Appointing a real estate buyer's agent
You might want to use a real estate agent to help you buy a property. Real estate agents often represent sellers, but you can also appoint one as a buyer's agent.
A buyer's agent can:
- find suitable properties for you
- negotiate with the seller on your behalf
- do background checks on the property and area and explain the local property market
- bid for you at an auction.
How to appoint a buyer's agent
To appoint a buyer's agent, complete the Appointment of a property agent, resident letting agent or property auctioneer form. The real estate agent should be able to give you a copy.
This form sets out:
- the services the buyer's agent will provide and any limits or conditions on them
- all commissions, fees and expenses for their services
- the due date for paying their commission, fees and expenses.
Real estate agents must have a licence to work in Queensland. You can search the register to check if your real estate agent has a licence.
Changes to the appointment form are coming
From 1 May 2024, 2 separate forms—for residential and commercial property appointments—will replace the current single appointment form. You’ll need to use the new forms for new appointments from that date. It won’t affect existing appointments.
Resolving problems or disputes
If you have a dispute with your buyer's agent follow these 3 steps:
- Talk to the agent—Put your complaint in writing directly to the buyer's agent. Explain the problem and what you want them to do to fix it. If they accept your complaint and fix the problem you don't have to take the matter any further.
- Talk to the industry body—If your buyer's agent rejects your complaint you can still take it further. Contact the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) for advice (if the agent is a member). If this fixes the problem you don't have to take it any further.
- Make a formal complaint—If you still have no success, make a formal complaint with the Office of Fair Trading. You might also be able to claim compensation if you've suffered a financial loss.