Buyers Agent vs. Self-Buying: Are You Saving Money or Sabotaging Your Property Goals?

TL; DR: Going solo when buying property in Perth might seem cheaper, but it often leads to mistakes that cost more in the long run. A buyers agent offers professional support, access to better opportunities, and helps you avoid costly errors; especially if you’re short on time or experience.

Key Takeaways:

• A buyers agent works solely for you and protects your interests.
• DIY buying can lead to overpaying, missed red flags, or legal oversights.
• Most buyers agents support everyday Australians, not just wealthy investors.
• Online tools can’t replace personalised advice or access to off-market deals.

So, You’re Buying Property in Perth. Now What?

You’ve decided to buy property in Perth. This could be your first step into the market or the latest move in your property journey. Regardless of your experience, one question often comes up: should you manage the process yourself or work with a professional buyers agent?

Many buyers believe that handling the purchase on their own will cut costs. While that might appear true at first glance, it’s worth considering the bigger picture. Let’s explore both options clearly and practically, so you can choose the path that aligns with your needs and long-term goals.

The DIY Route: Total Control or Costly Mistake?

What It Looks Like to Go Solo

Doing it yourself means taking full responsibility for:

• Researching suburbs, local trends, and recent sales
• Contacting and following up with selling agents
• Attending multiple open homes, sometimes with little notice
• Negotiating with experienced selling agents who represent the seller’s interests
• Managing legal contracts and ensuring proper due diligence

This level of involvement can be manageable for buyers who have a strong understanding of the local market, plenty of time to commit, and confidence in navigating real estate transactions.

In those cases, handling the process independently may result in avoiding the cost of a buyers agent.

However, it’s important to weigh that potential saving against the time investment and risk involved.

Where DIY Often Goes Off Track

Most buyers face challenges they often don’t anticipate:

• They struggle to identify red flags during inspections that could point to costly repairs or compliance issues
• Their emotional investment in a property clouds their judgment, leading them to overpay
• They lack access to off-market opportunities, which can include some of the best-value properties
• They assume that having pre-approval guarantees a smooth purchase process, which is rarely the case
• They misunderstand or overlook key details in contracts, exposing themselves to legal and financial risks

While it may seem like you’re saving money by managing the purchase on your own, these common oversights can result in unexpected expenses and missed opportunities that cost significantly more in the long run.

The Case for a Buyers Agent (Yes, Even in Perth)

What a Buyers Agent Actually Does

A buyers agent is not just someone who shows up on auction day. Their role is much broader and significantly more strategic. A skilled buyers agent will:

• Help you define and refine your goals based on your budget, timeline, and long-term plans
• Conduct detailed research into suburb trends, recent sales, and market indicators
• Source suitable properties, including those that are not advertised to the public
• Represent you during negotiations with selling agents to secure favourable terms
• Oversee the entire buying process, from shortlisting properties to settlement coordination

A strong buyers agent also acts as a safeguard, steering you away from unsuitable properties that may present hidden issues or poor long-term value.

For buyers relocating from interstate or living overseas, the process can be even more complex. In those cases, a buyers agent can be especially valuable. Here’s how we simplify property purchases for expats and interstate buyers.

The Value of Experience

Selling agents work for the seller and aim to achieve the highest possible price. They use proven strategies and experience to negotiate effectively.

A buyers agent, on the other hand, represents your interests. They bring clarity, objectivity, and knowledge to each stage of the process. Their support can lead to better deals and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Common Myths About Buyers Agents

Before we go further, it’s worth addressing some of the most common misunderstandings about what buyers agents do and who they serve.

If you’re wondering why more people don’t talk about the advantages of using one, this article reveals what many real estate agents won’t tell you.

“They’re Only for the Rich”

This is a common misconception. The reality is that most buyers agents work with everyday Australians.

Their services are not limited to high-end or luxury property purchases. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an investor looking to expand your portfolio, or a growing family needing more space, a buyers agent can help you make better decisions without overspending or wasting time.

“I Can Just Use Online Tools”

Property apps and listing websites are helpful for initial research and browsing, but they come with several limitations:

• They don’t provide access to off-market properties, which can include some of the best deals in the market
• They can’t understand your long-term goals or tailor a property search to suit your needs
• They lack the ability to filter out properties that seem promising online but reveal issues during inspections
• They offer no assistance with negotiating terms or managing communication with experienced selling agents

A buyers agent brings insight, judgment, and personalised support to the table. Their experience ensures that you not only find the right property, but also avoid costly mistakes that aren’t obvious from an online listing.

“They’re Too Expensive”

While buyers agents do charge a fee, that cost should be viewed in the context of what they help you avoid.

From overpaying on a property to missing important contract details, the financial consequences of going it alone can be significant. A skilled buyers agent often saves clients money by securing better purchase prices and identifying hidden risks, making their fee a worthwhile investment in most cases.

When Self-Buying Makes Sense

If you:

• Know the local property market well
• Feel confident negotiating with experienced agents
• Have time to attend inspections, research listings, and review documents
• Are comfortable managing back-and-forth communication and legal details

Then taking the DIY path might be a realistic option for you.

However, many buyers do not have that combination of time, expertise, and confidence.

For busy professionals, growing families, or anyone buying for the first time, trying to manage every step alone can be overwhelming and may lead to missed opportunities or costly mistakes.

Why Choose Rise Property Buyers?

At Rise Property Buyers, we work one-on-one with clients who want smart, strategic, and stress-free results. We know the Perth market inside and out. We’re independent — which means we only work for you, the buyer. Not the seller. Not a developer. You.

We don’t push flashy listings or rush the process. We’re here to:

• Understand your unique needs
• Save you time
• Secure the right property at the right price

This isn’t about selling you a dream. It’s about helping you make confident, informed decisions, and protecting you from the pitfalls others don’t see coming.

Ready to Make Smarter Moves in the Perth Property Market?

Book a free discovery call with us today. We’ll help you figure out whether working with a buyers agent makes sense for your goals; no pressure, just a real conversation.

Your next property decision doesn’t have to be stressful. Let’s make it a smart one.