Most Buyer’s Agents Work for Themselves—Not for You

Hiring a buyer’s agent should give you peace of mind. After all, their job is to represent you, the buyer—to guide you through the property market, negotiate a great deal, and protect your interests. But what if the agent you’ve hired is more focused on their own interests than yours?

The term "independent buyer’s agent" is thrown around a lot in this industry—but it doesn’t always mean what you think it does.

A truly independent buyer’s agent is paid only by the buyer.

The Problem: Hidden Referral Deals & Conflicted Advice

Some buyer’s agents advertise themselves as being independent while quietly earning referral fees from developers, project marketers, or specific sales agents. In other words, they might be showing you properties not because they’re the best fit—but because it’s the quickest way for them to close a deal or get paid twice.

These agents may:

• Push new developments where they receive a backend commission

• Recommend specific conveyancers, brokers or trades in exchange for referral incentives

• Encourage purchases that are easier to close, rather than properties that truly suit your goals

• Avoid negotiating too hard because of ongoing relationships with selling agents or agencies

In short, they can appear to work with you—but aren’t always working for you.

What True Independence Looks Like

A truly independent buyer’s agent is paid only by the buyer. They don’t accept kickbacks, commissions, or referral fees from anyone else involved in the transaction.

Their sole job is to:

• Understand your needs

• Find properties that align with your goals and budget

• Conduct independent due diligence

• Negotiate without any conflict of interest

• Ensure you're buying with clarity, not pressure

If your buyer’s agent is financially incentivised by someone other than you, can you really be sure you’re getting unbiased advice?

Why This Matters—Especially in a Hot Market

In competitive markets like Melbourne, buyers often feel rushed, under-informed, and overwhelmed. That’s when trust in your advisor matters most.

If your buyer’s agent isn’t fully transparent, you might end up:

• Paying too much

• Buying in the wrong location

• Getting stuck with poor long-term growth potential

• Overlooking red flags because the agent didn't highlight them

Buying a property is a major financial decision—it deserves more than sales tactics disguised as support.

How We’re Different at Walsh Brown Property

At Walsh Brown Property, our advocacy is 100% independent and client-focused. We don’t accept any third-party commissions or hidden incentives. When we recommend a property, it’s because it meets your brief—not ours. When we negotiate, it’s with one goal in mind: to save you money, time, and stress.

We:

✔ Access off-market and pre-market opportunities

✔ Perform detailed due diligence to protect your investment

✔ Give honest feedback—even if it means telling you to walk away

✔ Act as if we’re buying the property ourselves

Because when you're spending hundreds of thousands (or millions) of dollars, you deserve absolute loyalty and transparency.

Ask the Hard Questions

If you're considering hiring a buyer’s agent, ask:

• “Do you accept any commissions from developers or sales agents?”

• “Will you be showing me properties that you’re incentivised to sell?”

If the answer isn’t a clear and confident no, keep looking.

Want True Representation?

At Walsh Brown Property, our only loyalty is to you. If you're ready to work with someone who puts your interests first—every time—get in touch today.

Contact us today at aly@walshbrownproperty.com.au or 0411771181 for expert advice and assistance with your property journey.

*** Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, it should not be considered as personalised or professional advice. The homebuying process can vary based on individual circumstances, property types, and location-specific regulations.