask is:
How do Buyers Agents find properties?
Many buyers assume Buyers Agents simply have access to a secret database of properties that ordinary buyers cannot see.
In reality, the process is usually more nuanced.
Most Buyers Agents use a combination of:
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Publicly advertised properties
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Off-market opportunities
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Agent relationships
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Market research
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Active property sourcing
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Local market knowledge
The methods used can vary significantly between providers, markets and property types.
Understanding how Buyers Agents find properties can help buyers better assess the value of the service being offered.
Publicly Advertised Properties
Contrary to popular belief, many Buyers Agents source a significant number of properties from publicly available listings.
This may include properties advertised through:
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Major property portals
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Real estate agency websites
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Social media campaigns
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Public marketing campaigns
The value often lies not in discovering the property itself but in identifying which properties may be worth pursuing and which should be avoided.
Experienced Buyers Agents may assist clients in filtering opportunities more efficiently than buyers attempting to assess hundreds of listings themselves.
Off-Market Properties
One of the most frequently discussed aspects of the Buyers Agent industry is access to off-market properties.
Off-market properties are generally properties available for sale that are not publicly advertised.
These opportunities may arise through:
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Selling agent relationships
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Agent databases
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Private buyer networks
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Existing industry contacts
While off-market opportunities can sometimes provide additional options for buyers, they should not automatically be viewed as superior opportunities.
Learn more about Off-Market Properties.
Relationships With Selling Agents
Many Buyers Agents spend years developing relationships with local selling agents.
These relationships may assist them in:
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Learning about upcoming listings
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Identifying pre-market opportunities
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Understanding seller expectations
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Receiving early notification of available properties
However, no Buyers Agent can guarantee access to every property available within a market.
The strength of agent relationships often varies depending on location, experience and reputation.
Active Property Sourcing
Some Buyers Agents actively search for properties that are not currently advertised for sale.
This may involve:
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Direct approaches to property owners
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Letterbox campaigns
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Database research
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Targeted local enquiries
These activities are sometimes referred to as active property sourcing.
The effectiveness of this approach varies significantly depending on market conditions and seller motivation.
Market Research And Property Identification
Finding properties is not simply about access.
It also involves identifying which opportunities align with a client's objectives.
Many Buyers Agents spend significant time:
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Analysing market conditions
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Reviewing comparable sales
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Assessing local trends
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Evaluating property suitability
The ability to identify appropriate opportunities is often just as important as the ability to locate them.
Property Due Diligence
Finding a property is only the beginning of the buying process.
Once a property has been identified, proper due diligence becomes essential.
This may include:
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Reviewing comparable sales
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Investigating planning restrictions
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Assessing property condition
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Identifying potential risks
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Evaluating future resale considerations
A property that appears attractive at first glance may not always represent the best buying decision.
Learn more about Property Due Diligence.
Buying Property And Negotiating Property Are Different Skills
Many buyers focus heavily on property access while overlooking another important consideration.
Property sourcing and property negotiation are different disciplines.
Finding suitable properties, conducting research and identifying opportunities require different skills to negotiating against experienced selling agents.
Some Buyers Agents may spend most of their time sourcing opportunities and managing client relationships.
Others may have extensive experience negotiating residential property transactions.
Before relying on any professional to negotiate on your behalf, it can be worthwhile understanding:
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Their negotiation experience
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Their negotiation approach
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How they measure success
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Whether negotiation services are included
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How they differ from competing providers
Independent advice can help buyers assess whether the service being offered genuinely aligns with their expectations.
Learn more about Property Negotiation Advice.
What Happens Once A Property Is Found?
Once a suitable property has been identified, the process may involve:
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Due diligence
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Negotiation
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Contract review
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Auction preparation
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Purchase strategy
The steps that follow can often have a greater impact on the final outcome than the process of locating the property itself.
Auction Bidding And Property Acquisition
In competitive markets, suitable properties may proceed to auction.
Some Buyers Agents provide auction bidding services on behalf of clients.
This may assist buyers who:
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Cannot attend auctions
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Prefer professional representation
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Want support during competitive bidding environments
Learn more about Auction Bidding Services.
Investment Property Searches
Property investors often have different objectives from owner-occupiers.
This may influence how properties are sourced and assessed.
Factors may include:
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Rental demand
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Yield
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Cash flow
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Growth potential
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Portfolio strategy
Many Buyers Agents specialise in assisting investors with identifying suitable opportunities.
Learn more about Investment Property Buyers Agents.
Questions To Ask About Property Sourcing
Before engaging a Buyers Agent, consider asking:
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How do you find properties?
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How much of your work involves off-market properties?
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Do you actively source properties?
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What markets do you specialise in?
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How do you assess property suitability?
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Is due diligence included?
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Is negotiation included?
These questions can help buyers better understand the service being offered.
For additional guidance, see Questions To Ask A Buyers Agent.
Independent Advice Before Engaging A Buyers Agent
Many buyers are attracted to Buyers Agents because of perceived access to properties.
However, property access alone does not necessarily determine value.
Before engaging a Buyers Agent, it may be worthwhile understanding:
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How properties are sourced
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What services are included
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Whether negotiation support is provided
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How the service compares with alternatives
Our Buyers Agent Review Service helps buyers independently assess Buyers Agents before signing agreements.
Call, sms or email Rob direct...
Related Resources
You may also find these guides useful:
How Buyers Agents Find Properties: The Bottom Line
Most Buyers Agents use a combination of public listings, off-market opportunities, market research, industry relationships and active sourcing techniques.
However, finding a property is only one part of the buying process.
Buyers should also consider due diligence, negotiation capability and the overall service being provided when assessing whether a Buyers Agent represents value.
Before You Engage A Buyers Agent
If you are considering engaging a Buyers Agent and want independent advice regarding property sourcing claims, service offerings and negotiation capability, our Buyers Agent Review Service may help you make a more informed decision before signing an agreement.