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FAQs
Penton Property Buyer's Agency
Penton Property Buyer's Agency
Purchasing Property Properly
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Frequently asked questions

1. What is the value in using a buyer’s agent?
Buyer’s agents work independently for the buyer, like selling agents who work for the sellers. Buyer’s agents bring with them:
  • expertise as trained professionals with knowledge of the property market
  • negotiation skills to get the best deal possible for their clients
  • networks which can increase access to suitable listings that are off-market or pre-market
  • objectivity and unbiased opinions so clients make informed decisions, not emotional ones
  • support and guidance for buyers during the purchasing journey
  • a level playing field
  • the gift of time! They do the research, shortlist and inspect properties, liaise with selling agents, brokers, solicitors and property managers, arrange due diligence reports, and see the deal through to settlement, saving you time.
2. Why do buyers use buyer’s agents?
People engage buyer’s agents because they:
  • are time poor
  • want to keep their weekends free for time with family and friends
  • lack confidence and/or do not understand the buying process
  • have never purchased a property before
  • are tired of the buying process
  • have been looking for ages and can’t find anything
  • are sick of missing out on properties they like
  • feel some agents are playing games
  • are missing the support of an ‘A team’ of trusted property professionals
3. Is it important for a buyer’s agent to have previous property buying experience?
Yes! Previous experience means you are engaging a buyer’s agent who knows the process and can guide you through it. Previous multiple purchases also give the buyer’s agent a broad range of experiences to draw from to help manage any potential issues, for example, problems in a building and pest report, difficulties with current tenancies, understanding restrictions on title etc. Previous experience allows the buyer’s agent to identity issues or potential issues early so they can develop a plan of action with their client and either progress the sale or terminate the contract (dependent on the state).
4. Do we own property ourselves?
Yes! We have been investing since 2006. Please check the ‘About’ page of our website for more information on “Our property experience so far”.
5. Do you have experience buying interstate?
Yes! We have bought properties in 4 states using our 15 step, Pied Piper Purchasing Process.
6. Do buyer’s agents need to be qualified and licenced?
Yes! Buyer’s agents must hold a real estate agent licence to operate. In NSW, agents can hold either a Certificate of Registration to act as an Assistant Agent, a Class 2 licence or Class 1 licence. The buyer’s agency Licensee in Charge must hold a Class 1 licence. To maintain a valid licence and keep up to date with industry changes, real estate agents in NSW must do Compulsory Professional Development each year.
7. If we give you our financial details, can you tell us our borrowing power?
No! Professionals providing financial advice, must hold the relevant licences. You need to speak to a financial adviser and/or mortgage broker to obtain this information. They will be able to assess your financial position with the necessary level of detail.
8. Can you recommend some lenders with good rates?
No! Professionals providing financial advice, must hold the relevant licences. You need to speak to a financial adviser and/or mortgage broker to obtain this information.
9. What is due diligence and why is it important?
This is an extensive process to investigate and research a property’s condition, risks, and potential for investment through examination of its physical, financial, legal, and environmental factors.
10. What fees do we charge?
Buyer’s agents can charge fees either as: 
  • a percentage of the property purchase price,
  • a fixed fee based on increasing price brackets, or
  • a flat fee
At Penton Property Buyer’s Agency, we use a flat fee for standard residential properties. For our more bespoke service package to source and secure lifestyle, acreage, or equine properties, we charge a percentage of the purchase price. Some of our other packages incur the full fee upfront.
11. Does your full service package cover the cost of due diligence and legals?
No! Fees associated with professional reports, inspections and legals etc, are payable by the client.
12. Why are the professional networks of a buyer’s agent so important?
Buyer’s agents have strong relationships with agents and other property professionals in the areas they operate. This can increase access to off-market and/or pre-market opportunities that are not yet advertised which reduces competition from other buyers. Buyer’s agents also rely heavily on their trusted ‘A team’ of property professionals who help the buying process run smoothly. These professionals can include mortgage brokers, solicitors, property managers, and building and pest inspectors etc.
13. Do you have access to off-market properties?
We do see off-market properties however, they are not always a good deal. Sometimes off-market properties:
  • are poorly presented
  • are poorly maintained
  • have fussy and/or indecisive sellers
  • have sellers with unrealistic sales expectations
  • have sellers who are unfamiliar with the selling process etc
Buyers often want off-market properties because they cannot buy what is on market due to competition etc. This is where a buyer’s agent can help.
14. Can buyer’s agents sell and buy property?
Yes! Buyer’s agents are licenced real estate agents. They can sell and buy properties, however, cannot be involved in the purchase and sale of the same property at the same time. They must work either for the buyer or the seller in that single transaction.
15. What process do you use to source and secure deals?
We use our comprehensive, 15 step Pied Piper Purchasing Process to source and secure properties. This process has been refined and refined again over nearly 2 decades of buying property for our personal portfolio!
