Buyer’s Agent vs Real Estate Agent: What’s the Real Difference?

When navigating the Australian property market, one of the most common points of confusion is understanding the roles of a buyer’s agent versus a real estate (selling) agent.

While both are licensed professionals in the real estate industry, they serve very different purposes—and one is paid to work for you, not against you.

In this article, we break down the real difference so you can make more confident, informed decisions on your property journey.

Who Does Each Agent Work For?

Buyer’s Agent vs Real Estate Agent

This is the most important—and most misunderstood—difference.

🧑‍💼 Real Estate Agent (Selling Agent):

  • Works for the seller

  • Paid a commission by the vendor

  • Goal: Get the highest possible price for the seller

👤 Buyer’s Agent (Buying Agent):

  • Works for the buyer

  • Paid by the buyer (fixed fee or % of purchase price)

  • Goal: Help you buy the right property at the right price

Think of it this way: A real estate agent sells you a home. A buyer’s agent helps you buy the right one.

🔍 Services They Provide

Here’s what each professional typically handles:

Task Buyer’s Agent ✅ Real Estate Agent ❌
Finds properties based on your goals ✅ Yes ❌ No (they only show their listings)
Sources off-market properties ✅ Often ❌ Rarely
Attends inspections & evaluates properties ✅ Yes ❌ No
Negotiates on your behalf ✅ 100% ❌ Works for seller
Protects your interests at auctions ✅ Yes ❌ No
Helps with due diligence & suburb research ✅ Yes ❌ Not their role

💰 How Are They Paid?

  • Real Estate Agent: Paid a commission by the seller, usually 1.5%–2.5% of the sale price.

  • Buyer’s Agent: Paid by you (the buyer), either as a flat fee or percentage. If you're buying an investment property, the fee is usually tax-deductible.

Why Use a Buyer’s Agent?

Because you deserve professional representation too.

Buying property—especially in markets like Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne—is complex, emotional, and competitive. A buyer’s agent brings:

  • Experience and negotiation power

  • Local suburb insights and growth data

  • Access to properties you can’t find online

  • Unbiased advice with no sales agenda

💬 Still Not Sure Who You Need?

If you’re confused about which professional is right for you, ask this:

“Do I want someone to sell me a property, or someone to help me buy the right one?”

If it’s the latter, a buyer’s agent is your best ally.

👉 Learn how our buyer’s agents work exclusively for you—not sellers or developers—in our full-service buyer’s guide here.

🏡 Trusted, Independent Property Advice Starts Here

At Empowered Buyers, we represent the buyer at every stage. No commissions. No upselling. Just smart, data-backed support.

✅ First home buyers
✅ Investors
✅ Relocators
✅ Off-market property seekers

📧 Email: info@empoweredbuyers.com.au
📞 Call: +61 411 557 605
🌐 Website: empoweredbuyers.com.au

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