The three main types of realtors.  

SELLERS AGENTS

Most real estate agents in Australia act as a seller\'s agents.   The seller pays a commission to the selling agent in order for the agent to try to find a buyer for their property.  The fee is usually a percentage of the home\\\'s final sale price.

Various legal and professional codes require that a seller\\\'s agent promote the best interests of the seller. Throughout the process their job is to get the seller the highest price possible. When choosing a seller\'s agent you need to shop around to find out how the agent plans to market your home; for what extra fees; how knowledgeable they are and how loyal is your potential realtor.

BUYERS AGENTS

Property Buyers Agents (or Property Buyers Advocates)  act solely for you to source and negotiate property on your behalf, ensuring that you achieve the best possible value for your money.   They  do not sell property,  only source it, both residential and commercial.  They will have an unbiased approach to sourcing the property and may work with several agents.

If relocating from interstate or overseas they can do the research prior to your arrival or exploratory visit, to shortlist the best properties matching your criteria.

Buyers agents generally work on a 60 day contract to find a short list of suitable properties and normally will request a fee which is non refundable to start working for you.  Their fees vary so do your home work.

The benefits in recruiting a good property Buyers Agent are:

• suits people with little available time
• advantageous to have an agent in the local area with an understanding of that geographic market
• create a short list of suitable properties which allows you to make a quicker and more informed decision
• takes the emotion out of purchasing, versus the true value of what a property is worth
• look at how the property should appreciate in capital value
• provide a full report detailing key aspects of the property
• co-ordinate pest and building inspections
• arrange a quantity surveyor
• liaise with the relocation management company
• refer you to mortgage providers
• recommend a property manager, if purchasing an investment property.
• visit open homes,
• negotiate on your behalf
• bid at auction on your behalf
• advise the closest community and public services
• advise of good areas within your criteria
• assist with settlement
• determine the market value
• most are a registered valuer
• provide local knowledge that will help you find basic essential services that we take for granted in our old suburb

DUAL AGENTS

A dual agent is a realtor who is working as a seller's agent for a particular property and will act as the buyer\\\'s agent as well.   In these cases the dual agent is prohibited from sharing a lot of information about one party with the other.  Dual agent arrangements  work best when the buyer is prepared to pay the seller\\\'s asking price and both parties want to finalise the transaction quickly.