16. Is your buyer’s agent fee tax deductible?
No! Buyer’s agent fees are not tax deductible the first year after purchasing an investment property. These costs may form part of the cost base of your property for capital gains purposes when it is sold. Buyer's agent fees paid by a buyer to purchase a principal place of residence, are not tax deductible. Please do your own research in this regard or visit https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/your-tax-return/instructions-to-complete-your-tax-return/mytax-instructions/2019/income/australian-income-or-losses-from-investments-or-property/rent/rental-expenses/expenses-for-which-you-can-claim-an-immediate-deduction/agent-fees-or-commissions
17. Are you are affiliated with any developers?
No! We are not affiliated with any developers and do not sell any ‘off the plan’ stock. Some ‘buyer’s agents’ are aligned with a developer and work to sell their ‘off the plan’ stock. Unfortunately, these ‘buyer’s agents’ are not acting in the best interests of their buyer client as they are selling the developer’s product. If a client wants to buy an ‘off the plan’ apartment, we can help but we will be acting independently of the developer, on behalf of our buyer client, and in their best interests.
18. How do you get paid?
We are paid by our buyer client. If you as a buyer engaged a ‘professional’ to source and secure a property for you but you are not paying them, it is likely they are being paid by third party (eg, a developer). This presents a conflict of interest for you as the buyer, because the ‘professional’ you engaged, may not be working in your best interests.
19. Do complex purchases incur additional fees?
Most of the time, our full service fee will cover the tasks we do to source and secure a property. However, there may be rare times where the process becomes complicated for reasons outside of our control for example, the seller is overseas. If this occurs, we will notify you and send out a fee adjustment.
20. Why should we use your buyer’s agency over others?
We are dedicated to finding the most suitable properties for our clients. We take time to understand a client’s needs, preferences, and budgets to ensure we only present properties that match their brief. We have a proven, long term track record of property acquisition experience during which time, we have ridden several property cycles, managed changing tenancy laws, faced fluctuating interest rates, and worked through the many hurdles that come with owning property. We have a genuine interest in researching property markets and a strong desire to help others achieve their own property dreams. We are passionate, enthusiastic and down to earth. We are ready to help if you need someone in your corner!
Mobile Version

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the value in using a buyer's agent?
2. Why do buyers use buyer’s agents?
3. Is it important for a buyer’s agent to have previous property buying experience?
4. Do we own property ourselves?
5. Do you have experience buying interstate?
6. Do buyer’s agents need to be qualified and licenced?
7. If we give you our financial details, can you tell us our borrowing power?
8. Can you recommend some lenders with good rates?
9. What is due diligence and why is it important?
10. What fees do we charge?
11. Does your full service package cover the cost of due diligence and legals?
12. Why are the professional networks of a buyer’s agent so important?
13. Do you have access to off-market properties?
14. Can buyer’s agents sell and buy property?
15. What process do you use to source and secure deals?
16. Is your buyer’s agent fee tax deductible?
17. Are you are affiliated with any developers?
18. How do you get paid?
19. Do complex purchases incur additional fees?
20. Why should we use your buyer’s agency over others?
1. What is the value in using a buyer's agent?
Buyer’s agents work independently for the buyer, like selling agents who work for the sellers. Buyer’s agents bring with them:
  • expertise as trained professionals with knowledge of the property market
  • negotiation skills to get the best deal possible for their clients
  • networks which can increase access to suitable listings that are off-market or pre-market
  • objectivity and unbiased opinions so clients make informed decisions, not emotional ones
  • support and guidance for buyers during the purchasing journey
  • a level playing field
  • the gift of time! They do the research, shortlist and inspect properties, liaise with selling agents, brokers, solicitors and property managers, arrange due diligence reports, and see the deal through to settlement, saving you time.
2. Why do buyers use buyer’s agents?
People engage buyer’s agents because they:
  • are time poor
  • want to keep their weekends free for time with family and friends
  • lack confidence and/or do not understand the buying process
  • have never purchased a property before
  • are tired of the buying process
  • have been looking for ages and can’t find anything
  • are sick of missing out on properties they like
  • feel some agents are playing games
  • are missing the support of an ‘A team’ of trusted property professionals
3. Is it important for a buyer’s agent to have previous property buying experience?
    Yes! Previous experience means you are engaging a buyer’s agent who knows the process and can guide you through it. Previous multiple purchases also give the buyer’s agent a broad range of experiences to draw from to help manage any potential issues, for example, problems in a building and pest report, difficulties with current tenancies, understanding restrictions on title etc. Previous experience allows the buyer’s agent to identity issues or potential issues early so they can develop a plan of action with their client and either progress the sale or terminate the contract (dependent on the state).
4. Do we own property ourselves?
Yes! We have been investing since 2006. Please check the ‘About’ page of our website for more information on “Our property experience so far”.
5. Do you have experience buying interstate?
Yes! We have bought properties in 4 states using our 15 step, Pied Piper Purchasing Process.
6. Do buyer’s agents need to be qualified and licenced?
Yes! Buyer’s agents must hold a real estate agent licence to operate. In NSW, agents can hold either a Certificate of Registration to act as an Assistant Agent, a Class 2 licence or Class 1 licence. The buyer’s agency Licensee in Charge must hold a Class 1 licence. To maintain a valid licence and keep up to date with industry changes, real estate agents in NSW must do Compulsory Professional Development each year.
7. If we give you our financial details, can you tell us our borrowing power?
No! Professionals providing financial advice, must hold the relevant licences. You need to speak to a financial adviser and/or mortgage broker to obtain this information. They will be able to assess your financial position with the necessary level of detail.
8. Can you recommend some lenders with good rates?
No! Professionals providing financial advice, must hold the relevant licences. You need to speak to a financial adviser and/or mortgage broker to obtain this information.
9. What is due diligence and why is it important?
This is an extensive process to investigate and research a property’s condition, risks, and potential for investment through examination of its physical, financial, legal, and environmental factors.
10. What fees do we charge?
Buyer’s agents can charge fees either as: 
  • a percentage of the property purchase price,
  • a fixed fee based on increasing price brackets, or
  • a flat fee
At Penton Property Buyer’s Agency, we use a flat fee for standard residential properties. For our more bespoke service package to source and secure lifestyle, acreage, or equine properties, we charge a percentage of the purchase price. Some of our other packages incur the full fee upfront.
11. Does your full service package cover the cost of due diligence and legals?
No! Fees associated with professional reports, inspections and legals etc, are payable by the client.
12. Why are the professional networks of a buyer’s agent so important?
Buyer’s agents have strong relationships with agents and other property professionals in the areas they operate. This can increase access to off-market and/or pre-market opportunities that are not yet advertised which reduces competition from other buyers. Buyer’s agents also rely heavily on their trusted ‘A team’ of property professionals who help the buying process run smoothly. These professionals can include mortgage brokers, solicitors, property managers, and building and pest inspectors etc.
13. Do you have access to off-market properties?
We do see off-market properties however, they are not always a good deal. Sometimes off-market properties:
  • are poorly presented
  • are poorly maintained
  • have fussy and/or indecisive sellers
  • have sellers with unrealistic sales expectations
  • have sellers who are unfamiliar with the selling process etc
Buyers often want off-market properties because they cannot buy what is on market due to competition etc. This is where a buyer’s agent can help.
14. Can buyer’s agents sell and buy property?
Yes! Buyer’s agents are licenced real estate agents. They can sell and buy properties, however, cannot be involved in the purchase and sale of the same property at the same time. They must work either for the buyer or the seller in that single transaction.
15. What process do you use to source and secure deals?
We use our comprehensive, 15 step Pied Piper Purchasing Process to source and secure properties. This process has been refined and refined again over nearly 2 decades of buying property for our personal portfolio!
16. Is your buyer’s agent fee tax deductible?
No! Buyer’s agent fees are not tax deductible the first year after purchasing an investment property. These costs may form part of the cost base of your property for capital gains purposes when it is sold. Buyer's agent fees paid by a buyer to purchase a principal place of residence, are not tax deductible. Please do your own research in this regard or visit https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/your-tax-return/instructions-to-complete-your-tax-return/mytax-instructions/2019/income/australian-income-or-losses-from-investments-or-property/rent/rental-expenses/expenses-for-which-you-can-claim-an-immediate-deduction/agent-fees-or-commissions
17. Are you are affiliated with any developers?
No! We are not affiliated with any developers and do not sell any ‘off the plan’ stock. Some ‘buyer’s agents’ are aligned with a developer and work to sell their ‘off the plan’ stock. Unfortunately, these ‘buyer’s agents’ are not acting in the best interests of their buyer client as they are selling the developer’s product. If a client wants to buy an ‘off the plan’ apartment, we can help but we will be acting independently of the developer, on behalf of our buyer client, and in their best interests.
18. How do you get paid?
We are paid by our buyer client. If you as a buyer engaged a ‘professional’ to source and secure a property for you but you are not paying them, it is likely they are being paid by third party (eg, a developer). This presents a conflict of interest for you as the buyer, because the ‘professional’ you engaged, may not be working in your best interests.
19. Do complex purchases incur additional fees?
Most of the time, our full service fee will cover the tasks we do to source and secure a property. However, there may be rare times where the process becomes complicated for reasons outside of our control for example, the seller is overseas. If this occurs, we will notify you and send out a fee adjustment.
20. Why should we use your buyer’s agency over others?
We are dedicated to finding the most suitable properties for our clients. We take time to understand a client’s needs, preferences, and budgets to ensure we only present properties that match their brief. We have a proven, long term track record of property acquisition experience during which time, we have ridden several property cycles, managed changing tenancy laws, faced fluctuating interest rates, and worked through the many hurdles that come with owning property. We have a genuine interest in researching property markets and a strong desire to help others achieve their own property dreams. We are passionate enthusiastic and down to earth. We are ready to help, if you need someone in your corner!
Penton Property Buyer's Agency